Near infrared spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging for non-destructive quality assessment of cereal grains

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) combines spectroscopy and imaging, providing information about the chemical properties of a material and their spatial distribution. It represents an advance of traditional Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. The present work reviews the most recent applications of NIR spectroscopy for cereal grain evaluation, then focused on the use of HSI in this field. The progress of research from ground material to whole grains and single kernels is detailed. The potential of NIR-based methods to predict protein content, sprout damage and α-amylase activity in wheat and barley is shown, in addition to assessment of quality parameters in other cereals such as rice, maize and oats, and the estimation of fungal infection. This analytical technique also offers the possibility to rapidly classify grains based on properties such as variety, geographical origin, kernel hardness, etc. Further applications of HSI are expected in the near future, for its potential for rapid single-kernel analysis

Twin-bladed microelectro mechanical systems variable optical attenuator

The design and evaluation of a microelectro mechanical systems (MEMS) based variable optical attenuator is reported. The device contains two blades, which are each driven by a separate electrostatic comb microactuator, and move independently to form a variable slit. This device has been fabricated in silicon-on-insulator material which has been back-etched. Electro-mechanical design considerations, including factors to minimise the side instability of the comb drive, are described. Finite element modelling (FEM) of the variable optical attenuator (VOA) is backed up by theoretical results, and the results from the theoretical work verify the findings from the FEM. Optical modelling of the VOA using near field diffraction theory is also reported. Experimentally, the device was driven from 0-34V DC to measure its static characteristics. For dynamic characterisation, the device was operated from 0-28 V AC and its fundamental resonant frequency was measured to be 3 kHz. Optical measurements including wavelength dependent attenuation are also presented