Automatic scanning of multiple leaf chambers for gas exchange measurements

An automatic computer-driven system was developed for scanning and logging gas exchange parameters from a number of steady state leaf cuvettes. Under control of an interface board, an air stream loop is sequentially connected between the individual leaf being scanned and the sensors, to allow the measurement of the properties of the air entering and exiting the cuvette. All the other leaves are kept under steady state conditions. The measured parameters may be monitored in real time in numerical and graphical forms and mean values output to disk at preset intervals.