iFL Integrated Fluorometer

iFL Integrated Fluorometer and Gas Exchange System

The iFL Integrated Fluorometer and Gas Exchange System combines climate-controlled gas exchange measurements and advanced chlorophyll fluorescence analysis.

This third edition’s user-friendly design includes several pioneering features such as leaf absorptance measurement, and white LED lighting that allows chloroplast migration to occur. It is also the first to offer humidity control above ambient, and the first to include pre-installed protocols, such as the Laisk protocol, the Kok protocol, the Yin protocol, the Flexas chamber leakage protocol which streamlines complex research tasks and enhancing measurement accuracy.

Measuring photosynthetic efficiency

Gas exchange provides net photosynthesis rate (A) and stomatal conductance (gs), while fluorescence reveals photosystem II efficiency (Y(II)) and electron transport rate (J).

Together, they allow researchers to determine how much absorbed light energy is actually used for carbon fixation vs. lost as heat or fluorescence.

Mesophyll conductance (gm) and carbon assimilation

Fluorescence data helps estimate electron transport rate (J), which can be used to calculate mesophyll conductance (gm) — a critical factor in photosynthetic efficiency.

This is important for understanding CO2 diffusion limitations inside leaves, which impact overall plant productivity.

Plant stress detection and diagnosis

Drought, extreme temperatures, salinity, and pollution all affect photosynthesis.

Gas exchange detects changes in CO2 uptake and water loss, while fluorescence can pinpoint damage to photosystems before visible symptoms appear.

Example: A decline in Y(II) with steady stomatal conductance may indicate photoinhibition, while reduced gs suggests stomatal limitation due to water stress.

Investigating photorespiration and alternative electron sinks

Gas exchange alone cannot distinguish between carbon lost through photorespiration and carbon assimilation via the Calvin cycle.

Chlorophyll fluorescence helps differentiate between electron transport directed towards CO2 fixation vs. alternative pathways such as photorespiration and the Mehler reaction (which protects against oxidative stress).

Screening crops for higher productivity and stress resilience

Breeders can use combined measurements to identify crop varieties with higher mesophyll conductance, efficient water use, and better light energy conversion.

Helps optimize crop selection for different climates.

Validating photosynthesis models and improving predictions

Combined data are essential for A/Ci curve and A/CC curve modelling, which help researchers predict photosynthetic performance under different CO2 levels.

Improves accuracy in climate change and agricultural productivity models.

Key Features

  • Climate-Controlled Gas Exchange:
    Precisely regulates CO2, humidity, and temperature within the chamber, providing consistent conditions for reliable gas exchange analysis.
  • Advanced Chlorophyll Fluorescence:
    Incorporates Opti-Sciences’ pulse-modulated fluorescence technology, measuring quantum yield, electron transport rates, and various quenching parameters.
  • Pre-installed Experimental Protocols:
    Automates key procedures, including Laisk, Kok, Yin, and Flexas protocols, simplifying complex experiments and ensuring repeatable accuracy.
  • White Actinic Light LED:
    Offers consistent and stable spectral output, crucial for accurate chloroplast migration and photoprotective xanthophyll cycle measurements.
  • Integrated Leaf Absorptance Measurement:
    Uses RGB sensors to measure leaf absorptance precisely, ensuring accuracy in fluorescence and gas exchange measurements.
  • Walk-Away Automation:
    Provides complete automation of extended protocols, allowing researchers to initiate experiments and retrieve results later without manual intervention.
  • Multi-Flash FM’ Correction:
    Incorporates the advanced Loriaux (2013) correction method, ensuring high accuracy of fluorescence measurements under high-intensity actinic light conditions.
  • User-Friendly Interface:
    Features a colour touchscreen interface with intuitive menu navigation, simplifying setup, operation, and data review.
  • Robust Data Storage and Connectivity:
    Stores extensive datasets internally and via removable SD cards, with easy USB data transfer capabilities.n and configuration.

The future of plant physiology research

Integrated, Intelligent, Unmatched

Experience the power of true integration with the iFL Integrated Fluorometer and Gas Exchange System. Contact us today to learn more, request a demonstration, or place an order.

Resources

  • Gas Exchange Measurements:
    • CO2 Analysis: 0-3000 ppm with 1 ppm resolution (Infrared Gas Analyzer, differential open system)
    • H2O Analysis: 0-75 mbar with 0.1 mbar resolution (Dual laser-trimmed, fast-response sensors)
  • Environmental Controls:
    • CO2 Control: Up to 2000 ppm above ambient with integrated CO2 supply
    • Humidity Control: Above or below ambient using on-board conditioning chemicals
    • Temperature Control: ±14 °C from ambient using micro-Peltier element
    • Flow Rate: Adjustable from 100 to 500 ml min-1
  • Chamber and Leaf Measurements:
    • PAR Measurement: 0-3000 µmol m-2 s-1 (Silicon photocell)
    • Chamber Temperature: -5 °C to 50 °C (±0.2 °C accuracy, precision thermistor)
    • Leaf Temperature: -5 °C to 50 °C (precision thermistor, self-positioning or manual placement)
  • Fluorometer Specifications:
    • Light Sources:
      • Saturation Pulse: White LED, up to 7500 µmol m-2 s-1
      • Actinic Light Source: White LED, up to 2000 µmol m-2 s-1
      • Modulated Light: 660 nm LED, adjustable intensity
      • Far-Red Light: >740 nm LED
    • Detection Method: Pulse modulation with PIN photodiode (700-750 nm bandpass filter)
    • Sampling Rate: Auto-switching from 10 to 10,000 points per second
    • Test Duration: Adjustable from 20 seconds to 4000 hours
  • Data Storage and Connectivity:
    • Storage Capacity: 2 GB internal memory, removable SD/MMC cards
    • Digital Output: USB port (Mini-B), HDMI video output
    • User Interface: Graphic colour touchscreen, intuitive menu-driven operation
  • Power and Operational Specs:
    • Battery: 7 Ah lead-acid, up to 8-hour continuous operation
    • Operating Temperature: 5 °C to 45 °C
    • Warm-up Time: Approximately 5 minutes
  • Physical Dimensions:
    • Console: 230 mm x 120 mm x 220 mm
    • Leaf Chamber: 300 mm x 100 mm x 80 mm
    • Total Weight: 4.48 kg

Product brochure

References

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