in situ FIRe Fluorescence Induction and Relaxation System
The in situ FIRe (Fluorescence Induction and Relaxation) System is the next generation submersible FIRe system capable of measuring variable fluorescence in photosynthetic organisms in situ.
The FIRe technique is based on the research of Dr. Maxim Gorbunov and Dr. Paul Falkowski from Rutgers University and uses active stimulation and highly resolved detection of the induction and subsequent relaxation of chlorophyll fluorescence yields on micro- and millisecond time scales. The sensor is complemented by newly developed software FIReCom (Windows/Mac) for easy set up, data viewing and post processing, now available for download in our software section.
This approach provides:
- Minimum and maximum fluorescence yields in the dark and under natural light (Fo, Fm, Fo', and Fm')
- Maximum quantum efficiency of photochemistry in PSII in the dark (Fv/Fm) and effective quantum efficiency under natural light (Fv'/Fm')
- Quantum yield of photochemistry in PSII (ΔF'/Fm', or ФPSII)
- Functional absorption cross-section of PSII (σPSII)
- Rates of electron transport on the acceptor and donor sides of PSII (tQa and tPQ)
System Features
- Wide dynamic range of fluorescence signals (four orders of magnitude)
- Comprehensive suite of fluorescence and photosynthetic parameters
- Internal logging with removable multimedia card
- Optional flow cell for dark adaptation and pumped operations
- Built-in pressure sensor
- Optional PAR sensor available
Typical Applications
- Quantify environmental stress responses
- Assess primary productivity in aquatic ecosystems
- Ecophysiological studies
- Phenotype characterization
| 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: | 0°C to + 50°C |
| 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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FIReCom is an easy-to-use software application for configuring and controlling all aspects of in situ FIRe, and for interactively setting up experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results.
FIReCom software features include:
- User-friendly configuration for basic instrument operation
- Graphic plots for processed and/or raw profile data in real time or via file playback
- Data management capabilities over USB and/or serial interface
- Flexible setup options for multiple measurement protocols simultaneously
- Utility for reprocessing previously logged FIRe data files. Experiment with different processing parameters to re-calculate processed values
- Tool to convert raw or processed data to calibrated comma separated values suitable for import to spreadsheets and database
- Please refer to the User Manual for more information.
Download FIReCom 1.0.6
FIReCom 1.0.5 requires that firmware FIReOS 2.0.5 be installed on your in situ FIRe. Please contact customer support for firmware upgrade assistance.
FIReCom-1.0.5-b3-x86.exe for Windows XP/Vista/7 
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.
Flow Cell/Dark Adaptation Chamber
The removable flow cell accessory can be pressed into the optical head in order to seal and isolate the sample volume from the surrounding environment. With the flow cell in place, water samples can be pumped through the the resulting sample chamber at controlled rates.
PAR Sensor (Optional)
In-situ FIRe has bulkhead electrical connections for a Satlantic Photosynthetically Available Radiation (PAR) Sensor. FIRe is pre-configured to accept an analog input from a logarithmic PAR sensor.
Profiling Hardware (Deck Unit and Cabling) (Optional)
The MDU-300 deck unit serves as both a nominal 48 Volt DC power source for the in-situ FIRe system and as an RS-422 to RS-232 level converter. The MDU-300 provides three connectors for data and power.
