Selective laser broiling of Atlantic salmon

Abstract

Selective laser broiling is a novel food processing technique that utilizes a 2-axis mirror galvanometer system to direct laser power to cook raw food. Unlike conventional cooking processes, laser cooking benefits from the high spatial and temporal precision of power delivery. In this investigation, we use a trochoidal scanning pattern to optimize the cooking of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), which is used as a model food system. We vary geometry of the trochoidal cooking pattern (circle diameter, circle density, and period) as well as the heat flux (2.71 MW/m2 and 0.73 MW/m2) and power (2 W and 5 W) of the blue laser and measure the internal temperature and depth of heat penetration via color analysis. Heat generated by blue laser operating at 445 nm has a thermal penetration depth nearing 2 mm in salmon and provide sufficient protein denaturation for cooking thin food layers. We achieve food safe cooking temperatures (>62.8 °C) in the salmon fillets and desirable color and textural changes through the use of high speeds and repetitive exposure. Ultimately, the goal of this study is to explore laser cooking of meat with an eye to applications both in food printing as well as an augmentation of conventional oven cooking.