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Optics at the North Pole

Optics students from UiB recently reached the North Pole, where they collected data for their master’s theses. As part of the joint HIAOOS and UAK 2026 Arctic cruise, they have spent their time measuring the optical properties of snow and the water below the sea ice. In addition, they have been measuring incoming spectral solar radiation and testing the performance of underwater wireless optical communication.

Alma Dzelatic setting up the instruments to measure and investigate the ranges optic can be used for communication under the ice. (Photo: M. Ljung, UiB)

The collected data will be used together with numerical models of light transport in the atmosphere, snow, ice, and ocean. The aim is to gain more knowledge about the solar energy available in polar regions, where strong coupling between bright surfaces and clouds can enhance light levels through multiple surface–cloud interactions. The data will also help us understand how visible light can enable future high-speed communication between instruments or drones operating beneath sea ice.

Marte Ljung and her instruments measuring incoming solar light. These instruments will measure the incoming light as the NoCGV Svalbard goes through different areas with and without ice and under different weather conditions. (Photo: B. Hamre, UiB)

*Cover image: Students setting up an ice station at the North Pole. (Photo: H.Sagen, NERSC)

Check out other news from HiAOOS Arctic adventures in 2026:

HiAOOS 2026 Expedition Heads into the Arctic Ocean

A Fleet of Small Wooden Boats on Its Way to the North Pole

First HiAOOS Mooring Recovered and First Euro-Argo Float Deployed in the Arctic Ocean