GlowTracka bioluminescence sensor

Detect bioluminescence from dinoflagellates and similar organisms with the Glowtracka bioluminometer. Originally developed by Plymouth Marine Laboratory in the UK, Glowtracka is a robust and sensitive detector primarily used for the assessment of bioluminescent algae within the marine environment.
GlowTracka’s precision flow meter stimulates bioluminescent organisms – principally dinoflagellates. The instrument measures the light flashes as the organisms pass the detector, giving photon level sensitivity. GlowTracka is highly flexible in its deployment options, including moorings, profiling (with pumped system) or deployment in towed vehicles.

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Measure bioluminescence for ocean research, harmful algal bloom tracking and biomass studies

GlowTracka Overview

Detect bioluminescence from dinoflagellates and similar organisms with the Glowtracka bioluminometer.

Originally developed by Plymouth Marine Laboratory in the UK, Glowtracka is a robust and sensitive detector primarily used for the assessment of bioluminescent algae within the marine environment.

GlowTracka’s precision flow meter stimulates bioluminescent organisms – principally dinoflagellates. The instrument measures the light flashes as the organisms pass the detector, giving photon level sensitivity.

GlowTracka is highly flexible in its deployment options, including moorings, profiling (with pumped system) or deployment in towed vehicles.

GlowTracka Features

GlowTracka Features

  • Highly sensitive bioluminometer
  • Small and rugged for ease of integration within wider systems
  • Low power consumption
  • Precision flow sensor included

GlowTracka Applications

  • Biomass studies
  • Bioluminescent species abundance
  • Harmful algal bloom detection
  • Toxic algae bloom tracking

GlowTracka Specifications

Type Flow-through (28 mm internal pipe diameter)
Optical viewing Transverse to flow
Detector Photodiode (100 sq mm)
Irradiance detectivity 10 picowatt at 560nm over z.f. -50Hz (-3dB)
Relative responsivity 400nm: x0.4; 600 nm: x1.1; 700 nm: x 1.3 (n )
Power requirement 6 to 25 V (40 mA at 12 V nominal); fully insulated from all outputs via DC-DC converter
Grounding All circuitry DC isolated from chassis
Signal outputs All 1 Volt full-scale, 0.5-ohm source resistance, > 10 kilohm load, (z.f. -50Hz)
Flow meter input Zero-crossing required, from +/-5 mV to +/- 100 V; 500 Hz full-scale, other scalings as factory option
Depth capability 1000 m
Dimensions Ø 112.5 mm; 152 mm length
Weight (approx.) 2.4 kg in air
Connector Impulse LPMIL-4 FS

Flow Meter

Flow speed range 68 to 680 LPM
Internal diameter 38 mm
Size 60 x 12 x 12 mm
Output Sine wave output proportional to flow rate. 30 mV peak/peak at 10% flow range.1000Hz at fall flow

GlowTracka References

Real-time monitoring of nutrient concentrations and red-tide outbreaks in the southern sea of Korea
G Kim, Y Lee, D Joung, K Kim & K Kim. 2006. Geophysical Research Letters 33(13)
Stimulated bioluminescence as an early indicator of bloom development of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium ostenfeldii
A. Tortorec, P. Hakanen, A. Kremp, J Olsson, A Suikkanen & S Simis. 2014. Journal of Plankton Research 36(2).
In situ measurements of bioluminescence response of Gonyaulax spinifera to various mechanical stimuli
Vishal, C.R., Parvathi, A., Anil, P. et al. 2021. Aquatic Ecology 55, 437-451
Diversity of luciferase sequences and bioluminescence production in Baltic Sea Alexandrium ostenfeldii
A. Tortorec, P. Tahvanainen, A. Kremp, & S Simis. 2016. European Journel of Phycology 51(3).

GlowTracka Applications

GlowTracka Downloads

GlowTracka Training, Service and Support

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