Assessment of variations in moisture content of wood using time-resolved diffuse optical spectroscopy

Appl Opt. 2009 Feb 1;48(4):B87-93. doi: 10.1364/ao.48.000b87.

Abstract

Time-resolved spectroscopy using a pulsed supercontinuum source was employed for the assessment of moisture content (MC) in dry wood. The MC of wood at different relative humidities between 94% and 12% has been monitored. Following curve fitting, absorption spectra between 700 and 1100 nm of samples suggest that differences in the MC of wood are appreciable at around 970 nm. Further, dynamic changes in MC were simulated following a change in relative humidity. Differences in absorption spectra with changes in MC of around 1% can be detected. Various applications of the technique are suggested.