FluorPen is a portable, battery-powered fluorometer that enables quick and precise measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in the laboratory, greenhouse, or in the field. It can be effectively used for studying photosynthetic activity, stress detection, herbicide testing, or mutant screening.
Measured data are sequentially stored in the internal FluorPen memory. Data transfer to a PC is via USB or Bluetooth communication. Comprehensive FluorPen 1.0 software provides data transfer routines and many additional features for data presentation in tables and graphs.
Affordable price and straight-forward two-button operation makes the FluorPen a perfect tool for teaching photosynthesis. Because of its rapid measurement capability and large internal memory, the FluorPen is also an invaluable tool for large plant-screening programs.
The basic model records two parameters:
- FT - continuous fluorescence yield in non-actinic light. FTis equivalent to F0 if the leaf sample is dark-adapted.
- QY - Photosystem II quantum yield. QY is equivalent to FV/FM in dark-adapted samples and to FV ' /FM ' in light-adapted samples.
(1) FluorPen With a GPS Module; (2) FluorPen With a Mini-Computer; (3) Customized "Antarctic" FluorPen
FluorPen FP 100-MAX model includes additional pre-defined protocols for measuring:
- OJIP Analysis
Application of chlorophyll fluorescence fast-transient analysis (OJIP) is a simple and non-invasive tool to monitor chloroplast function. Provided OJIP analysis is used as sensitive and reliable fast test for the functionality and vitality of photosynthetic system. - NPQ - Non-Photochemical Quenching
Provided are two predefined NPQ protocols differing in the duration of light exposure and dark recovery phase as well as in the number of intervals between the pulses. It is typically used for quantification of photochemical and non-photochemical quenching in dark-adapted samples. - Light Curve
There are three predefined Light Curve protocols based on pulse modulated fluorometry differing in number and duration of single light phases and light intensities. Light Curve protocols provide successive measurements of the sample photosynthesis under various light intensities of continuous illumination relating the rate of photosynthesis to photon flux density.
- Photosynthesis research
- Photosynthesis education
- Plant & molecular biology
- Agriculture
- Large plant-screening programs
- Biotechnology

FluorPens in Antarctica Research
- Different leaf-clips for gentle but firm sample holding:
- Standard leaf-clip: suitable for experiments where short term dark adaptation is needed
- Open leaf-clip: suitable for measurements in ambient light (experiments where no dark adaptation is required)
- Customized sample holders: for instance, for mosses, lichens and other experimental material
- Detachable leaf-clips: suitable for experiments where long term dark adaptation is needed

- Two predefined NPQ protocols differing in the duration of light exposure and dark recovery phase as well as in the number of intervals between the pulses
- Typically used for quantification of photochemical and non-photochemical quenching in dark-adapted samples
- NPQ 1 protocol: light duration 60s, 5 pulses; dark recovery duration 88s, 3 pulses
- NPQ 2 protocol: light duration 200s, 10 pulses; dark recovery duration 390s, 7 pulses

- Three predefined protocols differing in number and duration of single light phases and light intensities
- Based on pulse modulated fluorometry
- Successive measurments of the sample photosynthesis under various light intensities of continuous illumination
- Light response curve relating the rate of photosynthesis to photon flux density

- Bckg = background
- F0: = F50µs; fluorescence intensity at 50 µs
- FJ: = fluorescence intensity at j-step (at 2 ms)
- Fi: = fluorescence intensity at i-step (at 60 ms)
- FM: = maximal fluorescence intensity
- FV: = FM - F0 (maximal variable fluorescence)
- VJ = (FJ - F0) / (FM - F0)
- Vi = (Fi - F0) / (FM - F0)
- FM / F0
- FV / F0
- FV/ FM
- M0 or (dV / dt)0 = TR0 / RC - ET0 / RC = 4 (F300 - F0) / (FM - F0)
- Area = area between fluorescence curve and FM (background subtracted)
- Fix Area = total area above the OJIP fluorescence transient - between F40µ and F1s(background subtracted)
- SM = area / FM - F0 (multiple turn-over)
- Ss = the smallest Sm turn-over (single turn-over)
- N = SM . M0 . (1 / VJ) turn-over number QA
- Phi_P0 = 1 - (F0 / FM (or FV / FM)
- Psi_0 = 1 - VJ
- Phi_E0 = (1 - F0 / FM)) . Psi_0
- Phi_D0 = 1 - Phi_P0 - (F0 / FM)
- Phi_Pav = Phi_P0 - (SM / tFM); tFM) = Time to reach FM (in ms)
- ABS / RC = M0 . (1 / VJ) . (1 / Phi_P0)
- TR0 / RC = M0 . (1 / VJ)
- ET0 / RC = M0 . (1 / VJ) . Phi_0)
- DI0 / RC = (ABS / RC) - (TR0 / RC)

R.J. Strasser, A. Srivastava and M. Tsimilli-Michael (2000): The fluorescence transient as a tool to characterize and screen photosynthetic samples. In: Probing Photosynthesis: Mechanism, Regulation and Adaptation (M. Yunus, U. Pathre and P. Mohanty, eds.), Taylor and Francis, UK, Chapter 25, pp 445-483.
- FluorPen 1.0 software (Windows 2000, XP, or higher compatible*)
- Bluetooth, USB or serial communication
- Real-time and remote control functions
- GPS mapping plug-in
- Export to Microsoft Excel

FluorPen Software Window: OJIP Curves With Data Sheet
- Measured/Calculated Parameters:
F0 , FT , FM , FM ' , QY, OJIP*, NPQ 1,2*, and Light Curve 1,2,3* - Saturating Light:
Adjustable from 0 to 100 % (up to 3,000 µmol(photon).m-2.s-1 - Actinic Light:
Adjustable from 0 to 100 % (up to 1,000 µmol(photon).m-2.s-1 - Measuring Light:
0 to 0.03 µmol(photon).m-2.s-1 - Detector Wavelength Range:
PIN photodiode with 697 to 750 nm bandpass filters - FluorPen 1.0 Software:
Windows 2000, XP, or higher** - Memory Capacity:
Up to 4 Mb - Internal Data Logging:
Up to 100,000 data points - Display:
2 x 8 characters LC display - Keypad:
Sealed, 2-key tactile response - Keypad Escape Time:
Turns off after 5 minutes of no use - Power Supply:
4 AAA alkaline or rechargeable batteries - Battery Life:
48 hours typical with full operation - Low Battery Detection:
Low battery indication displayed - Size:
120 mm x 57 mm x 30 mm 4.7" x 2.2" x 1.2" - Weight:
180 g, 6.5 oz - Sample Holder:
Mechanical leaf clip - standard, open, or detachable - Operating Conditions:
Temperature: 0 to 55 ºC; 32 to 130 ºF Relative humidity: 0 to 95 % (non-condensing) - Storage Conditions:
Temperature: -10 to +60 ºC; 14 to +140 ºF Relative humidity: 0 to 95 % (non-condensing) - Warranty:
1 year parts and labor
** Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation
- Frolec J. et al. (2010): Plant Cell Rep. 29: 705–714.
- Ruiz-Sanchez M. et al. (2010): J. Physiol. 167 (11): 862-869.
- Fernandez-Marin Becerril J.M. et al. (2010): Planta 231: 1335–1342.
- Harding S.A. et al. (2009): J. Exp. Botany 60 (12): 3443-3452.
- Kuvykin I.V. et al. (2009): Cell Biophysics 54 (4): 455-464.
- Macek P. et al. (2009): J. Exp. Botany 60 (12): Acta Oecologica 35: 778–785.
- Rosescu M.R. et al. (2009): Annals, Food Science and technology 10: 115-119.
- Zhang M. et al. (2009): Ecology and Environmemtal Sciences 18 (6): 2272-2277.
- Woo N.S. et al. (2009): Plant methods 4 (27).
- Klem K. and Bajerova E. (2008): AgEng 2008 Conference, Hersonissos, Crete.
Pricing
- Orders and Payments
- FluorPen FP 100-MAX/USB 1.999,- €
- FluorPen FP 100-MAX/BT 2.149,- €
- FluorPen FP 100-MAX-D/USB 2.199,- €
- FluorPen FP 100-MAX-D/BT 2.349,- €
- FluorPen FP 100-MAX-W/USB 2.099,- €
- FluorPen FP 100-MAX-W/BT 2.249,- €
- FluorPen FP 100 999,- €
- FluorPen FP 100/BT 1.649,- €
- FluorPen FP 100/USB 1.499,- €
- Detachable Leaf-Clips * 140,- €
- Mini-Computer * 390,- €
- GPS Module * 249,- €
- Integrated Light Meter 290,- €
- Battery Charger * 49,- €
- Transport Case * 79,- €
- Protocol Update 579,- €
FluorPen Versions
FluorPen FP 100-MAX
Includes one of the communication modules (Bluetooth, USB, or serial), FluorPen 1.0 software, protocol update, user's guide. Measures Ft, QY, NPQ, OJIP, and Light Curve. Equipped with a standard leaf-clip.
FluorPen FP 100-MAX-D
Includes one of the communication modules (Bluetooth, USB, or serial), FluorPen 1.0 software, protocol update, user's guide. Measures Ft, QY, NPQ, OJIP, and Light Curve. Adapted for use with detachable leaf-clips; leaf clips sold separately.
FluorPen FP 100-MAX-W
This version of the FluorPen FP 100-MAX is equipped with a special open leaf-clip that enables measurements in ambient light. The open leaf-clip may is supplied with a cover for short term dark adaptation of measured samples.
FluorPen FP 100
Standard FluorPen version with no PC communication. Data are saved to the device internal memory only.
FluorPen FP 100-B
Standard FluorPen version supplemented with Bluetooth communication module and FluorPen 1.0 software for data transfer to a PC.
FluorPen FP 100-U
Standard FluorPen version supplemented with USB communication module and FluorPen 1.0 software for data transfer to a PC.
FluorPen FP 100-S
Standard FluorPen version supplemented with serial communication module and FluorPen 1.0 software for data transfer to a PC.
Optional Features and Accessories
Detachable Leaf-Clips
Supplementary detachable leaf-clips for use with the FluorPen FP 100-MAX-D. 10-piece set.
Mini-Computer
Small, portable notebook: light-weight (1 kg), long battery runtime (about 4 hours), 10.1-inch display, 1 GB memory, integrated Bluetooth, WLAN and LAN, Windows 7 installed.
Protocol Update
Enhancement to the FluorPen FP 100 version: Enables analysis of fluorescence induction curves and related fluorescence parameters - OJIP, NPQ, and Light Curve.
GPS Module
To record the exact location of the measurements performed by the pen-category instruments.
Battery Charger
To recharge batteries used in the pen-category instruments. Includes a battery charger and 4 AAA batteries. EU norm only.
Transport Case
Padded case to shelter all necessary accessories. Size: 25 x 22 x 5 cm.
Download
FluorPen 1.0
OS: Win2000/XP
Language: English
Size: 2.2MB
Documents
FluorPen Series Manual
Type: PDF
Language: English
Size: 6.9MB
FluorPen Explain
Type: PDF
Language: English
Size: 2.9MB
SpectraPen Manual
Type: PDF
Language: English
Size: 460kB
PolyPen Manual
Type: PDF
Language: English
Size: 580kB
AquaPen Manual
Type: PDF
Language: English
Size: 9.5MB
N-Pen Brief Guide
Type: PDF
Language: English
Size: 106kB
GFP-Pen Manual
Type: PDF
Language: English
Size: 812kB
PlantPen NDVI Manual
Type: PDF
Language: English
Size: 950kB
PlantPen PRI Manual
Type: PDF
Language: English
Size: 950kB
FluorPen Teaching Material
Kindly provided by Chris Chastain from the Minnesota State University in Moorhead.
FluorPen Explain (PDF file, 2,9 MB)
Other Pocket-Sized-Instruments
FluorPen is a hand-held fluorometer that measures chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in a fully automated and rapid manner.
Applications:
- Photosynthesis Research & Education
- Large plant screening programs
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Biotechnology
PAR-FluorPen FP 100-MAX-LM
PAR-FluorPen is used to measure fluorescence and Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR).
Applications:
- Photosynthesis Research & Education
- Plant & Molecular Biology
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Biotechnology
AquaPen-C AP-C 100
AquaPen-C is a new cuvette version of the popular FluorPen fluorometer. It is optimized for measuring chlorophyll fluorescence in green algae and cyanobacteria. AquaPen sensitivity 500 ng Chl/l enables measuring in natural water.
Applications:
- Photosynthesis Research & Education
- Biotechnology
- Limnology & Oceanography
AquaPen-P AP-P 100
AquaPen-P is equipped with a submersible optical probe. It suits investigations in algal suspensions and natural waters. AquaPen sensitivity: 500 ng Chl/l.
Applications:
- Photosynthesis Research & Education
- Phycology
- Limnology & Oceanography
- Biotechnology
SpectraPen SP 100
SpectraPen is a handheld, programmable spectrophotometer that provides instant readings and spectral lines on interactive touch screen.
Applications:
- Visible light source testing
- Color measurement
- Chemical measurement
PolyPen RP 400
PolyPen RP 400 is a complete system for measurement of spectral reflectance on flat leaves as well as measurements of transmittance and absorbance of any external light source. Integrated software is capable of automatic calculation of all common vegetation indices.
PlantPen PRI 200 & NDVI 300
PlantPen is a low-cost, handheld device that characterizes plants by means of reflectance. The two standard versions measure PRI and NDVI.
Applications:
- Photosynthesis Research & Education
- Vegetation Productivity
- Vegetation Stress Studies
- Agriculture
N-Pen N 100
N-Pen is a light-weight, battery-powered instrument that provides quick measurement of actual nitrogen content in plants throughout their growing season.
Applications:
- Significant Yield Increase
- Quick Tuning of Nitrogen Management in Crops
- Saving Nitrogen Application Costs