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.
How UMN Researchers Are Using Minirhizotron Technology to Advance Sustainable Agriculture
In the pursuit of more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems, understanding plant root systems is just as crucial as studying their above-ground growth. Researchers at the University of Minnesota’s Sustainable Cropping Systems Lab and the Intermediate Wheatgrass Breeding Lab are leveraging cutting-edge root imaging technology to better understand the underground dynamics of intermediate wheatgrass, also… Continue reading…
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Exploring Cocoa Agroforestry: Enhancing Climate Resilience with CID Bio-Science Tools
Cocoa farming is a vital industry in West Africa, accounting for nearly 70% of the world’s cocoa production. Climate change poses significant challenges to this sector, making research into sustainable farming practices critical. Dr. Issaka Abdulai, a researcher at the University of Göttingen in Germany, has dedicated his career to understanding how cocoa agroforestry systems… Continue reading…
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Exploring the Boreal Forest: How The Ridges Sanctuary Uses the CI-110 Plant Canopy Imager for Critical Ecological Research
In the heart of Door County, Wisconsin, The Ridges Sanctuary stands as a vital steward of one of the most biodiverse regions in the Midwest. This sanctuary, the first and oldest private land trust in Wisconsin, has been preserving its land since 1937. Under its care are 1,700 acres of boreal forest, a unique paleo… Continue reading…
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The CI-710s Leaf Spectrometer: A Researcher’s Perspective
In a recent discussion with Scott Trimble, Vice President of Marketing for Felix Instruments, researchers Saroj Burlakoti and Anju Chaudhary from Utah State University shared their experiences using the CI-710s Leaf Spectrometer. The conversation highlighted the instrument’s critical role in their research, focusing on ornamental plants, water conservation, and fertilizer reduction. This article summarizes the… Continue reading…
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Comparing the Usability Between CID Bio-Science’s CI-600 Root Imager and an Inexpensive Endoscope
In the evolving field of agriculture, our tools can significantly influence the outcomes of our research and farming practices. Recently, a comparative study was undertaken to analyze the usability of the CID Bio-Science’s CI-600 Root Imager against a more budget-friendly option, the Depstech ds450 endoscope. Here, we delve into the findings presented in a poster… Continue reading…
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Challenges of Cold Stress in Rice: the Impact of Technology
A team of dedicated scientists led by Árpád Székely, Tímea Szalóki, Mihály Jancsó, János Pauk, and Csaba Lantos set out to understand the effects of cold stress on rice seedlings. The challenge was significant. Cold stress is a major factor affecting the growth and productivity of rice, a staple food for more than half of… Continue reading…
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Teaching with plant science tools
Kim Collins and her team at Northport High School have been utilizing the CI-710s SpectraVue Leaf Spectrometer to lend a modern, data-driven approach to students’ research projects. In this interview, we dive into how this technology-forward curriculum is empowering the next generation of plant science researchers and explore two unique student-led projects using Spectravue.
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Exploring root growth and development in HLB-affected citrus trees
Fifteen years of citrus greening disease (HLB) has had a devastating effect on Florida’s citrus industry, but the work of Dr. Lorenzo Rossi and his team is aiming to turn that around and making great strides using the CI-602 Narrow Gauge Root Imager.
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Bringing new crops to light by looking below ground
The CI-600 In-Situ Root Imager allows Dr. Shinsuke Agehara and his team at University of Florida to develop a holistic understanding of established and emerging crops in Florida—from the ground, up.
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Peering into plant pigmentation
Using the CI-710s SpectraVue Leaf Spectrometer, Dr. Catherine Simpson and her research team at Texas Tech University are gaining a deeper understanding of the nutritional and physiological qualities of various edible flowers and leafy vegetables over time.
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Data-driven assessment of plant response
Using the CI-340 as an integral part of their robust testing platform, Stephanie Wedryk and her team at Rx Green Technologies are able to develop groundbreaking cultivations solutions for the commercial cannabis industry.
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Modeling ecosystem functioning with precise plant data
In conjunction with LECA, PhyloAlps Project and Swiss Federal Research Institute, Amélie Saillard and her team use the CI-202 Portable Laser Leaf Area Meter to measure functional traits throughout the Alps, gathering vital information on each of the nearly 3500 alpine vegetal species.
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Designing complex orchard systems with user-focused technology
As a Senior Agronomy Scientist at Mars inc., Rany Agustina Susanti and her team extensively used the CI-110 Plant Canopy Imager in their work to improve efficiency of high productivity cacao farms using orchard intensive cropping systems.
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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
Non-destructive, single-action data collection
Simply sweep the CI-203 over a leaf to yield measurement parameters without disturbing the plant itself.
7 measurements with a single scan
One sweep yields 7 leaf area measurements: area, width, length, perimeter, shape factor, ratio, and void count.
Optional conveyor attachment
Use the conveyor attachment to achieve rapid measurements of numerous detached leaf samples.
GPS location tracking
Internal GPS tagging ensures consistent, traceable measurements allowing for repeated measurements in the same location over time.
No calibration required
Ready to use right out of the box, the CI-203 allows you to begin taking measurements immediately.
Verify scans instantly
On-board graphic LCD display instantaneously renders leaf area outline for real-time scan verification.
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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 |
| Minimum Leaf Width | 0.1cm |
| 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 | 32 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
Leaf the Graph Paper Behind: Real-Life Applications for Leaf Area Meters
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.
