Analysis of a point-source integrating-cavity absorption meter

We evaluate the theoretical performance of a point-source integrating-cavity absorption meter (PSICAM) with Monte Carlo simulations and a sensitivity analysis. We quantify the scattering errors, verifying that they are negligible for most ocean optics applications. Although the PSICAM detector response is highly sensitive to the value of the wall reflectivity, the absorption of an unknown fluid can be accurately determined with a PSICAM if appropriate reference solution(s) are chosen. We also quantify the error that results if the source is not perfectly isotropic, finding that moderate amounts of source anisotropy can be tolerated provided that the detector is properly located with respect to the source.