The IMAGING-PAM family comprises the versions MAXI, MINI and MICROSCOPY. The different versions employ the same Multi Control Unit IMAG-CG. Also, the same camera can be used for different versions. This modularity permits easy and most cost-effective switching between various applications and magnifications provided by the IMAGING-PAM M-Series.

The MAXI and MINI versions can be combined with the Gas-Exchange System GFS-3000 and, thus, integrates detailed spatial information on photosynthesis with exact analysis of photosynthetic carbon fixation.

Walz provides a family of chlorophyll fluorescence imaging systems, the IMAGING-PAM M-Series for imaging large scale samples with areas exceeding multiwell plate format as well as microscopically small samples at the level of single cells or even chloroplasts.

The M-Series instruments have been used with remarkable success in such diverse fields of science as plant phenotyping, leaf ecophysiology, coral research, phytopathology and marine ecophysiology.

All members of the IMAGING-PAM M-Series family: MAXI, MINI and MICROSCOPY version can share many components like cameras and the Multi Control Unit IMAG-CG. That makes it easy and most cost effective to switch between different applications and magnifications of the IMAGING-PAM M-Series.

New: High speed GigE Vision camera connection.

Combination of MAXI and MINI versions with Gas-Exchange System GFS-3000 extend the analysis options.

Control Unit IMAG-CG

Design: Aluminum housing featuring large size built-in Li-ion battery, sockets for cable connections with CCD Camera IMAG-K6 or IMAG-K7, connectors for the MAXI, MINI MICROSCOPY Measuring Heads, an external light source (EXT) and Battery Charger 2120-N

Microcontroller: RISC processor

User interface: Pentium PC with ImagingWinGigE Software; connection via GigE ethernet; keyboard operation; monitor screen display

Power supply: Internal rechargeable Li-ion battery 14.4 V/6 Ah

Power consumption: 9 W (500 mA) drawn from internal Li-ion battery

Recharging time: Approx. 4 hours (IMAGING-PAM turned off) via Battery Charger 2120-N

Operating temperature: -5 to +45 °C

Dimensions: 25 cm x 10.5 cm x 11 cm (L x W x H)

Weight: 2.1 kg (incl. battery)

LED-Array Illumination Unit

IMAG-MAX/L

Design: LED-Array mounted on printed-circuit board in aluminum housing with central opening for CCD Cameras IMAG-K6 or IMAG-K7 with miniature ventilator and cable connections to Control Unit IMAGCG and External 300 W Power Supply

Light source for fluorescence excitation and actinic illumination: 44 royal-blue 3 W Luxeon LEDs (450 nm) equipped with individual collimating optics; standard excitation intensity 0.5 μmol quanta m-2 s-1 PAR, modulation frequency 1-8 Hz; max. actinic intensity 1200 μmol m-2 s-1 PAR; max. saturation pulse intensity 2700 μmol quanta m-2 s-1 PAR

Light sources for assessment of absorbed PAR:16 red LEDs (660 nm); 16 NIR LEDs (780 nm)

Working distance: Standard 18.5 cm for 9 cm x 12 cm image area; at 22.5 cm distance 11 cm x 15 cm image area (mounted independently of IMAG-MAX/GS on separate stand)

Light field properties: Vertical incidence on sample; LED distribution optimized for uniformity; at standard working distance maximal deviation from mean intensity +/- 7 %

Dimensions: 18.5 cm x 18.5 cm x 4.5 cm (L x W x H)

Weight: 1.3 kg (incl. cable 1 m long)

LED-Array Illumination Unit

IMAG-MAX/LR

Design: LED-Array mounted on printed-circuit board in aluminum housing with central opening for CCD Cameras IMAG-K6 and IMAG-K7, filter plate IMAG-MAX/FR and miniature ventilator and cable connections to Control Unit IMAG-CG and External 300 W Power Supply

Light source for fluorescence excitation and actinic illumination: 44 red 3 W Luxeon LEDs (650 nm) equipped with individual collimating optics; standard excitation intensity 0.5 μmol quanta m-2 s-1 PAR, modulation frequency 1-8 Hz; max. actinic intensity 1200 μmol quanta m-2 s-1 PAR; max. saturation pulse intensity 2700 μmol quanta m-2 s-1 PAR

Light sources for assessment of absorbed PAR:16 red LEDs (660 nm); 16 NIR LEDs (780 nm)

Working distance: Standard 18.5 cm for 9 cm x 12 cm image area; at 22.5 cm distance 11 cm x 15 cm image area (mounted independently of IMAG-MAX/GS on separate stand)

Light field properties: Vertical incidence on sample; LED distribution optimized for uniformity; at standard working distance maximal deviation from mean intensity +/- 7 %

Dimensions: 18.5 cm x 18.5 cm x 4.5 cm (L x W x H)

Weight: 1.3 kg (incl. cable 1 m long)

K7-MAX/Z

Design: Cosmicar-Pentax zoom objective lens (F1.0/f=8-48 mm) and close-up lens, spacer ring, appropriate detector filter set and an adapter-frame for mounting CCD-camera IMAG-K7 or IMAG-K5 at increased working distance

Dimensions: 57 x 95 mm

Weight: 430 g (without adapter-frame)

Filter Screw Size: φ55 mm, P=0.75 mm

Mount: C-Mount

Focal Length: 8 to 48 mm

Max.Aperture Ratio: 1： 1.0 (f=8 to 28) to 1.2 (f=48)

Iris Range: F/1.0 to F/22

Temperature Range: -20°C to +50°C

K7-MAX/S

Design: Cosmicar-Pentax objective lens (F1.2/f=12 mm), spacer ring and appropriate detector filter set

Dimensions: 30 x 35.5 mm

Weight: 67 g

Filter Screw Size: M27 x 0.5

Mount: C-Mount

Focal Length: 12 mm

Iris Range: F/1.2 to F/22

Temperature Range: -20°C to +50°C

K6-MAX

Design: Cosmicar-Pentax objective lens (F1.4/f=12.5 mm), spacer ring and appropriate detector filter set

Dimensions: 42 x 50 mm

Weight: 135 g

Filter Screw Size: M40.5 x 0.5

Mount: C-Mount

Focal Length: 12.5 mm

Iris Range: F/1.4 to C

Temperature Range: -20°C to +50°C

3D Version

The basis of the IMAG-3D is the successful MAXI IMAGING head expanded by a 3D scanner. Using algorithms developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, the system creates a 3D mesh from images of structured light casted on the plant by a projector. The projector is mounted on the backside of the instrument whereas the camera is positioned above the plant. For 3D imaging, this camera is used in the high resolution mode (1280 x 960 pixels) to precisely digitize the sample surface. For fluorescence measurements, highest sensitivity is achieved by switching the camera to 4 pixel binning which results in larger pixel size.

A dedicated tabletop housing offers darkening for 3D and PSII analysis. The housing is optimized for high precision and cost efficiency. A software-controlled turntable enables researchers to measure single potted plants with a rosette of up to 100 mm maximum diameter. The 3D version requires only a small footprint so that it fits on almost every laboratory desk. For 3D recalibration purposes, the instrument is shipped together with two calibration patterns and a holder so that a quick calibration of the whole system is possible at any time.

Multi Control Unit

•  IMAG-CG Multi Control Unit to connect Measuring Head and GigE –Vision® CCD camera as M-Series IMAGING-PAM MAXI, MINI and MICROSCOPY version including ImagingWin GigE Software.
Measuring Head

•  IMAG-MAX/L (blue measuring light version, 450 nm, standard applications)
Camera and Lens

•  IMAG-K6/MOD3D with increased NIR sensitivity (2/3" chip, primary resolution 1280 x 960 pixels ) with prime lens objective (F1.4/f=16 mm, c-mount). A software-controlled filter slider with ND filter for 3D and PSII fluorescence detection filter.

Mounting

•  IMAG-3D/GS Stand. Darkening and rack for IMAGING-PAM 3D version
Computer

•  IMAG-3D/PC is a branded notebook PC (with Intel Core i5-8xx or higher CPU, NVDIA® graphics board (2 GB or more dedicated memory), SSD, 8GB RAM, internal Gigabit Ethernet (GigE), HDMI interface, Windows 10 OS)
System Combination

•  Since the instrument is designed as a compact stand-alone unit there are currently no combinations with other Walz Instruments possible except the ULM-500 universal light meter for PAR calibration

MOBILE Version of the IMAGING-PAM M-Series

Specially developed for chlorophyll fluorescence imaging in the field. The measuring system shares features with the MINI Version of the IMAGING-PAM like the moderate power consumption and the imaging area of ​​24 x 32 mm.

The MOBILE version is particularly dedicated to the study of small plants, ground vegetation, and photosynthetic crusts.

The newly developed dark acclimation box allows field measurements of the maximum photosynthetic quantum yield of photosystem II (FV / FM).

The extension handle and trigger button on the measuring head provides the system with excellent ergonomic properties.

A high level of mobility in the field is achieved by mounting the unit, the system’s sunlight-readable tablet computer and its control unit on a belly carrying tray. The carrying system may easily be adapted to the user's individual physical dimensions and height.

As an example of application, please see the journal "Precision Agriculture". The development of the MOBILE Version has been supported by German government’s "Special Purpose Fund" held at Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank and the "Federal Institution of Agriculture and Nutrition" (BLE).

MAXI Version

Multi Control Unit

• IMAG-CG Multi Control Unit to connect Measuring Head and GigE–Vision® CCD camera as M-Series IMAGING-PAM MAXI, MINI and MICROSCOPY version including ImagingWin GigE Software.

Measuring Head

• IMAG-L470M Microscope LED Lamp Module 470 nm (blue) for fluorescence excitation of chlorophyll fluorescence

• IMAG-L625M Microscope LED Lamp Module 625 nm (red-orange) for fluorescence excitation of chlorophyll fluorescence of most algae groups including cyanobacteria

• IMAG-RGB Red-Green-Blue Microscopy LED Lamp Module allowing computer-assisted deconvolution of major algae groups. Fluorescence excitation and actinic illumination using red (620 nm), green (520 nm), blue (460 nm) or white light (mixed 620, 520 and 460 nm).

CCD Camera

• IMAG-K6 increased sensitivity (2/3' chip, primary resolution 1392 x 1040 pixels)

Microscope

• IMAG-AXIOSCOPE Axio Scope. A1 from Zeiss adapted for IMAGING-PAM applications. Detector filter RG665, dichroic mirror 420-640 nm, video adapter 60N-C 2/3' 0,5x and standard lens Zeiss Fluar 20x.

Computer

• IMAG-PC a brand-name notebook PC

Optional

• IMAG-AX-REF Reflector Module with Filter Set consisting of a beam splitter filter (420-640 nm) and a detector filter (665 nm), mounted in a Zeiss reflector module frame for convenient measurements using more than one LED Lamp Module.

MINI Version

Due to its compact design, the MINI version is well suited for field applications. As the imaged area is much smaller than that of the MAXI version (17 x magnification of the area at the same resolution), maximal light intensities are higher, whereas power consumption is lower. For this reason the MINI version can easily be used as handy version independently from mains power.

MICROSCOPY Version

Multi Control Unit

• IMAG-CG Multi Control Unit to connect Measuring Head and GigE–Vision® CCD camera as M-Series IMAGING-PAM MAXI, MINI and MICROSCOPY version including ImagingWin GigE Software.

Measuring Head

• IMAG-L470M Microscope LED Lamp Module 470 nm (blue) for fluorescence excitation of chlorophyll fluorescence

• IMAG-L625M Microscope LED Lamp Module 625 nm (red-orange) for fluorescence excitation of chlorophyll fluorescence of most algae groups including cyanobacteria

• IMAG-RGB Red-Green-Blue Microscopy LED Lamp Module allowing computer-assisted deconvolution of major algae groups. Fluorescence excitation and actinic illumination using red (620 nm), green (520 nm), blue (460 nm) or white light (mixed 620, 520 and 460 nm).

CCD Camera

• IMAG-K6 increased sensitivity (2/3' chip, primary resolution 1392 x 1040 pixels)

Microscope

• IMAG-AXIOSCOPE Axio Scope. A1 from Zeiss adapted for IMAGING-PAM applications. Detector filter RG665, dichroic mirror 420-640 nm, video adapter 60N-C 2/3' 0,5x and standard lens Zeiss Fluar 20x.

Computer

• IMAG-PC a brand-name notebook PC

Optional

• IMAG-AX-REF Reflector Module with Filter Set consisting of a beam splitter filter (420-640 nm) and a detector filter (665 nm), mounted in a Zeiss reflector module frame for convenient measurements using more than one LED Lamp Module.

The IMAGING-PAM M-Series GigE instruments are fully controlled by the ImagingWinGigE software. When started, the ImagingWinGigE software opens with the image window that occupies most of the user surface showing the Ft value as starting parameter.

Values are represented in a false color scale ranging from black (0.0) to white (1.0) with red, orange yellow, blue and violet to purple in between. At first a standard AOI (area of interest) is already present after the start of the software. Different shapes and up to 100 AOIs can be defined. AOIs` positions can be moved by the new Edit function.

The kinetics window shows various parameter values for some or all AOIs of the currently chosen experiment plotted versus time. It serves for the evaluation of dynamic dark / light phenomena (Kautsky curve or Induction curve).

The customer can chose between 18 different parameters (Ft, Fo, Fm, F, Fm’, Fv/Fm, Y(II), Y(NPQ), Y(NO), PS/50, Abs, Red, NIR, NPQ/4, qN, qP, qL, Inh.) that could be displayed in the image window in different color modes. In this tab the alteration of the parameters can be observed in real-time during the experiment.


Some of the possible experiments are already preset in this and the following light curve window so that also the beginner finds an easy starting point for his first experiments. For advanced users it is also possible to program script files with more complex structure.

Some new features can be provided solely for the ImagingWinGigE software, not for the ImagingWin software suitable for FireWire camera versions of the IMAGING-PAM M-Series.

Easy light calibration using the ULM-500 Light Meter & Logger. ImagingWinGigE in communication with the ULM-500 provides an automated light calibration routine to generate a calibrated internal light list and furthermore offers to follow an external illumination.