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Xenon (Xe) is a noble gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is an inert gas and is often used in lighting applications because it gives off a full spectrum of light when charged with electricity.
Pulsed Xenon is a type of lighting that utilizes a flash tube, called the Photon Xenon Strobe, which produces short, intense bursts of light at a rate of about 80 flashes per minute. These flashes are optimized for plant growth and can be used in indoor and greenhouse environments.
Photons are elementary particles that make up electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light. They have energy that is measured in Joules and are measured in nanometers (nm).
The light spectrum is the range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation and their respective wavelengths and photon energies. As seen by human eyes, the visual light ranges from violet at 400 nm to red at 700 nm. Infrared wavelengths range on the high side above 700 nm (called far red) and up. Ultraviolet wavelengths are on the low side, starting at 400 nm down to 200 nm.
The quality of the light spectrum from Pulsed Xenon can vary depending on the specific system used. However, Pulsed Xenon is known for producing a full spectrum of light that closely mimics natural sunlight.
Click here to view the PhotonFlux light spectrum chart.
Light energy or luminous energy is the quantity of light striking the leaves. Radiant energy or Flux is the rate of flow of electromagnetic energy waves. The PhotonFlux™ Strobe produces a broad spectrum of electromagnetic waves at a stronger intensity
Pulsed Xenon is often preferred over LED lighting for plant growth because it produces a broad spectrum of light that more closely mimics natural sunlight. LEDs, on the other hand, rely on specialized internal phosphorescent coatings to provide a limited range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation within the light spectrum.
LEDs are limited by the types of minerals that phosphor to have a full spectrum of light, which can limit their ability to mimic natural sunlight. They are also limited in the number of lumens produced because they must increase the number of LED lights to increase the output of light.
The PhotonFlux Strobe is different from other strobe lights because it has been developed specifically for agriculture and uses specialized components that do not rely on legacy technology. Specific electronics, strobe tubes, lenses, and reflectors are manufactured exclusively by one of the US’s leading strobe light manufacturers, ensuring quality control and bulb longevity for maximum results for the end-user.
Yes, the PhotonFlux Strobe produces light flashes that are optimized for plant growth. The patented process flashes at a rate of 150/1,000,000 of a second, providing a broad spectrum of light at an intensity that penetrates the canopy strata and deeply into the leaf. Additionally, the flash cycle allows the light to cool, producing less heat to the plants than LED or HPS lighting systems.
The PhotonFlux Strobe simulates the natural phenomenon of sunfleck, which occur naturally in the plant canopy. The multiple fixtures operating at random nearby within the greenhouse multiply the sunfleck effect.
The PhotonFlux Strobe’s patented process does not use power between flashes. It only consumes wattage because, during the “off” period, it stores the electric energy in a capacitor, which is used to flash the tube. Unlike other systems, it does not use a constant flow of power to run.
Based on 80% utilization of space, 48 PhotonFlux lights would be needed. This would require 2–20-amp circuits, each having 24 lights.
PhotonFlux Strobes are ideal for use with solar panels. FireFly-One™ provides solar kits for greenhouses. Using PhotonFlux lights results in a much smaller carbon footprint due to the lower load requirements. Both the lighting and the solar systems each qualify for many green-initiative programs with stimulus funding. Contact FireFly-One for more information.
