A Nonlinear Impact of Low Energy Laser Beam on Corn Kernel Drying

Abstract

This paper describes the investigation of low power laser beam application to corn kernels using kernel moisture as a control parameter. Kernel moisture was measured according to HRN ISO 6540:2002 procedure. Two red laser sources of 100mW and 200mW, λ= 632nm, were used in experiments, both with different exposure time. The power density of laser beam was in range from 0.5mJ/cm2 to 20mJ/cm2. Corn kernels were humidified in seven grades: between 15% and 31% of kernel moisture. All groups of corn kernels were exposed to laser beam for four different exposition times. After laser beam treatment corn kernels moisture was determined by the same HRN ISO 6540:2002 procedure. Obtained results exhibit a high nonlinearity effect giving unexpected increase in moisture for 0.62 % for specific initial moisture and for specific exposition time. Also, the decrease of moisture for 0.5 % was observed for specific lower initial moisture and specific exposure time. The effects are now under further cross-examinations.