The Optical Absorption Coefficient of Maize Seeds Investigated by Photoacoustic Spectroscopy

The knowledge about a seed’s optical parameters is of great relevance in the seed technology practice. Such parameters provide information about its absorption and reflectance, which in turn is related to its color, quality, and health condition. The objective of the present study was to determine the optical absorption coefficient β for maize seeds (Zea mays L.) by means of the photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS). Untreated seeds (I) and seeds dyed with methyl red (II) were used in this investigation. In addition, conventional reflectance measurements (obtained with the integrating sphere) were performed to validate PAS absorption measurements. The results show that the absorption spectra and reflection data of the seed samples are complementary. When used with thermally thick and optically opaque seeds, PAS may be considered as a potential diagnostic tool for the characterization of the seeds.