CIRAS-3 Operation Manual V. 1.09  77  support@ppsystems.com 
 
Control Type 
(Available options are 
dependent on PLC3 
type) 
Leaf Temperature.  There are several options by which to control the 
temperature in the leaf chamber, temperature can be held fixed or allowed to 
vary with ambient depending on experimental objectives.  Leaf temperatures 
allow fixed inputs in 1 °C increments.  Select Leaf temperature to hold the leaf 
at a fixed temperature that you enter under “Set Temperature” (see below).   
Track leaf to ambient allows the leaf temperature to follow ambient 
temperature, as measured by the cuvette’s handle-mounted thermistor sensor.   
Cuvette temperature is used to control the air in the cuvette at a fixed 
temperature that you enter under “Set Temperature” (see below).   
Track cuvette to ambient allows the cuvette temperature to follow air 
temperature, as measured by the cuvette’s handle-mounted sensor.   
Disable temperature control is intended mainly for diagnostic purposes but 
can also be used for field measurements if required.  This option is not 
recommended for conditions that include high ambient temperature and/or high 
light intensities as it will cause the cuvette to heat up. 
(Available options are 
dependent on PLC3 
type) 
Available if Temperature Sensor Control Type is set to control Leaf 
Temperature or Cuvette Temperature. Enter a temperature value that is 
between ~10 °C below ambient to 15 °C above ambient.  The absolute control 
range is between 0-45 °C.  Ability to control at a stable temperature will depend 
on whether you are operating the system from AC power or battery, the charge 
state of the internal battery(s) and the following: 
1.  Leaf transpiration in the cuvette 
2.  Light (incident radiation) 
3.  Size and construction of the PLC window 
The default value will be based on your Accessory selection in the Settings 
dialog.  Enter known measured leaf areas if your leaf sample completely fills the 
PLC3 Universal cuvette window or if you and you have pre-determined the leaf 
area exposed in the chamber.  Enter a lower estimate (as compared to the 
window size) if you don’t know the true leaf area of your sample.  All 
calculations are based on leaf area so if you don’t know the actual leaf area at 
time of measurement, you will need to perform leaf area analysis at the 
conclusion of measurements and have the data recalculated.  PP Systems can 
supply a simple CIRAS-3 Excel
®
 spreadsheet program for recalculation of 
results. 
Resistance 
This value is determined at the factory prior to shipment and the value noted on 
the PLC3 “Tested” label on your leaf cuvette.  In future this will also be available 
in software.  Users should measure the boundary layer when changing out the 
PLC3 Universal window as this value will vary from window to window. See 
Boundary Layer Determination (rb) on page 197.