Don’t let its compact size fool you.
The highly accurate CIRAS-4 Portable Photosynthesis System is a lightning-fast portable powerhouse that will elevate your research experience.
Its advanced software is exceptionally intuitive and customizable. You can manage environmental controls—as well as how you view your data—all from the touchscreen.
It’s so easy to use, you can begin taking measurements right out of the box.
Minimal Size. Maximum Performance.
The CIRAS-4 is designed with the high-level field researcher in mind. Its small size makes it the most portable photosynthesis system of its kind, alleviating the need for assistance or tripods.
The innovative design of the CIRAS-4 utilizes its small system volume to ensure faster equilibration as well as the most rapid and accurate measurements available. Faster measurements allow the user to expand the parameters of their research and use their time and resources efficiently. Check out the size and weight of the CIRAS-4 console and leaf cuvettes and you will quickly discover why smaller and lighter is better.
True differential analyzer for the ultimate accuracy & reliability.
The heart and soul of any photosynthesis system is the analyzer. Accurate, reliable, and stable measurement and control of CO2 and H2O are critical for high-level research. A “true differential analyzer”, the CIRAS-4 features 4 independent, non-dispersive gas analyzers for accurate, simultaneous measurement and control of both CO2 and H2O — a significant advantage over “gas switching” systems and a major requirement for most researchers. The analyzers act as absorptiometers measuring infrared absorption only. The temperature-controlled optical bench is pressure compensated ensuring the most accurate measurement of CO2 and H2O under changing ambient conditions.
Packed with power.
The CIRAS-4 comes standard with three (3) rechargeable Li-ion battery packs that provide 16+ hours of continuous operation. All 3 batteries can charge simultaneously allowing the user to collect lots of data without the interruption of swapping out battery packs.
Fast Response. Fully Mobile.
The location of the CIRAS-4’s IRGAs (Infrared Gas Analyzers) in the main console — right next to the internal gas mixing system and flow control — allows the CIRAS-4 to provide an ultra-fast response to changes in “reference” gas, and the fastest and most accurate portable photosynthesis measurement available. IRGAs in the console makes the entire system highly portable, not to mention the added protection from dirt, dust, and debris commonly found in and around a leaf cuvette.
True differential analyzer for the ultimate accuracy & reliability.
The heart and soul of any photosynthesis system is the analyzer. Accurate, reliable, and stable measurement and control of CO2 and H2O are critical for high-level research. A “true differential analyzer”, the CIRAS-4 features 4 independent, non-dispersive gas analyzers for accurate, simultaneous measurement and control of both CO2 and H2O — a significant advantage over “gas switching” systems and a major requirement for most researchers. The analyzers act as absorptiometers measuring infrared absorption only. The temperature-controlled optical bench is pressure compensated ensuring the most accurate measurement of CO2 and H2O under changing ambient conditions.
No factory recalibration required
Expect nothing less than the most accurate, reliable, and stable calibration of CO2 and H2O for many years without the need for inconvenient, time-consuming, and costly return-to-factory calibration. Our innovative, proprietary Auto-Zero measurement technique ensures inherent calibration stability confirmed by more than 35 years of experience in gas analysis technology. It allows for very fast warm-up, quick adaptation to changing ambient conditions, and excellent long-term stability. Auto-Zero also minimizes effects on span gas sensitivity, IR source aging, and changes in detector sensitivity and electronics. Simple, periodic system checks are recommended to confirm system integrity and calibration.
The level of environmental control in the field with the CIRAS-4 is unsurpassed. The CIRAS-4 offers complete, independent, and automatic control of CO2, H2O, temperature, and light for response curves (i.e. A/Ci curves, light response, etc.) with fast time response. Control over all environmental parameters can be dynamic or pre-programmed for automated response curve generation. All power required for environmental control is provided by the internal rechargeable Li-ion batteries (no external power supply is required).
CO2 Control
Unlike some systems, automatic CO2 control is standard with the CIRAS-4. Automatic and programmable CO2 control is standard with the CIRAS-4. PP Systems pioneered the method of controlling CO2 back in 1992 (CIRAS-1) using mini CO2 cartridges that are commercially available and easily sourced worldwide. Our proprietary gas mixing technology and CO2 regulator provide an accurate, stable, and constant flow of CO2. Each CO2 cartridge provides at least 12 hours of continuous use in the field and our CO2 regulator and cartridge holder are maintenance free. If required, the CIRAS-4 can easily be connected to an external CO2 source as well as programmed and configured for ambient CO2 measurements.
Measurement Range:0 – 10000 µmol mol-1
Control Range:0 – 2000 µmol mol-1
H2O Control
PP Systems also pioneered the method of controlling H2O automatically. Programmable H2O control is standard on the CIRAS-4. Onboard, self-conditioning desiccants are used for controlling H2O via user-defined settings. The CIRAS-4 can control H2O based on a percentage of ambient, VPD (Vapor Pressure Deficit), or to a specific H2O concentration. The CIRAS-4 can easily be programmed for H2O measurements above and below ambient, and can also be configured for ambient H2O measurements.
Measurement Range:0 – 75 mmol m-1
Control Range:0 – Dewpoint
Temperature Control
The CIRAS-4 features the widest range, as well as the fastest and most reliable temperature control in the industry. Each leaf cuvette’s integral automatic temperature control is highly accurate and stable. Peltier coolers with heat sink and fan are mounted on all cuvette heads for precise control over a wide range of temperatures. The CIRAS-4 can be programmed to control to a specific leaf temperature, a specific cuvette air temperature or to track leaf to ambient. Temperature control can also be disabled.
Temperature Control Range: 12 oC below ambient to 15 oC above ambient
Ambient Temperature Limits: 0-45 oC
Light Control (Optional)
Automatic control of light intensity is achieved with our compact, low-power lightweight LED (RGBW-FR) light units available for each of our PLC4 Leaf Cuvettes.
Measurement Range:0 – 3000 µmol m-2 s-1
Control Range:0 – 2500 µmol m-2 s-1
Each light unit features a bank of red, green, blue, and white LEDs as well as far-red LEDs to allow users control of up to 30% of PAR light intensity. In addition to controlling light intensity, you can also control the proportion of light by wavelength, which can be especially useful for research on plant responses to different wavelengths.
Quick and Easy Environmental Control Set Up
