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Thank you for your interest in the LI-180 Spectrometer.

Unfortunately, the LI-180 is only currently available in select countries. We will notify you when the LI-180 is available for purchase in your country.

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Light Measurement

LI-190R Quantum Sensor

LI-190R
Quantum Sensor

The LI-190R measures Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR, in µmol of photons m-2 s-1). It provides accurate measurements—in the open, in greenhouses, under plant canopies, or in growth chambers—for most broad-spectrum light sources, including natural sunlight, artificial, or mixed sources.

Plants use light in the wavelength range from about 400 to 700 nm to drive photosynthesis. The efficiency with which plants use light varies somewhat across this range, but McCree1 showed that measuring PAR provided a consistent way to predict plant photosynthetic response regardless of the spectrum of the light source.2

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Technical Note: Comparison of Quantum Sensors with Different Spectral Sensitivities

250A and leveling fixture

Take Instantaneous PAR Measurements with the LI-250Q Greenhouse Package

Quickly assess PAR intensity and make informed light management decisions. Ideal for growth chambers, LED systems, and related applications.

Thank you for your request.

You will receive an email shortly.

If you do not receive it within 24 hours or if you have any questions, please contact LI-COR at 1-402-467-3576.

LI-1500 DLI Package

Log PAR Data and Calculate Daily Light Integral with the LI-1500 DLI Package

Expand your light measurement capabilities with data logging, long-term measurements, and automated calculation of daily light integral.

Why choose the LI-190R?

  • Uniform sensitivity across the PAR waveband for accurate measurements outdoors, under vegetation, or in artificial lighting without changing the calibration
  • Newly designed optical filter tailors the spectral response to an unprecedented performance standard
  • Weather resistant and durable in high-temperature, high-humidity, long-term deployments
  • Cosine correction is accurate even when the light source is not directly overhead
  • Sensor heads are detachable and interchangeable for simplified installation, removal, and recalibration
LI-190R Quantum Sensor detached from removable base

How does it work?

Normalized response in photon units

Quantum Response Photon Graph
The figure above shows the LI-190R response and the ideal quantum response in photon units

Response in energy units

Quantum Response Energy Graph
The figure above shows the LI-190R response and the ideal quantum response in energy units

The LI‑190R uses a high-quality silicon photodiode and glass optical filter to create uniform sensitivity to light between 400 nm to 700 nm, which closely corresponds to light used by most plants. A newly designed optical filter tailors the spectral response to an unprecedented performance standard. Furthermore, the new filter is unaffected by environmental factors such as heat or humidity. The filter blocks light with wavelengths beyond 700 nm, which is critical for measurements under vegetation where the ratio of infrared to visible light may be high.

The sensor features excellent cosine response, which ensures accurate measurements under diffuse light and when sunlight originates from a low solar angle. This, in combination with high resolution at low light levels, makes the LI-190R useful for determining the light compensation point in plants.

Cosine Response at an angle of incidence of 80 degrees

Learn more about the science and engineering behind the new design

LI-190R Quantum Sensor in Mounting and Leving Fixture

LI-190R Specifications

  • Absolute Calibration: ± 5% traceable to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
  • Sensitivity: Typically 5 μA to 10 μA per 1,000 μmol s-1 m-2
  • Linearity: Maximum deviation of 1% up to 10,000 μmol s-1 m-2
  • Response Time: Less than 1μs (2 m cable terminated into a 604 Ohm load)
  • Temperature Dependence: ± 0.15% per °C maximum
  • Cosine Correction: Cosine corrected up to 82° angle of incidence
  • Azimuth: < ± 1% error over 360° at a 45° elevation
  • Tilt: No error induced from orientation
  • Operating Temperature Range: −40 °C to 65 °C
  • Relative Humidity Range: 0% to 100% RH, Non-Condensing
  • Detector: High stability silicon photovoltaic detector (blue enhanced)
  • Sensor Housing: Weatherproof anodized aluminum body with acrylic diffuser and stainless steel hardware; O-ring seal on the sensor base
  • Size: 2.36 cm diameter × 3.63 cm (0.93” × 1.43”)
  • Weight: 24 g head; 60 g base/cable (2 m) with screws
  • Cable Length: 2 m, 5 m, 15 m, 50 m (6.5’, 16.4’, 49.2’, 164’)

LI-1500 Light Sensor Logger LI-250A Light Meter

Need a data logger or light meter?

Check out the LI-1500 Light Sensor Logger and LI-250A Light Meter.

2291 Light Sensor Millivolt Adapter

Have a data logger already?

You might want a signal conditioner, such as a Millivolt Adapter or Light Sensor Amplifier.

Why Upgrade to the "R" Light and Radiation Sensors?

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  1. McCree, K.J., 1972. The action spectrum, absorptance and quantum yield of photosynthesis in crop plants. Agric. Meteorol. 9: 191-216.
  2. McCree, K.J., 1972. Test of current definitions of photosynthetically active radiation against leaf photosynthesis data. Agric. Meteorol. 10: 443-45

Quantum Sensor Resources

  • docReferences:
    • Biggs, W.W., A.R. Edison, J.D. Easton, K.W. Brown, J.W. Maranville and M.D. Clegg. 1971. Photosynthesis light sensor and meter. Ecology 52:125-131.