NJIT Physics Department Seminar

October 22nd, 2007, Monday

Mixing Business and Pleasure:

Applications of Terahertz Imaging and Spectroscopy to Viticulture and Enology

Prof. John Federici, NJIT

(Optics)

**** ROOM: 373 TIERNAN ****

Time: Noon-1 pm with 11:30 am tea time

Abstract

The potential of Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy and imaging for non-destructive evaluation of materials such as space shuttle foam, moisture content in grain, pharmaceuticals, liquids, condensed matter, and explosives is well documented. In this seminar, the application of Terahertz and millimeter wave (MMW) spectroscopy and imaging as a non-destructive evaluation tool to several aspects of viticulture and eonology (wine making) are discussed: (a) THz spectroscopy of trichloroanisole, the chemical most likely responsible for spoiled or "corked" wine (b) THz spectroscopy of imaging of natural cork enclosures to detect voids and defects that might effect the aging of bottled wine and (c) THz imaging as a means to estimate grape yield in a vineyard.