PASCO light sensors provide students with an accessible method for visualizing real-time light data in a variety of forms. Whether you’re looking to study ambient light, diffractions, or atomic spectra, this page will help you find an affordable light sensor for your applications.

PASCO Sensor PASCO Interface Purpose
ScienceWorkshop Light Sensor 550/850 interfaces or legacy 500/750 interfaces
  • Higher sample rates up to 10 MHz (depends on interface)
  • Good for measuring the AC fluctuation of fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs
ScienceWorkshop High Sensitivity 550/850 interfaces or legacy 500/750 interfaces
  • Higher sample rates up to 10 MHz (depends on interface)
  • Good for diffraction and atomic spectra
Wireless Light & Color No interface required
  • Bluetooth 4.0 required
  • Good for light level experiments and color detection
  • Maximum Sample rate: 2 Hz (ambient); 20 Hz (spot)
  • Not suitable for diffraction or atomic spectra
PASPORT High Sensitivity Sensor Any PASPORT interface, 550, or 850
  • Great dynamic range
  • Good for diffraction and atomic spectra
  • Less noise at slower sample rate
PASPORT Infrared Light Sensor Any PASPORT interface, 550, or 850
  • For a lower price, use PS-3248 and get more functionality
PASPORT Broad Spectrum Light Sensor Any PASPORT interface, 550, or 850
  • 300 to 10,000 nm range
  • Required for the blackbody experiment

Additional Resources

If you have additional questions regarding our equipment or software, contact PASCO Technical Support. We're here to help.