JUNIOR-PAM

The JUNIOR-PAM is a compact teaching chlorophyll fluorometer designed to bring the full power of PAM fluorometry into university teaching labs, student practicals, and field courses. Despite its small size, it performs the complete range of saturation pulse analysis - the same measurement principle used in Walz's professional research instruments. Students can measure F_V/F_M, effective quantum yield, non-photochemical quenching, and electron transport rates within minutes. The system connects to a laptop via a single USB cable that provides both power and data making setup as simple as plug and measure.

Two clip types are included. The 60° leaf clip is used for measurements under ambient light conditions, ideal for light response experiments and field work. The magnetic leaf clip provides dark acclimation for measuring the maximum quantum yield (F_V/F_M), the most widely taught fluorescence parameter. An optional monitoring clip adds PAR and leaf temperature sensing.

The WinControl-3 software guides students from basic measurements to advanced experiments including induction curves, light curves, and quenching analysis. A dedicated collection of simple experiments is available as a free download - providing ready-to-use protocols for teaching labs covering topics from photoinhibition to the Emerson effect.

The JUNIOR-PAM is available with a blue power LED (JUNIOR-PAM) or a white power LED (JUNIOR-PAM/W). Both versions include a far-red LED for selective PSI excitation, needed for accurate determination of the F₀' fluorescence level. Blue excitation is standard for higher plants and green algae, while white light provides a more natural illumination spectrum.

In the 1990s, the Walz Teaching-PAM fluorometer (PAM-200) was the first instrument to bring PAM fluorometry into university classrooms. The JUNIOR-PAM continues this tradition with modern LED and USB technology - delivering a more powerful and versatile instrument at a fraction of the size.