opti-sciences CCM-300 User manual

CCM-300
Chlorophyll Content meter for small leaves and
difficult samples
Operation manual
603–883-4400 www.optisci.com

GFPIII operation manual Opti-Sciences, Inc.
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Introduction....................................................................................................................................................3
Items included................................................................................................................................................3
Initial Setup....................................................................................................................................................3
User interface:................................................................................................................................................5
Opening screen:..........................................................................................................................................5
Measurement overview:.................................................................................................................................6
Research overview:........................................................................................................................................8
The variables:.............................................................................................................................................8
Fluorescence emission response to chlorophyll content:.......................................................................8
The Kautsky induction effect.................................................................................................................9
Re-absorption of the emitted chlorophyll fluorescence by the leaf chlorophylls:...............................10
Temperature:........................................................................................................................................10
Fluorescence emission signal strength:................................................................................................10
References:...............................................................................................................................................12
Setup Mode .................................................................................................................................................13
Measurement Mode......................................................................................................................................14
For measurements with the leaf clip:.......................................................................................................15
For measurements without the leaf clip:..................................................................................................16
Data Management – File Utilities................................................................................................................17
Erasing a file on the instrument ...............................................................................................................17
Viewing a file on the instrument..............................................................................................................18
Diagnostics Menu ........................................................................................................................................19
Retrieving data:............................................................................................................................................20
Data formats:............................................................................................................................................21
Specifications:..............................................................................................................................................21

GFPIII operation manual Opti-Sciences, Inc.
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Introduction
The CCM-300 Chlorophyll Content Meter is a modulated fluorometer that uses the emission ratio of red
chlorophyll fluorescence at 700nm to the far red emission fluorescence value at 735nm., utilizing a fiber
optic probe. The source and detector wavelengths were selected from the Science developed by Gitelson
A. A., Buschmann C., Lichtenthaler H. K. (1999) “The Chlorophyll Fluorescence Ratio F735/F700 as an
Accurate Measure of Chlorophyll Content in Plants” Remote Sens. Enviro. 69:296-302 (1999). It is a
handheld, battery powered device with almost unlimited built in data storage.
The instrument is powered by 2 AA batteries. NiMH or alkaline types may be used. Two sets of NiMH
batteries and a NiMH charger are included with the unit. The unit will typically run for 8-10 hrs on a
freshly charged set of NiMH batteries. Ambient temperature and battery charge will affect runtime.
The unit has a 320x480 pixel display with touch sensitive screen. While finger touch may be used
successfully for most functions, A stylus is provided for easier use of some of the input and control
buttons, such as entering file names.
Items included
•CCM-300 Chlorophyll Content Meter, with a filter set (source & detectors) installed.
•Bifurcated fiber optic light guide
•Sample clip
•USB data cable
•Touch screen stylus
•4 NiMH AA rechargeable batteries
•Charger for NiMH batteries
•Users guide CD
•Stylus
Initial Setup
Completely charge all 4 NiMH batteries before using them. The GFPIII uses two batteries at a time. Make
sure to install batteries with the polarity shown below.

GFPIII operation manual Opti-Sciences, Inc.
Install 2 AA batteries asshown
The fiber optic probe is attached to the unit
with two threaded connections. Use caution
when attaching the fiber, do not force the
threads. The fiber should easily attach to the
unit, and seat securely. If it does not, try
reseating the fiber connection.
Fibers should seat securely
The sample end of the fiber can be used
with the sample clip if thin flat samples
(such as leaf tissue) are to be tested. The set
screw has a nylon tip. It has been set at the
factory for a firm press fit. If the fiber is
loose, or does not fit correctly, the set screw
may be adjusted. The fiber optic can be used
without the leaf clip. See the section on
measurement mode for more information.
Sample leaf clip with fiber installed.
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GFPIII operation manual Opti-Sciences, Inc.
User interface:
The CCM-300 uses a touch panel for all user input.
Green boxes typically indicate a control or an
editable variable. Controls that are on the screen are
usually rendered inactive if a popup window is
active. Popup windows include parameter change
boxes, and warning messages. The screen can be
used by tapping with a finger, in some cases it may
be desirable to use the stylus provided. This is
especially true when using the on-screen keyboard.
Screens having a green “?” character in the upper
right corner include help information that may be
viewed by tapping it. The help box will display
information about the current screen.
An option to capture a “snapshot” of the current
screen is available in the help box, “PScrn”. This
can be useful when diagnosing a system problem.
When this feature is used, a box will appear asking
for a file name to save the picture to.
Opening screen:
Power switch
Press the Power switch to turn on the unit. The screen above to the right will appear. Each icon will lead
to a specific part of the program when pressed. The current date/time is shown along the bottom
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GFPIII operation manual Opti-Sciences, Inc.
Measurement overview:
This technology shows a strong linear correlation to chemical chlorophyll content tests between
41 mg m-2 and 675 mg m-2. It is ideal for precise measurements of chlorophyll content in this range.
Direct read out of Chlorophyll content in mg m-2 is possible using the Gitelson equation included on the
instrument or the fluorescence ratio F735/F700 can be used .
Today, chlorophyll content is usually measured by destructive chemical methods or estimated by
nondestructive absorption techniques. While time and time again absorption instruments have been
proven to work well as a non-destructive test on many types of samples, they do have some limitations.
Absorption instrument limitations:
•They require full coverage of the instrument measuring aperture by a leaf without holes,
•They must be thin enough to allow transmission of red and infrared light,
•The surface must be relatively flat and uniform
•Variable fluorescence (or the Kautsky effect) caused by the red wavelength of absorption
instruments, limits the repeatability of measurements.
•Selection of the measuring area, on smaller leaves, can cause measurement variations due to
leaf structure variation. Veins and midribs can cause significant variation.
•The two wavelengths used in absorption methods, by the two major manufactures of this type of
instrument, limit linear correlation to chemical chlorophyll content methods
to values below 300 mg m-2.
As a result, absorption instruments do not work with conifer needles, turf grasses, Arabidopsis leaves,
moss, most CAM plants such as prickly pear cactus, and Agave, fruit, stems, petioles, lichens, and algae
on rocks. Furthermore, it is difficult to get reliable readings on very small leaf plants such as immature
rice and wheat.
For these reasons, Opti-Sciences decided that it was time to engineer an affordable solution for these
difficult applications. This section provides an overview of this technology.
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GFPIII operation manual Opti-Sciences, Inc.
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Research regarding the use of ratio fluorescence to measure chlorophyll content has been established for
some time, and the limitations are well understood. However, until now, the cost of such systems has been
prohibitive.
With this technology, chlorophyll samples absorb a blue fluorescence excitation light, and emit a range of
fluorescing light at longer wavelengths. The research shows that by comparing the ratio of fluorescence
emission at 735nm and at 700 nm, there is a linear response to chlorophyll content. Since this method
does not compare transmission through a leaf at two different wavelengths, the measuring aperture does
not have to be completely covered. In addition, the fluorescence is measured on the same side of the
sample as the excitation light. For these reasons, fluorescence will work with leaves smaller than the
measuring aperture like immature rice and turf grasses. It will also measure samples with curved surfaces
like pine needles, and measure difficult samples like cactus, fruit, lichens, and filamentous algae on rocks.
In other words, this instrument is designed to work with all of the types of samples listed above, that are
a problem for existing absorption systems.
Opti-Sciences decided to use the research by Gitelson A. A., Buschmann C., Lichtenthaler H. K. (1999)
“The Chlorophyll Fluorescence Ratio F735/F700 as an Accurate Measure of Chlorophyll Content in
Plants” Remote Sens. Enviro. 69:296-302 (1999) as our blue print for the instrument design, because of
the excellent linear correlation with chemical testing, in a wide range of chlorophyll content 41 mg m-2 to
675 mg m-2 . The advantage of this ratio is that it works exceptionally well even above chlorophyll content
levels of 200 mg m-2 . By raising the lower fluorescent emission measuring range away from chlorophyll
absorption band near 680 nm or 685 nm, to 700 nm, the amount of fluorescence light that is reabsorbed
and emitted again as chlorophyll fluorescence is minimized, significantly extending the useful linear
measuring range of the instrument.
The instrument is called the CCM-300 chlorophyll content meter. It uses a fluorescence excitation
wavelength with a peak at 460 nm and a half band width of 15 nm. It measures two different emission
wavelength ranges at the same time, 730 nm to 740 nm, and 698 nm to 708nm.
The instrument also provides two different read-outs. One is the F735nm / F700 ratio reported by
Gitelson, and the other is a direct readout of relative chlorophyll content according to Gitelson’s formula.
The option also exists for changing some of the relative chlorophyll content formula parameters in case a
researcher should want to modify the formula for an unknown non-conforming plant species.
Measuring options include, single point measurement, averaging from between 2 and 30 samples,
averaging with 2 sigma outlier removal, and median value readout.
As with all things, it is also important to know a technique’s limitations, and these are detailed in Gitelson
1999. To a lesser degree, Buschmann C. (2007)” Variability and application of the chlorophyll
fluorescence emission ratio red/far-red of leaves.” Photosynthesis Res.(2007) 92:261-271. explores the
limitations of a different ratio technique that uses fluorescence near the peak of PSII fluorescence. The
ratio in Buschmann (2007) is F690nm /F735nm.

GFPIII operation manual Opti-Sciences, Inc.
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Research overview:
Starting with Gitelson (1999): “ The ratio between chlorophyll fluorescence at 735 nm and the
wavelength range 700nm to 710 nm, F735/F700 was found to be linearly proportional to the chlorophyll
content (with determination coefficient, r2, more than 0.95) and thus this ratio can be used as a precise
indicator of chlorophyll content in plant leaves.”
Bushmann (2007) comes to the following conclusion regarding red and far red ratio fluorescence: “Thus,
the Chl fluorescence ratio red/far-red represents an ideal tool for detecting differences and changes of Chl
content in plant species and leaf tissues, to monitor changes in Chl content and photosynthetic activity
caused by changing environmental conditions, strain and stress events, and to detect stress tolerance,
mineral deficiency, diseases, and other constraints. It can be applied for non-destructive monitoring of
terrestrial vegetation in basic photosynthesis research as well as in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry.”
The variables:
Fluorescence emission response to chlorophyll content:
As chlorophyll content levels increase, the intensity of the selected far red fluorescence emission at
735 nm increases, and then decline slightly. At the shorter fluorescence emission wavelength, 700 nm, the
value increases and then it declines dramatically.
The Gitelson paper (1999) compares results using various excitation wavelengths and emission
wavelengths. They find good results using various excitation wavelengths and narrower ranges of red
fluorescence emission and far red fluorescence emission. It was found that by moving the red
fluorescence emission wavelength away from the peak near 685nm, to 700nm, fluorescence re-absorption
and re-emission are minimized. Blue excitation tends to penetrate the leaf slightly and so re-absorption of
emitted fluorescent light causing additional fluorescence is less of a problem. These changes allow a large
extension of the linear measuring range of the instrument. According to Bushmann, (2007) with blue
excitation, the fluorescence comes primarily from the mesophyll layer.

GFPIII operation manual Opti-Sciences, Inc.
The Kautsky induction effect
The CCM-300 has been designed to minimize this variable. The graphs below show that whether a
sample is dark adapted for 20 minutes, or light adapted for 20 minutes, measurements are not significantly
affected by the Kautsky induction effect. This is not true of other fluorescence ratios and methods as
described by Bushman (2007). Measurements were made immediately after dark and light adaptation, and
again every 15 seconds for 20 minutes.
With the CCM-300 using the F735 nm / F700 nm ratio the Kautsky induction effect is negligible.
Negligible Kautsky induction effects with the CCM-300
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Unlike the CCM-300 F735 / F700 fluorescence ratio, other ratios such as F 690/ F735 have shown
Kautsky induction effects. It has been found that the fluorescence emission ratio 690/ 735 is affected by
the onset of photosynthesis and exposure to light (The Kautsky effect). Bushman (2007) shows that the
shorter wavelength fluorescence emission spectra changes faster, during the Kautsky induction, than the
longer wavelength emission spectra. The affects are also minimized by using a very low intensity
modulated light source.

GFPIII operation manual Opti-Sciences, Inc.
Re-absorption of the emitted chlorophyll fluorescence by the leaf chlorophylls:
Chlorophyll fluorescence emission can be re-absorbed by other chlorophyll and re-emitted as additional
fluorescence. While this is a relatively small error source in the F735nm / F700 ratio, re-absorbance when
other ratio components have been tried, such as 685 nm and 690 nm wavelengths, have limited the
reliability of chlorophyll measurement to below 200 mg m-2 according to Gitelson (1999). The F735nm /
F700 ratio, on the other hand, has been shown to be linear from 41 mg m-2 to 675 mg m-2. Because 700 is
relatively far from the chlorophyll absorption peak at 680 nm, the re-absorption issue is minimized.
Furthermore, since longer excitation wavelengths reach deeper into the leaf, causing greater fluorescence
re-absorption, the CCM-300 uses a 460nm diode for fluorescence excitation, and as a result, most
fluorescence comes from mesophyll cells and re-emitted fluorescence is minimized (Gitelson 1999).
Temperature:
Buschmann reports that the ratio of F690/F735 (a similar ratio but not F735/F700) can drop by up to 25%
as temperatures drop from 23oC to 4oC. This is thought to be influenced by state transitions, and PSI
fluorescence. This shows that the instrument can be used for plant stress measurement, but it also shows
that for direct chlorophyll content comparison measurement applications, temperature differences should
be considered when comparing samples.
When using the CCM-300 with white pine needles, the measured ratio was 1.72 at 20oC using an average
of ten measurements. At 3oC, the measurements dropped to 1.68 with an average of ten measurements
(data not shown).
Fluorescence emission signal strength:
It has been found that measurement variation is effected by fluorescence emission signal strength. A
special signal strength color gauge is provided on the bottom of the measuring screen. If the signal is in
the green range the variation is less, and if it is in the yellow range it is more. Samples with lower signal
strength such as individual white pine needles may require multiple measurements and measurement
averaging to provide the most reliable results.
Yellow signal range Green signal range
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GFPIII operation manual Opti-Sciences, Inc.
Graph of variation due to fluorescence emission signal strength
Each sample was measured 30 times at the same location. Samples with greater variation require an
average of multiple measurements for the best results. For this reason, measuring options are included to
provide averaging from 2 to 30 measurements, or averaging with outlier removal beyond 2 sigma, or
median determination.
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GFPIII operation manual Opti-Sciences, Inc.
The CCM-300 with leaf clip
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Because chlorophyll content can be measured
from a single side with this method, the
opportunity to measure difficult samples now exists. This nondestructive method can be used to measure
chlorophyll content of algae on rocks, of lichens, of cactus, of fruit, of seeds, and of moss. Because the
aperture does not need to be filled, small samples such as turf grasses, rice, and Arabidopsis can be
measured, and because the method uses ratio fluorescence, difficult shapes can be measured such as
conifer leaves.
References:
Gitelson A. A., Buschmann C., Lichtenthaler H. K. (1999) “The Chlorophyll Fluorescence Ratio
F735/F700 as an Accurate Measure of Chlorophyll Content in Plants” Remote Sens. Enviro. 69:296-302
(1999)
Buschmann C. (2007)” Variability and application of the chlorophyll fluorescence emission ratio red/far-
red of leaves.” Photosynthesis Res.(2007) 92:261-271

GFPIII operation manual Opti-Sciences, Inc.
Setup Mode
After assembling the instrument, go to the Setup mode to set the time and date stamp for all
measurements. Use your finger or the stylus to tap the +or –boxes to set the date and time.
The Auto – Off Time feature is preset to 20 minutes. This is a battery saving feature that turns off the
instrument if a button or box has not been tapped for the period selected. It is adjustable from 5 minutes to
20 minutes.
The horn icon contains the controls for the beeper and auto-off feature. Tapping the speaker icon will
toggle the beep tone on/off.
The Calibrate Screen button will adjust the touch panel. The screen is pre-calibrated. A calibration is
only needed if a key location and its active press area do not coincide. This may be most apparent
when entering in file names using the on screen keyboard. Should pressing a key consistently result in the
selection of an adjacent key, then a calibration may be necessary. With normal use this should not occur.
Changes in this screen are automatically saved.
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GFPIII operation manual Opti-Sciences, Inc.
Measurement Mode
Measure is for measuring samples. Go to the setup mode and adjust the time and date before using the
measuring mode.
In the measuring mode, a few parameters should to be setup before measuring begins.
First, a data file should be selected, or created.
1. The file name is shown in the Save Name: box. Tap on this box to change the file name. A pop up will
appear with three choices, Create (to create a new file), Cancel (cancel) and Open (appends data to an
existing file). File names are restricted to 1-8 characters. The default extension “.CSV” (comma separated
value) is used with the chosen name. This name will become the default name until it is changed again.
2. Set the averaging function to the desired method and quantity. In the Averaging: box, tap on this box
to make changes. A new box will appear with arrow and quantities. Tap the arrows to scroll through the
options. The options include off for single point measurements, Tot Ave that provides an average value
for the number of measurements selected from two to thirty. The number can be changed by tapping the
number shown in the box. Std Dev is a method that provides an average of the number of measurements
selected and removes outlining measurements beyond a 2 sigma standard deviation. This method works
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GFPIII operation manual Opti-Sciences, Inc.
using five to thirty measurements. Median is the final option. Here, measurements from two to thirty can
be selected and the Median is reported after the measurements are taken.
For most applications, the instrument is now ready to make measurements.
Other options include the ability to change the Gitelson chlorophyll content equation for direct readout in
chlorophyll content values. The Equation worked for Elm, Beech, and Wild Vine. However, this option
provides maximum flexibility in case researchers want to make adjustments for other species. These
values can be changed by tapping the Chl+CFRx windows.
The Gitelson equation used is Chlorophyll in mg m-2 = 634*F735/F700 +391 from Gitleson (1999). For
more information see the Gitelson (1999) paper.
You are now ready to make measurements.
For measurements with the leaf clip:
Place the end of the fiber optic completely into the leaf clip and tighten the Allen screw so that it is snug.
Place the sample in such a way that it is located directly under the middle of the end of the fiber optic.
The fiber optic aperture does not have to be completely filled by the sample. Tap the Measure box.
It takes five seconds to make a measurement. The Ratio and direct chlorophyll content values are
displayed along with the sample number and the number of measurements left before an average is
reported. (This is true when one of the averaging or median modes is being used). CFR: is the ratio of
fluorescence or fluorescence emission at 735nm / 700 nm. Chl: is direct read out of chlorophyll content in
mg m-2 according to Gitelson’s equation. Pts Lft is the number of points left before an average in
displayed. The larger yellow box displays the measurements that have been made to calculate the average
value. One can scroll through the values with a finger or a stylus if larger numbers of samples are
averaged. Measurements may be deleted by tapping the Delete box.
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GFPIII operation manual Opti-Sciences, Inc.
The signal window on the bottom left corner can be very valuable. While it does not provide a chlorophyll
content indication, it does indicate combined signal measuring strength. If the blue bar is in the green
range a single measurement is probably adequate for measurement. If the signal strength is in the yellow
range, it is recommended that an average of values be used for measurement. In the lower yellow range, it
is recommended that several measurements be made, and an average value determined. The instrument
will not measure in the red range. For a more detailed look at this variable, see the graph on page eleven.
After using the instrument for a while, predicting the number of measurement required for reliable
measurement becomes easy.
For measurements without the leaf clip:
When measuring without the leaf clip, it is recommended that the user adjust the fiber optic tip so that is
close to perpendicular to the sample surface. This will help ensure repeatable results. Direct contact with
the sample surface is recommended for repeatable results. Dark adapting or light adapting do not
appreciably affect measurements. See the results on page 9 for more details.
Here again, the signal bar will help determine the number of measurements required for best results.
The signal window on the bottom left corner can be very valuable. While it does not provide a chlorophyll
content indication, it does indicate combined signal measuring strength. If the blue bar is in the green
range a single measurement is probably adequate for measurement. If the signal strength is in the yellow
range, it is recommended that an average of values be used for measurement. In the lower yellow range, it
is recommended that several measurements should be made and an average value determined. The
instrument will not measure in the red range. For a more detailed look at this variable, see the graph on
page eleven. After using the instrument for a while, predicting the number of measurement required for
reliable measurement becomes easy.
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GFPIII operation manual Opti-Sciences, Inc.
Data Management – File Utilities
Erasing a file on the instrument
Data saved on the unit may be erased or viewed from this menu. Data may be moved between the unit and
a host PC in the menu also. The unit will appear, on the pc, as a Removable Memory device if a USB
cable is connected now.
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GFPIII operation manual Opti-Sciences, Inc.
Tapping Erase a File will display a list of files that
are on the machine. The Up/Down buttons will
change color to indicate if any more data exists in
that direction. Tapping on a file name in the list box
will display a smaller window to confirm the erase
action. Once erased, a file cannot be restored.
Viewing a file on the instrument
Tapping on View a File will display a list of files stored in the instrument.
Tap on the file of interest or scroll up and down using the arrow buttons on the right hand side. When the
file of interest is found tap on the file name and the data in the file may be viewed. Detailed analysis of
data is best performed on a PC.
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GFPIII operation manual Opti-Sciences, Inc.
Diagnostics Menu
Instrument operational values are shown here. This information can be useful for checking system
functionality. In the event of trouble, the readings can be given to a service person.
The top box shows current system values. The Signal reading is a measure of the fluorescence intensity
detected. The Ref reading shows the source feedback amplitude. Batt displays the battery voltage. When
the unit has NiMH batteries installed, a voltage of less than 2.20V indicates that the charge in the battery
is almost used up. A freshly charged set should be installed before beginning a new round of
measurements. A voltage greater than 2.50V is recommended for alkaline batteries. The Temp
(temperature in degrees F) and Bias (Voltage) readings display detector environment values.
The middle box shows preprocessed signal (raw data) info and a graph of the signal value over a 1 minute
period. This information is useful in verifying proper operation of the instrument.
The bottom box provides access to system settings that can be changed for diagnostics purposes.
Current software version is displayed in the lower right corner.
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GFPIII operation manual Opti-Sciences, Inc.
Retrieving data:
The GFPIII behaves as a mobile storage device when connected to a USB equipped PC.
1. Connect the included USB cable to the instrument and a host PC.
2. Tap the File Utilities icon on the instrument. The instrument will sense the PC and display the
remote access mode screen. No special drivers are required to transfer files to a PC. Files can be
moved on and off the instrument in the same manner as with any other mobile storage device.
Attach USB cable to PC File Utilities Remote access screen is displayed
Note: Do not disconnect the instrument without
first using the eject function on the PC. Failure to
use the eject function may result in the loss of
data, and possible corruption of the CCM-300 file
system.
To use the eject function, select the device from
Windows Explorer, right mouse click, and select
eject. The instrument should beep, and display the
message; "Disconnect is successful. Unplug the
USB cable to continue." To complete the process,
unplug the USB cable from the instrument. The file
management screen will then appear.
Remote access screen
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