[Nondestructive evaluation of wheat quality using terahertz time domain spectroscopy]

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Spectroscopy
• Material Science

Background:

• Wheat quality assessment is crucial for agricultural production and food security.
• Current methods for detecting wheat deterioration can be destructive or time-consuming.
• Developing rapid, non-destructive techniques for quality control is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) for evaluating wheat kernel quality.
• To analyze the spectral properties of wheat kernels with varying degrees of deterioration.
• To establish correlations between optical parameters and wheat quality indicators.

Main Methods:

• Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) was applied to analyze wheat kernels.
• Wheat samples included normal, worm-eaten, moldy, and sprouting kernels.
• Optical parameters, including absorption coefficient and refractive index, were calculated in the 0.2-1.6 THz range.

Main Results:

• Distinct differences in absorption coefficients and refractive indices were observed among wheat samples of different deterioration levels.
• The absorption coefficient of normal wheat was significantly higher than that of deteriorated samples.
• Refractive index showed an increasing trend with increasing frequency.

Conclusions:

• THz-TDS is a viable and promising non-destructive method for assessing wheat kernel quality.
• The technique can differentiate between various types and degrees of wheat deterioration.
• This study provides a foundation for implementing THz-TDS in stored-grain quality analysis and control.