To ensure that every single delivery is flawless, food producers must review their goods as early as possible in the production process. This poses a challenge especially for emerging countries, as the analysis of goods in a professional laboratory is hardly affordable and suitable for everyday use and is therefore not an option for farmers and producers.

An affordable and portable solution

Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy based on Transmission Spectroscopy or Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) technique offers an affordable and user-friendly solution. These straightforward techniques enable us to design tools, which are compact, robust in handling and provide reliable measurements. Furthermore, sample preparation, consumables or reagents are not required, and a measurement is conducted within seconds. Thus, much broader and earlier control with minimal running costs is possible, reducing risks in the value chain and ultimately ensure higher food quality. 

How does it work?

Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy is a widely accepted sample characterization and quantification technique that's used regardless of the sample form (gas, liquid, paste-like or solid). The technique is used extensively in applications requiring qualitative or quantitative analysis, providing information regarding molecules and their bondings. Such information can be used to calculate concentrations or to compare chemical fingerprints of samples. The infrared spectrum of a sample is recorded by letting a beam of infrared light interact with the sample. When the frequency of the IR is the same as the vibrational frequency of a bond, absorption occurs. Examination of the light gathered at the detector reveals how much energy was absorbed at each frequency.

Read the whole application note to learn about Transmission Spectroscopy and the Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) approach.