USDA Harvests Headwall's Spectral Imaging Instruments

Headwall Photonics, manufacturer of imaging spectrometers and spectral instrumentation for industrial, commercial and government markets, has announced the formation of a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with the USDA agricultural research service to develop and deploy spectral imaging solutions for in-line processing of poultry, fruit, vegetables and other food products. Headwall, located in Fitchburg, Mass., was selected to develop these top-priority instruments for food processing and food safety applications, which are viewed as strategic technology areas for the USDA. Headwall's Hyperspec imaging sensors have already been deployed for in-line evaluation of poultry wholesomeness. This critical application requires exceptional imaging performance, both spatially and spectrally, in a high-throughput environment where 150 birds per minute are inspected on the processing line. The Hyperspec and Raman Explorer imaging platforms provide the spectral capabilities necessary to provide in-line processing for high-volume inspection of agricultural and food products and for other processing industries. Headwall's spectral imaging sensors can be tuned for the detection of various materials, additives or contaminants.