JUNIOR-PAM
Pulse-amplitude modulated (PAM) chlorophyll fluorometry in combination with saturating pulse analysis of fluorescence quenching is now a standard technique to assess plant photosynthesis.
In the 1990s, the Walz Teaching-PAM fluorometer (PAM-200) carried PAM fluorometry into university classrooms. Since then, there has been considerable progress in LED and PC technology, enabling the development of a powerful and versatile, and at the same time compact teaching fluorometer: the JUNIOR-PAM.
- The JUNIOR-PAM features the smallest size and best price-performance ratio of all PAM fluorometers. It excels in simplicity and ease of operation.
- The JUNIOR-PAM is controlled by PC via USB interface: the fluorometer does not require a separate power supply as it is powered by the PC via the USB line.
- The same WinControl-3 software is provided as for research PAM fluorometers like the MONITORING-PAM. In addition, WinControl-3 can be operated in a simplified mode to assist teaching in elementary courses.
- The JUNIOR-PAM is particularly well suited for teaching classes and workshops, where availability of a larger number of instruments is essential for gaining hands-on experience.
The JUNIOR-PAM fluorometer is a miniaturised instrument capable to carry out the full range of saturation pulse analysis of photosystem II. A small box of 11.5 x 6.5 x 3.0 cm contains all optical and electronic components. The fluorometer is connected to the sample via a 50 cm long single plastic fibre with 1.5 mm diameter.
The JUNIOR-PAM employs the same blue (460 nm) power LED for pulse modulated fluorescence excitation, actinic illumination and saturating pulses. Also, the fluorometer features a far-red LED for selective excitation of PS I and determination of the Fo’ level fluorescence.
JUNIOR-PAM with 60° leaf-clip mounted on swivel-type support
Two different types of leaf-clips are provided, a 60° clip for measurements in ambient light and a magnetic leaf clip for Fo-Fm and Fv/Fm measurements.
An optional monitoring leaf-clip is available to measure ambient light intensity (PAR, µmol m-2 s-1) at leaf level and leaf temperature.
Optoelectronic Unit JUNIOR-PAM (BLUE Version) |
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| Modulated fluorescence excitation: | Blue LED (wavelength of maximum emission: 445 nm). Modulation frequencies 5 to 25 Hz adjustable in increments of 5 Hz, and 100 Hz. Fluorescence at wavelengths greater than 630 nm is measured. |
| Actinic light: | Same LED as used for modulated light. PAR at 1 mm distance from the tip of the 50 cm JUNIOR-PAM light guide: 25 to 1500 μmol m-2 s-1. Maximum PAR of saturation pulses, 7000 μmol m-2 s-1 |
Optoelectronic Unit JUNIOR-PAM/W (WHITE Version) |
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| Modulated fluorescence excitation: | White LED (wavelengths of maximum emission: 445 and 545 nm). Modulation frequencies 5 to 25 Hz adjustable in increments of 5 Hz, and 100 Hz. Fluorescence at wavelengths greater than 650 nm is measured. |
| Actinic light: | Same LED as used for modulated light. PAR at 1 mm distance from the tip of the 50 cm JUNIOR-PAM light guide: between 25 and 1500 μmol m-2 s-1. Maximum PAR of saturation pulses, 4000 µmol m-2 s-1 |
Optoelectronic Unit JUNIOR-PAM and JUNIOR-PAM/W |
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| Housing: | Aluminium housing with USB-B socket, M8 4-pole socket to connect the JUNIOR-PAM monitoring leaf clip (accessory), port for JUNIOR-PAM light guide, and swivel-mounted sample support |
| Far-red light: | LED with 745 nm maximum emission wavelength for selective excitation of photosystem I |
| Fluorescence detection: | PINphotodiode protected by long-pass filter. Selective window amplifier to measure pulse-amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorescence |
| Communication: | Standard USB communication via 1.2 m USB-cable type A-B |
| Power supply: | 5 V DC supplied by the USB-cable type A-B used for communication |
| Power consumption: | 100 mW at normal operation and 500 mW during saturation pulse |
| Dimensions: | 11.5 cm x 6.5 cm x 3 cm (L x W x H) |
| Weight: | 200 g |
| Operating temperature: | 0 to + 40°C |
| Operating humidity range: | 35 to 85% RH (to avoid condensation) |
Software WinControl-3 |
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| Program: | WinControl-3 System Control and Data Acquisition Program (Windows XP/Vista, Windows 8) for operation of measuring system via PC, data acquisition and analysis |
| Saturation Pulse Analysis: | Measured: Ft, F0, FM, F, F0’ (also calculated), FM’. PAR, leaf temperature and relative humidity using Monitoring Leaf-Clip JUNIOR-BD. Calculated: F0’ (also measured), FV/FM and Y(II) (maximum and effective photochemical yield of PS II, respectively), qL, qP, qN, NPQ, Y(NPQ), Y(NO) and ETR (electron transport rate) |
| Fitting Routines: | Two routines for determination of the cardinal points α, Ik and ETRmax of light curves |
| Programmability: | Fully programmable using batch file language |
| Computer Requirements: | 1 free USB socket. Processor, 1 GHz. RAM, 512 MB. Screen resolution, 1024 x 600 pixels. Interface, USB 2.0/3.0. Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP/Vista, Windows 8 |
Miscellaneous items included |
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| Light guide: | 50 cm x 1.5 mm (length x diameter) plastic fibre |
| Sample clips: | Open leaf clip (angle between incident radiation from JUNIOR-PAM and leaf surface, 60°) and magnetic leaf clip (angle between incident radiation from JUNIOR-PAM and leaf surface, 90°) |
| Fluorescence standard: | 3 cm x 2 cm fluorescence foil |
| Polishing set: | set for fibre tips including various polishing pads |
| USB cable: | A-B USB cable |
| Software CD: | including latest WinControl-3 software |
| Transport Case JUNIOR-T: | Grey plastic box with handle. Interior: convoluted foam padding. Dimensions: 29 cm x 25 cm x 6 cm (L x W x H). Weight: 510 g |
Accessories |
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Monitoring Leaf-Clip JUNIOR-BD |
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| Micro quantum sensor: | Selective PAR measurement, 0 to 2500 μmol m-2 s-1 PAR |
| Thermocouple: | Ni-CrNi, -20 to +60°C |
| Leaf temperature: | -20 to +60°C |
| Power supply: | JUNIOR-PAM special socket |
| Cable length: | 100 cm |
| Dimensions: | 13 cm x 2.5 cm (max.) x 5.5 cm (max.) (L x W x H) |
| Weight: | 162 g (including cable) |
| Extra-long Light-Guide | 100 cm x 1.5 mm (length x diameter) plastic fibre for difficult accessible samples or underwater measurements |