2024 photo contest Stereovision Illumination

Honorable Mention: Stereovision Illumination

Photography by Alexis Base, doctoral student,
College of Engineering and Computer Science

The image showcases a newly developed stereovision imaging system under lab testing at FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, in the Tietze Engineering Test Facility. The system is designed for tracking zooplankton swarms in field applications. Zooplankton are vital components of our aquatic biomass and key indicators of ecosystem health. The ability to capture three dimensional swarming characteristics on zooplankton in their natural environment could provide valuable insights into their behavioral ecology. Featuring dual cameras for depth calculation and red light for minimal biological disturbance, it operates in a controlled environment with blocking spheres to eliminate ambient light. The photo was captured with an iPhone 13 Pro using its wide-angle lens through the viewing windows of the testing tank.