Abstract: An optical cleaning system for removing matter from underwater surfaces comprising the high energy strobe lamp, a capacitor electrically connected to the strobe lamp, a power supply electrically connected to the capacitor, and a trigger circuit electrically interactive with the capacitor. The strobe lamp is either a xenon or krypton lamp. Stainless steel reflectors are arranged about the strobe lamp so as to reflect and direct light. The power supply is a generator having a capacity of less than 5 kilovolts. The optical cleaning system may further comprise a cooling fluid and a cooling fluid circulation system in heat exchange relationship with the strobe lamp. The trigger circuit is a transformer electrically connected in series with the capacitor and a switch for actuating the transformer. The optical cleaning system further includes a remotely controlled manipulator arm for positioning the strobe lamp in position about the area to be cleaned.