Explosion-proof quantum sensor

Explosion-proof full-spectrum quantum sensor for accurately measuring the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) from all light sources.

Unlike cheaper LUX or footcandle sensors which are sometimes marketed as grow light sensors, but are meant for measuring light for human vision, our sensors feature a laboratory-grade PPFD (photosynthetic photon flux density), or “quantum,” optical detector precisely calibrated to measure the light intensity in µmol m-2 s-1 of the specific color wavelengths emitted by LEDs, HPS, MH, sunlight, and other light sources utilized by plants for photosynthesis.

Smart quantum sensor can be connected directly to a computer for taking spot measurements or graphing and datalogging real-time PPFD using the included ApogeeConnect software. The sensor can also act as a stand-alone PAR datalogger.

The sensor precisely measures and combines the intensity of all photons between 400 and 700 nm to give a single PAR reading in µmol m-2 s-1 within 5 % uncertainty. Unlike hobby-grade PAR sensors, our sensor has a stable, accurate calibration with an accuracy drift rate of less than 2 % per year.

Sensor can be connected to a desktop, laptop, or tablet computer via a USB 2.0 type A plug. The ApogeeConnect software gives the user control of data logging and calibration settings, provides real-time output display and graph of PPFD Measurements, and allows the data set to be saved as a csv file for analysis. 

Sensor has internal data storage ability to hold up to 10,000 measurements.

The sensor is waterproof and can be submerged to a depth of 30 meters.

The Ex full-spectrum quantum sensor is connected through an industrial USB 2.0 connector to an intrinsically safe barrier Ex USB 2.0.

The Ex full-spectrum quantum sensor have a “hot-plug” function which allows them to be connected and disconnected without stopping, shutting down or rebooting the system.

Specifications:

Resolution: 0.1 µmol mˉ² sˉ¹

Calibration Factor: Custom for each sensor and stored in the firmware

Calibration Uncertainty: ± 5 %

Measurement Repeatability: Less than 1 % up to 4000 µmol mˉ² sˉ¹

Long-term Drift: Less than 2 % per year

Non-linearity: Less than 1 % (up to 4000 µmol mˉ² sˉ¹)

Response Time: Software updates every second

Field of View: 180˚

Spectral Range: 389 to 692 nm ± 5 nm (wavelengths where response is greater than 50 % of maximum)

Spectral Selectivity: Less than 10 % from 412 to 682 nm ± 5 nm

Uncertainty in Daily Total: Less than 5 %

Directional (Cosine) Response: ± 2 % at 45 ˚, ± 5 % at 75 ˚

Temperature Response: -0.11 ± 0.04 % Cˉ¹

Azimuth Error: Less than 0.5 %

Tilt Error: Less than 0.5 %

Detector: Blue-enhanced silicon photodiode

Enclosure material: anodised aluminium with acrylic diffuser

Supported Operating Systems: Windows, Mac OS

Сompliance: IP68

Dimensions: 24 mm diameter, 37 mm height

Mass: 100 g (with 5 m of lead wire)

USB Cable: 4.5 m 

Electrical Data:

Uo=5 V

Io=61 mА

i=5 V

Ii=61 mА

Ci=10 µF

Ex marking:

Ex ib I Mb

Ex ib IIC T6...T4 Gb X

Ex tb IIIC T85°C...135°C Db

Produced in accordance with IEC 60079-0, IEC 60079-11, IEC 60079-31

Operating Temperature: −40°C to 70°C

Relative humidity: 0 to 100 %