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PAR Sensor

PAR Sensor

Vernier PAR Sensor
Measuring PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) in a park

Measuring PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) in a park

PAR Sensor

$259.00

The PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) Sensor measures photosynthetic light levels in both air and water.

ORDER CODE: PAR-BTA Categories ,
Education Levels

The PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) Sensor reports the Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD), which corresponds to micromoles of photons per meter squared per second (μmol m-2 s-1). This is the power of electromagnetic radiation in the spectral range that is used by plants for photosynthesis (370 – 650 nm). It features a waterproof sensor head and can be used to measure PPFD from sunlight and electric light sources. This sensor is ideal for experiments investigating photosynthesis and primary productivity and can be used in many agricultural and environmental science applications.

PAR Sensor - Tech Tips with Vernier
PAR Sensor - Tech Tips (3:39)
Calibrating the PAR Sensor for Indoor Use - Tech Tips with Vernier
Calibrating the PAR Sensor for Indoor Use - Tech Tips (3:00)

Specifications

  • PAR Range: 0 to 2500 μmol m-2 s-1 (PPFD) in full sun
  • Absolute Accuracy: ±5%
  • Repeatability: ±1%
  • Long-Term Drift: Less than 2% per year
  • Cosine Response:
    • 45° zenith angle: ±2%
    • 75° zenith angle: ±5%
  • Wavelength range: 370 nm to 650 nm
  • Typical Resolution: 1 μmol m-2 s-1 (PPFD)
  • Sensor dimensions:
    • Diameter: 2.4 cm
    • Height: 3.3 cm
    • Cable length: 5 m
  • Materials: Anodized aluminum with case acrylic lens

Experiments

Middle School (1 experiments)
ExperimentLab Book
PAR Attenuation in WaterWater Quality with Vernier
High School (1 experiments)
ExperimentLab Book
PAR Attenuation in WaterWater Quality with Vernier
College (1 experiments)
ExperimentLab Book
PAR Attenuation in WaterWater Quality with Vernier

Free Experiments

Download free experiments for the PAR sensor. Student instructions and teacher information are included.

  1. PAR Attenuation in Water
  2. Photosynthesis and Respiration
  3. Photosynthesis and Respiration (Inquiry)

Requirements

Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements. This sensor requires an interface (sold separately).

LabQuest
InterfaceLabQuest App
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support
Computers
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisLogger ProLogger Lite
LabQuest MiniFull supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest 3Full supportFull supportIncompatible
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support 1Full supportFull support 1
Go!LinkFull supportFull supportFull support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full supportFull supportFull support
LabPro (discontinued)IncompatibleFull supportFull support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.
Chromebook
Software
InterfaceGraphical Analysis
LabQuest MiniFull support
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support 1
Go!LinkFull support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Connect LabQuest Stream via USB. Wireless connection is not supported.
iOS
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full supportPartial support 1
LabQuest 3Full support 2Full support 2
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 2Full support 2

Compatibility Notes

  1. Data can be collected using the sensor’s default calibration only.
  2. iOS and Androidâ„¢ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Android
Software
InterfaceGraphical AnalysisGraphical Analysis GW
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full supportPartial support 1
LabQuest 3Full support 2Full support 2
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support 2Full support 2

Compatibility Notes

  1. Data can be collected using the sensor’s default calibration only.
  2. iOS and Androidâ„¢ devices can only connect to LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3 via Wireless Data Sharing.
Arduino
Software
InterfaceArduino
Vernier Arduino® Interface ShieldFull support
LabVIEW
Software
InterfaceNI LabVIEW
SensorDAQ (discontinued)Full support
Vernier myDAQ AdapterFull support 1
Go!LinkFull support
LabQuest MiniFull support
LabQuest Stream (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest 3Full support
LabQuest 2 (discontinued)Full support
LabQuest (discontinued)Full support

Compatibility Notes

  1. You can only read the raw count/raw voltage output by this sensor. You must do the programming to convert to proper sensor units.
Texas Instruments
Software
InterfaceEasyDataDataMateTI-84 SmartViewDataQuestTI-Nspire Software
EasyLinkFull support 1IncompatibleFull support 2Full supportFull support 2
CBL 2 (discontinued)Full support 3Full support 3 4IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatible
LabPro (discontinued)Full support 3Full support 3 4IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatible
TI-Nspire Lab Cradle (discontinued)IncompatibleIncompatibleIncompatibleFull supportFull support

Compatibility Notes

  1. Use with TI-84 Plus calculators only.
  2. Requires an Easy to Go! adapter
  3. CBL 2 and LabPro interfaces cannot be used with TI-84 Plus CE calculators.
  4. DataMate cannot be used with color screen TI-84 Plus calculators; use EasyData with these calculators.

What's Included

  • Vernier PAR Sensor
  • PAR Sensor lens cover

Accessories

Support

Resources

Warranty

5-year limited warranty
See our warranty policy

Contact Us

Educational use only: Vernier products are designed for educational use. They are not appropriate for industrial, medical, or commercial applications.

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