Single-handedly revolutionizing your data-collection workflow
Quickly & non-destructively gather key leaf area measurements on even the longest leaves with the Handheld Laser Leaf Area Meter.
Forestry & environmental applications
Taking measurements non-destructively, the CI-203 allows forestry and climate researchers to collect essential data without disturbing the environments they study.Crop research & agronomy
Agronomists optimize crop production using leaf area measurements to track crop health in response to environmental and nutrition changes.Plant physiology
Agronomists optimize crop production using leaf area measurements to track crop health in response to environmental and nutrition changes.


One-touch data in the palm of your hand
The super light-weight Handheld Laser Leaf Area Meter yields 7 measurement parameters in a single sweep of the wand, as well as GPS tagging for precise measurement location tracking.

Durable and field-ready
Highly durable, super light-weight frame enables users to confidently use the instrument in field conditions.
Intuitive design
Intuitive wand-style design makes data collection quick and easy for any user.
Instant scan verification
On-board graphic LCD display instantaneously renders leaf area outline for real- time scan verification.
Easy location tracking
Internal GPS tagging for consistent, traceable measurements.
Virtually unlimited storage
Included removable SD card allows for virtually unlimited storage and easy data transfer.
More than 540+ published
research papers
using leaf area measurement
Request a live demonstration
Fast, intuitive leaf area measurement





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Does this product come with a warranty?
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All CID instruments come with a 12-month warranty from the point of sale. The warranty covers repairing and replacing defective parts of the instrument that were manufactured directly by CID Bio-Science. The warranty does not cover wear and tear, neglect, misuse, accident, or excessive deterioration. Further, repair and alteration by an unauthorized party voids the warranty. More information can be found in the operation manual of your instrument.
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Is the CI-203 waterproof?
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The CI-203 is not designed to be waterproof and should not be used underwater. The CI-203 is designed to be water-resistant. Use in light rain is fine, however, there are electronics that can be damaged from water entering the instrument, so it is not recommended to use the CI-203 during heavy rainfall. Furthermore, it should be noted that the tablet provided with the CI-203 is not waterproof and a waterproof case would need to be purchased for use in wet conditions.
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What are the acceptable operating temperatures of this product?
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The CI-203 can be reliably operated in temperatures from 0 to 50° C. For temperatures outside this range, please consult with our application science team.
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What different types of researchers use the Handheld Laser Leaf Area Meter?
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Plant physiology, forestry, environmental, and crop researchers all benefit enormously from the metrics that the Handheld Laser Leaf Area Meter provides.
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How much does the device weigh?
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The Handheld Laser Leaf Area Meter weighs 975 g.
Have additional questions?
Click the link below to speak with one of our staff scientists about your specific application.
Specifications
Measuring Thickness | 1.4 cm maximum | |
Measuring Width | 15 cm maximum | |
Measuring Length | 300 cm maximum | |
Resolution | 0.01 cm2 | |
Accuracy | ±1% for samples >10 cm² | |
Interface | USB 2.0 | |
Scanner | 670 nm | |
Dimensions | 35.5L x 4.5W x5H cm |
Weight | 975 g | |
Display | Transflective graphic | |
Scanning Speed | 200 mm/second | |
Battery | 7.2 volt rechargeable NiMH | |
Battery Capacity | Over 250 scans per charge | |
Operating Temperature | 0-50° C | |
Data Storage | 16 GB SD card |
Theory of operation
The CI-203 collects length, width, perimeter, and area measurements directly using a combination of a sweeping laser beam and an optical motion sensor. Once activated, the device sends a low energy laser beam across the laser window 500 times per second at a rate of 150 m/s. As the user moves the CI-203 wand down the leaf, an optical sensor records the motion, and the onboard processing unit collects the data. Each laser sweep uses the optical sensor data to correctly accumulate the area and perimeter measurements. When the optical sensor detects that vertical motion has stopped, the laser subsystem stops taking measurements and the processing unit computes and posts the final results.
The perimeter increment is calculated and added to the perimeter accumulator. The perimeter increment is calculated using the function:
Computing Ratio and Shape Factor
Aspect ratio and shape factor information are calculated from the measurements collected by the CI-203. The calculations used are shown below.
Aspect ratio is the ratio of the leaf length to its maximum width:
Shape factor is the ratio of the leaf area to the leaf perimeter, corrected so that the shape factor of a circle is equal to 1:
Get to know the CI-203 Handheld Laser Leaf Area Meter
The CI-203 Handheld Laser Leaf Area Meter is a highly portable laser scanner ideal for rapid and non-destructive leaf area measurement in any location.
Rapid and non-destructive leaf area data capture
Single-handed operation and virtually unlimited data storage make the CI-203 perfect for the field or the lab.
Conveyor Attachment
For measuring large numbers of detached leaves with the CI-203 Handheld Laser Leaf Area Meter, the conveyor automatically flattens curled leaves to provide precise measurements.

CI-203CA Conveyor Attachment
Measure large numbers of detached leaves rapidly by inserting the CI-203 Handheld Laser Leaf Area Meter into the CI-203CA Conveyor Attachment. The combined unit will execute the leaf measurements and data will be displayed and stored on the CI-203 for later analysis. Samples are fed between two glass rollers for speedy scanning, eliminating the need for high-maintenance plastic belts.
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