Simplified, automated systems
LI-COR gas analyzers, instrument platforms, and software simplify the eddy covariance method, making it more accessible to an expanding range of applications and research areas. Our systems are straightforward, flexible, and can be customized from a single-analyzer setup to advanced systems that measure methane flux and biological and meteorological variables.
Three-gas system, low power requirements
Featuring the most trustworthy gas analyzers available, LI-COR eddy covariance systems measure CO2, H2O, CH4, and energy flux with as little as 12 watts in ideal conditions. Open path CO2, enclosed path CO2, and any combination with CH4 require less power than any other system on the market. Solar power systems – designed to LI-COR specifications – can power the system wherever it’s deployed.
Global standard for eddy covariance research
LI-COR systems are the global standard chosen by major flux networks—including AmeriFlux, AsiaFlux, ChinaFLUX, Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN), Cold and Arid Regions Network (CARN), Integrated Carbon Observatory System (ICOS), and National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON).
Reliable data collection
Every aspect of a LI-COR eddy covariance system is designed with reliable data collection in mind.
Omnidirectional instrument positioning
The analyzer and sonic anemometer configuration of LI-COR instrument platforms allows for reliable measurements from nearly any wind direction.
Temperature-regulated optical components
LI-COR analyzer optics are temperature regulated, mitigating signal drift with changing ambient temperatures.
Ability to Integrate multiple sonic anemometer models
To meet diverse research needs, LI-COR systems can be configured with more than 10 digital anemometer models from different manufacturers.
Streamlined data analysis
Data from LI-COR instruments are optimized for processing using EddyPro® Software and the SmartFlux® System.
Minimized flow distortion
Fluxes are computed by partitioning the total air flow measured by the anemometer into three wind components. If air flow is disrupted near the anemometer, flow distortion errors can occur. Since there is no correction algorithm for this, it is critical to choose a gas analyzer and anemometer system that minimizes or eliminates this issue.
Sensor separation with LI-COR instrument models mitigates the distortion of air flow through the sonic anemometer that is found in co-located configurations.
LI-COR advantages
LI-COR eddy covariance systems are designed for reliable data collection.
Key Feature | The LI-COR Advantage |
---|---|
Omnidirectional instrument positioning | The analyzer and sonic anemometer configuration of LI-COR instrument platforms allows for reliable data collection from nearly any wind direction. |
Instruments separated to reduce flow distortion | Sensor separation in LI-COR instruments mitigates the distortion of air flow through the sonic anemometer that is found in co-located instruments. |
Ability to integrate multiple sonic anemometer models | LI-COR systems can be configured with more than 10 digital anemometer models from different manufacturers. |
Streamlined data analysis | Data from LI-COR instruments are optimized for processing with EddyPro Software and the SmartFlux System. |
Field-proven gas analyzers
Featuring the most trustworthy gas analyzers available, LI-COR systems include technology that has been chosen as the global standard by major flux networks. Testing by these networks has proven that our gas analyzers are the most stable and precise, offering superior gas measurements (mol fraction and density) in eddy covariance systems.
Fast, accurate measurements
With a complete LI-COR eddy covariance system, observations accurately reflect differences in ecosystem-level gas exchange. Your results can be reliably interpreted, and you can submit data that are free of introduced bias from non-standard instruments or processing methods.
With careful optical and electronic design, the performance of LI-COR analyzers is consistent with theoretical expectations. Full calibration details are provided with every instrument.
Deploy anywhere
LI-COR gas analyzers provide dependable, stable gas concentration measurements over a full temperature range.
The open path LI-7500DS and LI-7700 and enclosed path LI-7200RS analyzers are designed for challenging outdoor environments. Key optical components are actively temperature regulated, and electronics are stable over a wide temperature range.
High-speed LI-COR gas analyzers have the lowest power requirements of any comparable analyzer. They accommodate a variety of sonic anemometers and mounting structures for proven performance and reliable data.
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CO2 Absorption/kPa
CO2 Density (mmol/m3)/kPa The typical performance of LI-COR gas analyzers over a range of temperatures and CO2 densities.

Photo Credit: Alfred-Wegener Institut/Lianna Nixon, University of Colorado Boulder (CC-BY 4.0)
LI-COR advantages
LI-COR gas analyzers are designed for reliable data collection in challenging environments.
Key Feature | The LI-COR Advantage |
---|---|
Temperature-regulated optical components | LI-COR analyzer optics are temperature regulated, mitigating signal drift from changing ambient temperatures. |
Low power requirements | The LI-7500DS draws only 4 W of power—the lowest of comparable analyzers—and is ideal for remote deployment. |
Zoom in on the ecosystem
To explore what drives eddy covariance flux results, zoom in to light, plants, and soil. Eddy covariance research can be further informed by integrating data from smaller scale measurements such as leaf area index, leaf level processes, soil gas flux, trace gases, and light architecture. Learn more about LI-COR ecosystem monitoring solutions.
Reliable data processing on-site
LI-COR eddy covariance systems are the only systems that provide accurate, fully processed, and corrected results on-site as data are collected. With automated flux computation, processing, and optimization, you get dependable data in real time with EddyPro® Software on your computer and the SmartFlux® System, and online with FluxSuite® Software.
