Non-Traditional Applications of near Infrared Spectroscopy Based on the Optical Characteristic Models for a Biological Material Having Cellular Structure

Non-destructive measurements, based on near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, on biological material with a cellular structure like wood require a non-traditional approach. We have developed new concepts to model the optical properties of a sample having cellular structure, for the illumination conditions of the spectrometer available to us. A set of optical models, which consisted of the directional characteristics models, the light-path models and the equivalent surface roughness model was proposed to clarify the behaviour of light propagation in a wood sample. Furthermore, the mean optical path length, which was derived by incorporating the nth power cosine model of radiant intensity into the diffusion process model in consideration of the parallel beam component of incident light, was calculated. By introducing the concept of equivalent sample thickness, compatible with the mean optical path length, into the Kubelka–Munk theory, generalised input/output equations for radiation were constructed. In this non-traditional application of NIR spectroscopy, these optical concepts make it possible to analyse both the physical condition and chemical composition of a biological material with a cellular structure.