Stray-light correction algorithm for spectrographs

In this paper, we describe an algorithm to correct a spectrograph's response for stray light. Two recursion relations are developed: one to correct the system response when measuring broad-band calibration sources, and a second to correct the response when measuring sources of unknown radiance. The algorithm requires a detailed understanding of the effect of stray light in the spectrograph on the instrument's response. Using tunable laser sources, a dual spectrograph instrument designed to measure the up-welling radiance in the ocean was characterized for stray light. A stray-light correction algorithm was developed, based on the results of these measurements. The instrument's response was corrected for stray light, and the effects on measured up-welling in-water radiance were evaluated.