Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello,
I made an arduino light sensor using TSL2561 sensor, which measures 0.1 - 40,000+ lux range of light, to measure the bioluminescence of dinogellates, pyrocystis fusiformis.
Would this light sensor be able to measure the illuminance of these dinoflagellates because they emit small amount of light?
I also read something about changing the range of the sensor (it was for a different sensor), but I am not sure how that would change anything.

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Stacy

Hi Stacy,

Congratulations on making the luminometer! Excellent work.

Here is a research paper that reports the photons/sec emitted by dinoflagellates:

https://mediatum.ub.tum.de/doc/1169250/1169250.pdf

Your luminomete shouldr be sensitive enough to measure the light emitted by your sample, but you will need to try it out to verify results. It is always possible that a sample will emit light that will be below the detection limit of your device. If

Are you going to use your detector for an experiment? Please post again if you have any other questions.

Donna Hardy