FIRe Fluorescence Induction and Relaxation System
The Satlantic FIRe (Fluorescence Induction and Relaxation) System is the latest advance in bio-optical technology to measure variable chlorophyll fluorescence in photosynthetic organisms.
- Sensitive enough for dilute field samples (down to 0.05 mg/m3 Chl a)
- Comprehensive suite of fluorescence parameters (e.g. Fv/Fm, σPSII, Fv’/Fm’)
- Independently controlled Blue and Green LED excitation
- Rapid, user friendly measurement protocols
- Optional Actinic Light Source for light adapted fluorescence measurements and automated light response curves.
- Optional Fiber Optic Probe for multi channel analysis and measurements on macrophytes and corals.
- Optional Flow-Through Cuvette for software controlled continuous sampling onboard research vessels.
Excitation light source: | blue LED (maximum emission 450 nm, 50 nm bandwidth) |
Emission detection: | 678 nm, 22 nm bandwidth |
Detector: | Auto gain ranging |
Pulse control: | Programmable 1 μsec – 1000 msec |
Data acquisition: | 14 bit, 1 MHz |
Operating Platform: | Intel PXA270 / Embedded Linux |
Power Requirements: | 6 – 18 VDC or 19 – 72 VDC, 7 W |
Operating Temperature: | 0oC to + 50oC |
Dimensions (Length x Diameter): | 50.3 cm (19.8”) x 10.2 cm (4.0”) |
Depth rating: | 200 m |
Weight (in air): | 3.8 kg (8.5 lbs) |
Housing materials: | Acetal plastic and aluminum |
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How does the FIRe System differ from Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM) fluorometer?
The FIRe System measures changes in chlorophyll fluorescence that occur during a short (100 - 400 μs) but intense (> 20,000 μmol photons m-2 s-1) flash of light whereas the PAM approach measures the fluorescence induced by a weak modulated light source while using ‘saturating’ pulses of ~3000 - 10,000 μmol photons m-2 s-1 to modify fluorescence yields.
The FIRe System also fundamentally differs from a PAM in that the FIRe fully reduces the primary electron acceptor, QA, allowing a simultaneous single closure (STF) event of all photosystem II (PSII) reaction centers whereas the PAM technique generates multiple photochemical charge separations (MTF) that fully reduces QA, the secondary acceptor, QB, and plastoquinone (PQ). By lengthening the measuring protocol the FIRe can also yield MTF data.
For a complete discussion on the mechanistic and practical differences between the two techniques see: Suggett, D.J., K. Oxborough, N.R. Baker, H.L. MacIntyre, T.M. Kana, & R.J. Geider. 2003. Fast repetition rate and pulse amplitude modulation chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements for assessment of photosynthesis electron transport in marine phytoplankton. European Journal of Phycology. 38: 371-84.
How do I return my Satlantic instrument for service?
Before returning your Satlantic product to us for service please contact our support team either by calling us or by filling out the Support Contact Form on the left menu of this page. Many times, we can troubleshoot problems remotely and pre-empt the need to send your equipment back to us.
If we determine that you do, indeed, need to return your equipment we will assign you an RMA (Return Materials Authorization) number and provide you with shipping instructions.
How does the FIRe System differ from Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM) fluorometer?
The FIRe System measures changes in chlorophyll fluorescence that occur during a short (100 - 400 μs) but intense (> 20,000 μmol photons m-2 s-1) flash of light whereas the PAM approach measures the fluorescence induced by a weak modulated light source while using ‘saturating’ pulses of ~3000 - 10,000 μmol photons m-2 s-1 to modify fluorescence yields.
The FIRe System also fundamentally differs from a PAM in that the FIRe fully reduces the primary electron acceptor, QA, allowing a simultaneous single closure (STF) event of all photosystem II (PSII) reaction centers whereas the PAM technique generates multiple photochemical charge separations (MTF) that fully reduces QA, the secondary acceptor, QB, and plastoquinone (PQ). By lengthening the measuring protocol the FIRe can also yield MTF data.
For a complete discussion on the mechanistic and practical differences between the two techniques see:
Suggett, D.J., K. Oxborough, N.R. Baker, H.L. MacIntyre, T.M. Kana, & R.J. Geider. 2003. Fast repetition rate and pulse amplitude modulation chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements for assessment of photosynthesis electron transport in marine phytoplankton. European Journal of Phycology. 38: 371-84.
What do I do if the STF induction curve does not reach a plateau?
If the fluorescence yield does not reach its maximum value (i.e., plateau) by the end of the single turnover flash (STF), increase the STF duration. For example, if you are currently using an STF duration of 80-100 micro-seconds, try increasing it to 120 or 150 micro-seconds.
- Levy O., Bubinsky Z., Schneider K., Achituv Y., Zakai D., Gorbunov, M. (2004) Diurnal hysteresis in coral photosynthesis. Marine Ecology Progressive Series, 268 105-117
- Gorbunov, M.Y., Kolber Z.S.,Falkowski, P.G. (1999) Measuring photosynthetic parameters in individual algal cells by Fast Repetition Rate fluorometry. Photosynthesis Research 2: 141-153
Fiber-optic Probe:
The fiber-optic probe is an external FIRe accessory that can be used to measure variable fluorescence for situations in which it is not practical to place individual samples into the FIRe itself. Examples of such situations would be sampling solids, such as leaf surfaces or culture racks where the user has many samples lined up. The Fiber optic probe uses a randomized fiber bundle to ensure that the excitation light field is uniform and that the maximum amount of variable fluorescence is measured.
Actinic Light Source:
It is possible to attach and use an actinic light source (ALS) in order to achieve constant levels of photo-synthetically active radiation (PAR) in the sample cuvette. The actinic light source has two modes for acquiring data, manual PAR acquisition and stepping PAR acquisition.
Flow Through Cuvette:
The FIRe flow through cuvette was designed to enable researchers to sample from a continuous flow water source. It consists of a quartz cuvette mounted in a Delrin housing with stainless steel tubes for inflow and outflow of sample water.
