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OVERVIEW
The LI-180 Spectrometer delivers accurate, handheld measurements of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and key light wavebands, including red, blue, green, UV, and far-red. Ideal for greenhouse growers and plant researchers, it enables:
- Instant Insights: Capture real-time spectral changes and analyse dozens of parameters in one click.
- Actionable Results: Compare your lighting to reference spectra for species-specific growth optimisation.
- Superior Portability: Compact, lightweight design for use anywhere in the greenhouse.
- Custom Experience: Create custom wavebands and ratios for precise lighting strategies.
Applications
- Optimise supplemental lighting for plant growth and reproduction
- Track and adjust light recipes over time
- Monitor seasonal changes or lighting system degradation
- Research plant responses to specific light spectra
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PRODUCT DETAILS
Plant growth and reproduction are driven by photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), defined as wavelengths between 400 and 700 nanometers. This interval is often separated into three distinct “color” bands for plant research. Modifying the intensity of red, blue, green wavelengths, along with additional near-UV (380-400 nm) and far-red (700-780 nm) bands, can influence a variety of plant characteristics, such as growth rate, chemical composition, and more.
The precision linear image sensor of the LI-180 records intensity and composition of these five wavebands at the single-nanometer level with a single click. Optimise the composition of your supplemental lighting and track your spectrometer data over time for long-term validation of your lights and lighting strategy. Monitor degradation of your custom lighting system, plan for seasonal changes or upgrades, and design species-specific light recipes using the LI-180 Spectrometer.
Why Choose the LI-180 Spectrometer?
The LI-180 combines precise, handheld spectral measurements with a polished and powerful interface ideal for the greenhouse grower on the move.
Instant Insights
Measure real-time changes from spectral manipulation, height adjustment, and plant positioning. In one click, the LI-180 records dozens of variables including PAR (as color-specific photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD)), photon flux density (PFD), irradiance (W/m2), and more. Select a measurement to see details, such as ratios of red to blue or red to far-red intensity.
Actionable Results
Compare the spectra of your lighting to one of multiple reference spectra. Reference spectra are based on pigments important for photosynthesis and morphology, such as chlorophyll a or beta carotene. Then adjust your lighting strategy to better match the pigment peaks for species-specific responses throughout your greenhouse.
Superior Portability
Measure spectral output from any angle in and around your plants to find optimal spacing and height of supplemental lighting. The full capability of the LI-180 is within a compact, lightweight design that fits in the palm of your hand. Save your data to a high-capacity SD card or transfer data files via email from the mobile application.
Custom Experience
Measure specific wavebands of interest and view the results in tabular and graphical outputs immediately after capture. Create custom wavebands and ratios to focus on the light ranges you want. Determine which bands of light have the highest intensity from your lighting strategy.
Reliable Support
LI-COR support team members are experienced and knowledgeable with diverse backgrounds in horticulture, plant physiology, botany, and other fields. Our team is readily available to support you in the use and care of LI-COR instruments.
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HOW DOES IT WORK?
The LI-180 Spectrometer features a precise CMOS linear image sensor that measures photon flux density (PFD) over a 12 nm bandwidth. PFD measurements are reported in 1 nanometer increments between 380 and 780 nm. The LI-180 sensor measures with a precise cosine correction response for accuracy across the field of view.
Read more about cosine correction and other principles of light measurement
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SPECIFICATION
Wavelength Range 380 to 780 nm Wavelength Data Increment 1 nm Spectral Bandwidth Approximately 12 nm (half-bandwidth) Display - 70 – 150,000 lx (lux)
- 0.5 – 1,000 W/m2 (irradiance)
- 1 – 3,000 μmol m-2 s-1 (PPFD)
Display Languages 3.5″ 320 × 420 Resistive Touch LCD Storage Capacity English, Spanish, French, German, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Russian Operating Humidity Range 68,000 files (for 8GB SD card) Battery Life 0% to 95% RH (non-condensing) Power Requirement 5 hours typical with continuous operation Data Output Interface Adapter, 2500 mAh (3.7V rechargeable lithium ion battery) Data Output Format SD Card (SD2.0, SDHC, up to 32GB (8GB card included)), Mini USB Port (USB 2.0), Wi-Fi SD Card (compatible with iOS and Android) Detector .txt, .jpg Wavelength Reproducibility - CMOS Linear Image Sensor
- Illuminance Meter Class: Directional response conforms to JIS C 1609-1:2006 for General Class AA. Directional response conforms to DIN 5032 Part 7 Class B.
PAR Accuracy ± 1 nm Illuminance Accuracy ± 5% Illuminance Repeatability (2σ) ± 5% Color Accuracy 0.2% Color Repeatability (2σ) x y ± 0.0025 CCT Accuracy x y: 0.0005 CRI Accuracy @ Ra ± 2% Stray Light ± 1.5% Integration Time Range -25 dB max. Digital Resolution 2 – 2000ms Capture Function 16 bits Operation Mode One-time or Continuous USB Mode Standalone or Wi-Fi mode Integration Mode Mass storage controller mode and Windows® PC connection Measuring Modes Auto or Manual Measuring Capabilities: Measuring Modes: PPFD, PFD, Spectrum (chart), Logging, and Grid Size - PPFD for the PAR waveband
- PFD
- Custom Wavebands, Default Waveband Ratios, and Custom Waveband Ratios
- Peak Wavelength (λp) and Peak Wavelength Value (λpV)
- Irradiance (380nm ~ 780nm) Wm2
- Integration Time (I-Time)
- Illuminance (LUX)/Foot Candle (fc)
- Correlated Color Temperature (CCT)
- CIE 1931/1976 Chromaticity Coordinates
- △x, △y, △u’, △v’, Delta uv (Duv)
- Dominant Wavelength (λd)
- Excitation Purity
- Color Rendering Index (CRI, Ra)/R1 to R15
- Spectral Power Distribution (SPD) mW/m2
Size 20 cm L × 7.7 cm W × 2.6 cm D (7.8” × 3” × 1”) Weight 0.28 kg (0.62 lbs) Operating Temperature Range 0 – 35 ℃ -
SOFTWARE
The LI-180 features multiple software options for flexibility and performance.
Desktop Software
Perform detailed measurement analysis, including data visualisation, manage files, and configure measurement parameters.
Mobile Applications
Available for iOS and Android mobile operating systems. Use your smart phone or tablet for instant measurements and transfer collected data from your mobile device via email.
LI-COR LI-180 Spectrometer
The LI-180 Spectrometer is a portable, precision instrument for measuring light spectra in greenhouses. Record PAR and specific wavebands in seconds, optimise supplemental lighting, and monitor plant growth with instant, actionable insights.