Laser moisture meter for clay

This work describes the development of an optical sensor for measuring the moisture level of clay, during building material production. The measurement principle is well-know: optical reflection meter at different wavelength in the infrared region. The aim of this research is the design of a low-cost compact sensor, realized without moving parts or optical filter, by means of a couple of telecommunications lasers at 1300 nm and 1550 nm. Custom low-noise electronics allows rejecting ambient light disturbances and digital processing makes the system independent of the clay distance.