Underwater spectroscopic detector

A spectroscopic detector, comprising:

• a container having an optically transparent window;
• a beam splitter mounted in said container;
• an optical energy generator mounted in said container for generating a first optical energy beam which is directed through said beam splitter and said window for irradiating chemical species in an aqueous environment so that said chemical species generate a fluorescent optical energy beam, wherein said first optical beam inhibits formation of biological organisms on said window;
• and
• an optical detector for generating an output signal in response to detecting said fluorescent optical energy beam received in said container through said window and reflected by said beam splitter to said optical detector.

A spectroscopic detector, comprising:

• a structure having a recessed region;
• a first optical window mounted in said recessed region;
• a second optical window mounted in said recessed region so as to face said first optical window;
• a third optical window mounted in said recessed region generally perpendicular to said first and second windows;
• a first optical energy generator for generating first optical energy beam pulses having ultraviolet light components, and which are directed through said third optical window;
• a second optical energy generator for generating a second optical energy beam having ultraviolet light components and which is directed through said first and second optical windows;
• an optical detector for generating an output signal in response to detecting an optical signal through said second optical window concurrent with said first optical energy beam pulses, where said optical signal is generated by irradiating chemical species in said recessed region with said first optical energy beam;
• and
• a controller for directing said first and second optical energy generators to generate said first and second optical energy beams, respectively.