A near infrared (NIR) instrument based on the Frequency Domain Photon Migration (FDPM) concept is applied to the analysis of cheese. This instrument is unique because it can quantitatively determine the wavelength-dependence of material adsorption and scattering in a single measure Quantitative measurements of absorption and scattering will be performed on cheese using a high bandwidth, multiwavelength, diode-laser-based FDPM instrument. Scattering and absorption measurements will be correlated to concentrations of fat, protein, lactose, solids-not-fat, and moisture. These studies will provide essential design information on modulation frequencies and optical wavelengths (diode lasers) for developing a portable instrument specifically dedicated to the analysis of cheese products and processing.Applications:This instrument will be useful in applications requiring sensitive, portable, non-invasive, and rapid evaluation of agricultural commodities. Immediate application of FDPM technology includes the detection of fat, protein, lactose, solids-not-fat, and moisture in the cheese industry. Future versions of FDPM instrumentation could be used in the analysis of a broad variety of agricultural products, including meats, grains, fish, poultry, fruits, and beverages.
