Measurement of the optical properties of pork meat using steady-state diffuse reflectance hyperspectral technology

Abstract. Hyperspectral imaging technology is used in noninvasive determination of agricultural product quality. This paper is aimed to measure the optical properties of pork meat using hyperspectral imaging technology coupled with diffusion equation model. Spectral scattering image of pork meat were acquired in the spectral range of 460-900nm. According to the diffusion reflectance profiles extracted in surface of samples, the absorption and reduced scattering coefficients were determined, which depend on wavelength, and change dramatically with the freshness of meat. That light transport in pork meat tissue is scatter-dominated is validated. The absorption coefficient μ_a varied from 0.083-0.654 cm^-1, while the scattering coefficient μ_s‘ from 5.938-15.146 cm^-1. The absorption coefficient spectra were featured by Chromophore (hemoglobin). To understand light penetration in turbid tissue, pork tissue samples were considered semi-infinite media, and Monte Carlo model was applied to simulate light penetration features in pork tissue. Using the optical properties of pork tissue measured by spatially resolved hyperspectral imaging system, light penetration depth was determined, at which the light intensity is reduced by a factor of 1/e. Most penetration depth over the spectral range of 460-900nm was between 0.3-0.7cm. This research provided a theoretical basis for designing of optical detection device further.