%0 journal article %@ 0003-6935 %A Roettgers, R.,Schoenfeld, W.,Kipp, P.,Doerffer, R. %D 2005 %J Applied Optics %N 26 %P 5549-5560 %R doi:10.1364/AO.44.005549 %T Practical test of a point-source integrating-cavity absorption meter (PSICAM): the performance of different collector assemblies %U https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.44.005549 26 %X A prototype point-source integrating-cavity absorption meter is presented and compared to spectrophotometric absorption,measurements. Different light collector assemblies of the PSICAM,were tested regarding their capability to determine the absorption of,water constituents accurately over a wide range of concentrations and,scattering properties. The PSICAM setup with a radiance-type sensor showed the best performance. It was,compared with a photometric absorption determination using,non-scattering dye solutions. The mean difference between both methods was less than 2.4 \% in the spectral range of 400 to 700 nm.,The absorption determination with the PSICAM, when equipped with a radiance sensor as a light collector, was only little affected by scattering and temperature.,We conclude that the PSICAM can be used operational for determining,the absorption of natural sea water samples at ambient temperatures.