SR16 in Science: Advancing Carbon Flux Research

How our high-intensity LED flashlight enabled precise field measurements in low-light ecosystems.

In the misty highlands of the UK, scientists from the University of York faced a critical challenge: accurately measuring carbon exchange in heather-dominated peatlands during dark, foggy seasons. Natural light limitations threatened the reliability of vital climate data—until they turned to the Imalent SR16 LED flashlight as an innovative solution.

The Challenge:
Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE) measurements track how ecosystems absorb or emit CO₂. To model carbon cycles, researchers need "light response curves" across broad light ranges. But upland peatlands endure months of near-darkness, where natural light rarely exceeds 200 μmol/m²/s—below the threshold for robust data. Previous LED solutions were bulky, power-hungry, and risked overheating chambers. Remote fieldwork demanded better.

The Imalent SR16 Solution:
In a pioneering study (published April 2024), researchers deployed the SR16 as a handheld supplementary light. Its advantages proved transformative:

    Unmatched Portability: At just 1,300g, it replaced heavy fixed-LED systems.

    Precision Spectrum: Dual peaks at 450nm and 500–650nm aligned with plant photosynthesis (Fig. 4).

    Extreme Output: Delivered up to 4,500 μmol/m²/s PAR—20× higher than ambient autumn light (Table 1).

    Zero Thermal Interference: Held 2m from chambers, it caused no temperature rise (p=0.289) vs. shaded/natural light (Fig. 6).

Outcomes:
By boosting PAR to 500–1,000 μmol/m²/s (Fig. 5), the SR16 expanded light curves beyond natural limits, revealing clearer photosynthetic patterns (Fig. 7). Critically, it enabled reliable parameter estimates for carbon modeling—even in peak fog season. As lead author Dr. Heinemeyer noted:

    “The lightweight, low-power flashlight offers a flexible solution for remote flux measurements where light is limiting.”

Why It Matters:
Peatlands store 30% of global soil carbon. This research proves that adaptable tools like the SR16 are essential to:

    1.Track climate impacts on carbon sinks.

    2.Validate ecosystem models under real-world conditions.

    3.Support conservation of vital habitats.

Learn More:
Discover the full potential of the Imalent SR16 for research, exploration, and field applications. Science needs light—we deliver it.

Imalent: Lighting the Path to Discovery.
Link to SR16 product page: https://www.imalentstore.com/products/imalent-sr16-55000-lumen-flashlight

Link to full research paper: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379487553_Application_of_a_hand-held_supplementary_light_for_extending_field-based_net_ecosystem_exchange_carbon_flux_measurements_in_low_light_conditions