PLC6 (U): Lightweight leaf cuvette with integrated, automatic temperature control

PLC6 (U) Automatic Universal Leaf Cuvette

The PLC6 (U) Automatic Universal Leaf Cuvette is lightweight, versatile and ideal for field measurements.  It is constructed from carefully selected materials for best results.  Automatic temperature control is integral to the cuvette.  It features 2 miniature PAR sensors located within the cuvette for accurate determination of PAR (Photosynthetically-Active Radiation).

Accurate leaf temperature control and measurement is ensured by an IR sensor fitted at the base of the cuvette.  A remote recording switch is also available on the cuvette handle for conveniently recording measurements.

Peltier elements are mounted to the cuvette head along with a heat sink and fan.  The control range is approximately -8 ^oC below ambient to +40 ^oC.  The user can easily control temperature over a wide range with the options to disable temperature control completely or set up to track ambient.

An optional LED light unit is available for the PLC6 (U) featuring automatic control of cuvette light intensity from 0-2,000 µmol m^-² sec^-¹.  This is particularly useful for light response curves in the field or lab.  If required, the light unit can be removed for ambient measurements.  For unattended operation, the CIRAS-2 can be pre-programmed to automatically control light intensity at user defined levels.

Light Response Curves

With our PLC6 (U) Leaf Cuvette and LED light unit (shown to the left), automatic light response curves like the ones above on 4 different highbush blueberry cultivars are easily achieved.

PLC6 (U) Cuvette Inserts

The PLC6 (U) has a unique head design that allows the user to customize the cuvette area to meet specific applications and plant types.  Three chamber window inserts are supplied with each PLC6 (U) as standard.

25 x 7mm Leaf Area 1.75 cm²	18mm diameter Leaf Area: 2.5 cm²	25 x 18mm Leaf Area: 4.5 cm²

Custom inserts are also available on request

Additional Leaf Cuvettes and Adapters

PP Systems has long been recognized for our design of leaf cuvettes (Parkinson Leaf Cuvettes) for measurement of leaf gas exchange.  In addition to our PLC6 (U) Automatic Universal Leaf Cuvette, we also offer a couple of popular leaf cuvettes for measurement of leaf gas exchange on narrow leaves and conifers.

PLC5 (N) Automatic Narrow Leaf Cuvette For measurement on grasses and cereal crops.  It features integral, automatic control of temperature.  An optional LED light unit is available for automatic control of light from 0-1,100 µmol m-² sec-¹. Window Area: 80mm (L) x 30mm (W).	PLC5 (C) Automatic Conifer Leaf Cuvette For measurement on conifers and pine needles.  The window is hemispherical making it suitable for 3D structures.  It features integral, automatic control of temperature.  An optional LED light unit is available for automatic control of light from 0-1,500 µmol m-² sec-¹. Window Area: 80mm (L) x 50mm (Diameter).

Leaf Cuvette Head Plates

Head plates like the one to the left can be supplied to easily convert from conifer to narrow style leaf cuvettes.  Contact PP Systems for more details.

The CIRAS-2 Portable Photosynthesis System is an extremely powerful and versatile system with a wide range of Leaf Cuvettes (confers, Arabidopsis, grasses, mosses, etc.), Light Units, Soil & Canopy Chambers and accessories for Chlorophyll Fluorescence.

Data Sheet - CIRAS-2 Portable Photosynthesis System

Data Sheet - CIRAS-2 Accessories for Plant, Soil and Canopy Measurements

CIRAS-2 Application Notes

CIRAS Publications