CIRAS-3 Operation Manual V. 1.09  135  support@ppsystems.com 
 
Fv/Fm.  If selected, you must allow the leaf to dark adapt prior to making the 
measurement.  Enter the time (in minutes) at “Concluding Dark Adapt 
Period” and we recommend dark adapting the leaf for at least 20-30 minutes 
for best results. 
Gain.    Used to adjust the resolution of the fluorescence signal.  We 
recommend that the gain be set to a % that achieves a steady F
o
 value 
between 400-700. 
 
Modulation Level.  Modulation Level (1-4) determines the frequency of 
sample fluorescence counts.  Higher levels have better signal to noise, while 
lower levels have poor signal to noise but have no actinic effect.  For example, 
greater noise due to a lower modulating frequency can have a large effect on 
measuring the lowest two values used to arrive at an average of Fo’ under far-
red light. 
Single Pulse Measurements 
Single Pulse Duration.  The time (in seconds) for the Single Pulse Duration 
saturating light to be applied. 
 
Single Pulse Intensity.  The saturation pulse intensity (0-10000 µmol m
-2
 s
-1
). 
 
Multi-Pulse Measurements 
Multi-Pulse Duration.  The time (in seconds) for each multiple pulse duration 
saturating light to be applied. For Multi-Pulse measurements, you have up to 5 
steps but you must set at least 3 steps.  Based on our testing, we recommend 
at least one step above 3000 µmol m
-2
 s
-1 
at
 
the high end and one step below 
1500 µmol m
-2
 s
-1 
at the lower
 
end with an even distribution of light in between 
the high and low light settings. 
 
Press Accept (F2) to accept changes and return to the main Settings dialog. 
CFM-3 Controls 
There will typically be very little need to change Settings during the active session while measuring 
chlorophyll fluorescence.  However, some active controls and functions are available for sample 
calibration and to make slight adjustments prior to or during measurements.  At either the Numeric View 
or Graph View screens select Controls (F3) > CFM Control (F7).  The following selections are available: