System and method for terahertz frequency crop contamination detection and handling

A method of detecting crop contamination during a harvest operation of an agricultural harvester, the method comprising:

• receiving, by a controller, a signal from a terahertz frequency-based detector mounted to the agricultural harvester, the signal being indicative of terahertz electromagnetic radiation interacting with harvested material being harvested by the agricultural harvester while the harvested material is within the agricultural harvester;
• recalling, by the controller, terahertz characteristics from a characteristic database that relates terahertz signal characteristics with harvested material constituents;
• detecting a contaminant during the harvest operation based on the signal and the characteristic database;
• and
• selectively performing an action based on the detected contaminant.

A combine comprising:

• a main frame;
• a plurality of ground-engaging wheels supporting the main frame;
• a feederhouse mounted to a forward portion of the main frame;
• a header attached to the feederhouse, the header being configured to harvest a particular type of crop;
• a terahertz sensor mounted to the combine, the terahertz sensor including:
• at least one terahertz source disposed to direct terahertz electromagnetic radiation toward harvested material within the combine while the combine is harvesting the crop;
• at least one terahertz detector disposed to detect the terahertz electromagnetic radiation after the terahertz electromagnetic radiation interacts with the harvested material inside the combine;
• and
• a controller operably coupled to the at least one terahertz detector, the controller being configured to:
• receive a signal from the at least one terahertz detector;
• access a characteristic database relating terahertz signal characteristics with harvested material constituents;
• detect at least one harvest-related parameter based on a signal from the at least one terahertz detector;
• and
• perform an action based on the at least one harvest-related parameter.