Comparison of Focal Plane Array FTIR Pixel Binning Size for the Nondestructive Determination of Cotton Fiber Maturity Distributions

The current study further examines the use of a Focal-Plane Array (FPA) imaging system for making maturity determinations in small cotton fiber bundles. The pixel array in the system was adjusted to examine similar to 140 points per sample, an improvement over a previous study that examined similar to 36 points per sample. A linear regression comparing FPA and Cottonscope maturity determination for 30 cotton samples produced an R-2 value of 0.96, suggesting a strong correlation between both sets of determinations. Additionally, Gaussian fits for maturity histograms included similar to 560 sampling points per sample and mirrored maturity distributions observed with the Cottonscope. Measurements were quick, required a small amount of fiber and were not destructive to the sample. A bias examination of the 140 pixels across four calibration cottons suggests little recurring bias for most of the pixels, an indication that the observed sample variability is inherent to the sample. Taken together, these results support the use of the FPA IR system for the non-destructive examination and imaging of cotton maturity distributions.

Automated summary

The study explores the use of a Focal-Plane Array (FPA) imaging system for determining maturity in small cotton fiber bundles. The system was adjusted to examine 140 points per sample, an improvement over the previous study. Results show a strong correlation between FPA and Cottonscope maturity determinations. The FPA IR system is suitable for non-destructively examining and imaging cotton maturity distributions.