Lasers can be used to track ripeness in apples
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.028485
Science : Shining a laser at the surface of an apple reveals how smooth it is. According to new research, that smoothness is strongly related to how ripe the apple is. A low-powered helium–neon laser reflected off the surface has a grainy pattern in which the grains shrink as the apple ripens. The researchers believe the change is caused by the increased cellular activity that occurs during ripening. Comparing the size of the grains with the rate of release of ethylene gas, which peaks when the apple is most ripe, revealed that the grains were smallest at the same time that the most gas was released. The monitoring technique could provide a noninvasive, nondestructive method for farmers to determine when best to harvest their apples.
