Accuracy of remote sensing of water temperature by Raman spectroscopy

We present an experimental study of the Raman spectrum of pure and syntheti c seawater with respect to its salinity and temperature dependence. Experim ents made in the laboratory with both cw and pulsed excitation yield inform ation on the limits and applicability of the technique in actual experiment s in the field. We have also performed an experimental analysis to determin e the presence of stimulated Raman scattering and its influence on the temp erature dependence of the spectrum. (C) 1999 Optical Society of America.