MONITORING-PAM

The MONITORING-PAM is a multi-site fluorometer designed for continuous, unattended chlorophyll fluorescence monitoring in the field or underwater. Compact emitter-detector heads measure modulated chlorophyll fluorescence and perform saturation pulse analysis autonomously - for weeks or months without manual intervention.

Each measuring head records photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) at sample level, enabling automatic calculation of relative electron transport rates. Up to seven sites per system can be monitored simultaneously, making the MONITORING-PAM ideal for studying spatial and temporal variation in photosynthetic activity across multiple locations.

Two types of emitter-detector heads are available. The Terrestrial version (MONI-HEAD/485) features a leaf clip with ambient light-reflecting Teflon for measurements on leaves, needles, lichen, and moss. The Aquatic version (MONI-HEAD/S) uses a titanium sample clip for underwater chlorophyll fluorescence measurements on corals, macroalgae, and submerged surfaces.

The multi-site chlorophyll fluorometer MONITORING-PAM operates several emitter-detector heads in parallel. A clip attached to each head positions the sample at defined distance and angle. Each emitter-detector head is equipped with a blue power LED. Based on exact timing of function, this LED provides modulated fluorescence excitation light, actinic light and saturation flashes. A lens focuses the LED radiation on the sample, and collects fluorescence. Maximum saturation pulse intensity at sample level exceeds 8,500 μmol m^-2 s^-1.

The MONITORING-PAM is tested under extreme temperatures and designed for deployment in remote locations. Data can be retrieved via WiFi or satellite modem, minimizing the need for site visits. This makes the system suitable for long-term deployments in forests, alpine environments, Arctic and tropical field stations, and underwater habitats.