A low-cost and realistic noisy light system for studying photosynthesis

Unlike the light conditions commonly used to grow photosynthetic organisms in the research laboratory, the light intensity in real environments is dynamic. A simple and low-cost system is described in which a commercial dimmable LED panel is controlled to simulate a sinusoidal function representing daylight hours and overlaid with stochastic shading events. The output closely resembles light intensity measurements on Earth's surface on partly cloudy days or in lower levels of plant canopies. This tool may be useful to researchers studying photosynthetic acclimation responses.

Automated summary

Unlike laboratory conditions, real environments have dynamic light intensity. Researchers have developed a simple and affordable system that uses a commercial dimmable LED panel to simulate a sinusoidal function representing daylight hours and includes stochastic shading events. The system closely replicates light intensity measurements on Earth's surface during partly cloudy days or in lower levels of plant canopies. This tool may be valuable for researchers studying photosynthetic acclimation responses.