Optics
We study how light behaves in the ocean and atmosphere—how it scatters, absorbs, and reflects off particles. This helps us understand marine life, climate change, and improve satellite observations. We are involved in several collaboration projects, and have strong affiliations with the Department of Biological Sciences, Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center, and SFI Smart Ocean.
About the research group
Our main research interest is how light interacts with particles in the ocean. In coastal waters and fjords, both the number and variety of particles increase. We call this optically complex waters. To gather data, we take optical measurements in fjords and open seas, often joining research cruises both locally and in the arctic. This data is essential for validating and interpreting satellite information.
Another important part of our research is using and developing computer models to simulate how light travels through and interacts with air, ice, and water. We can use our own measured data as input to build bio-optical models predicting a wide range of oceanographic and environmental parameters.
In addition, we have a fully equipped optics lab for controlled experiments. Recently we received a grant to start building an optical sensor for extremely low-light conditions. We aim to develop this into an instrument for use in the deep sea, where no sunlight can penetrate. Still, there are faint sources of light in the deep, such as bioluminescence, cherenkov radiation from radioactive processes and infrared radiation from thermal vents on the sea-floor.
Education
The group is actively teaching and supervising students, primarily in the study programmes Physics and Ocean Technology.
Our group offers two specialized optics courses, mainly aimed at master students:
- PHYS263 – Laboratory course in Optics (10 ECTS, autumn term)
- PHYS264 – Atmospheric and Marine Optics (10 ECTS, spring term)
Projects
Projects
EcoSens (2020-2025)
Useful Arctic Knowledge (2023-2027)
Publications
Master's Theses
2025
Experimental Evaluation of Fiducial Marker-Based Pose Estimation in Subsea Conditions – Simon Alvsaker
A spectral matching approach to identify and investigate bio-optical anomalies in coastal waters and fjords – Stefan Bergsvik Åsheim
Examining Optical Methods for Particle Size Estimation in the Fram Strait – Ole André Waldeland Høydal
Hyperspectral Radiometric Retrieval of Atmospheric and Oceanic Constituents – Jens Didrik Berg
Earlier:
How to improve visibility in turbid water – Malin Stølsvik
Cherenkov luminescence imaging – an aid in intraocular tumour treatment – Nils Ole Stabo-Eeg
Fast Mie calculations with a radial basis function neural network – Michael Stremme
Instrumentering av eksperimentell vannkolonne – Ørjan Silgjerd
Use of market ready light dosimeters for patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria disorder – Svein Nedrebø, Jr.
Characterization of Hyper Spectral Irradiance and Radiance Sensors – Jørund Tveiterås
Investigations of aerosols and aerosol optical properties in Bergen using Cimel CE 317 – Dennis Muyimbwa
Software development for radiative transfer applications – A. Lang
Solar radiation energy on the Tibetan plateau – Nuozhen Gelsor
Solar radiative heating of the ocean – Punam Sharma
Optisk goniometer for optimalisering av retningsbestemt solenergi – Kristian Frette
Optimized mesoscale growth of microalgae: A modelling approach – Nikolai Haddal
People
Group manager
Børge Hamre Professor, Group Manager
Academic Staff
Børge Hamre Professor
Arne Skodvin Kristoffersen Associate Professor
Technical Staff
Yi-Chun Chen Senior Engineer
Postdocs and PhD Students
Daniel Koestner Postdoctoral Fellow
Håkon Sandven Postdoctoral Fellow
Shea Cheatham PhD Student
Sejal Pramlall PhD Student
Elinor Tessin PhD Student
Master's Students
Markus Andersland Master's Student
Torbjørn Wigum Arbo Master's Student
Karl Arvid Fritze Master's Student
Thomas Nicolai Martinussen Master's Student
Anna Haarsaker Olaussen Master's Student
Sara Wergeland Master's Student