Optimizing Near-Infrared Wavelength for Fruit Quality Optical-Based Assessment Using Monte Carlo Simulation

In fruit quality testing, non-destructive fruit quality assessment methods based on optical characteristics have become more popular. However, due to the complexity of light propagation in multi-layered food tissue, the optical evaluation of food quality faces many challenges. Light transmission through opaque tissues, such as fruit, is a complicated process that involves photon absorption and scattering. Therefore, understanding optical characteristics is necessary to comprehend the light-tissue interaction better or enhance non-destructive assessment methods. The Monte Carlo simulation (MC)-based light propagation model is a particular and valuable method for acquiring a better understanding of the interaction between tissue and light. This study simulates the light propagation in apples at the 500–1000 nm wavelength using the Monte Carlo simulation. In this study, the simulation model is in the form of a 3D spherical model. The light source is placed at a certain distance from the sample’s surface. The light propagation in the apple tissue model has been simulated using the Molecular Optical Simulation Environment (MOSE) software to select the appropriate wavelength in use to evaluate food quality in experiments and optimize the reflected signal’s position receiver. As a result, the 700–900 nm wavelength offers high potential in food quality assessment. At 750 nm, the diffuse reflectance spectral band has the best reflectivity. This research uses MOSE software to investigate light propagation in a sphere model based on the Monte Carlo simulation. The result proves that the reflection mode has the advantage over the transmission mode in the optical-based food quality assessment. Especially in Apple quality assessment, the 750 nm plays a prominent role. Therefore, it is proposed to be used to develop a non-destructive optical-based food quality assessment technique.