Feasibility study of using laser technology for calibrating orchard sprayer machinery. First results

The paper reports the first results pertinent to a complex experimental-theoretical study aimed at setting up an instrument, based on laser technology, which should be able to easily calibrate the orchard sprayer machinery. Therefore, first a brief analysis concerning the scattering produced by the droplets produced by the sprayer machine crossing a laser beam and the Mie theory has been carried out. The experimental tests, performed with an ad-hoc laser test-bench, allowed the direct measurement of the intensity of the laser beam, which re-emerged from the aerosol after passing through it. The test provided indications on the optimal way to record the scattered radiation. In agreement with these indications, additional evaluations are coming on to set up a novel measurement technique for the calibration of orchard sprayer machinery.