Single Crystal Diamond Gemstones with Embedded Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for embedding images in gemstones, such as diamonds, often require bonding multiple gemstones together, resulting in visible internal lines or interfacial boundaries, which detract from the seamless appearance of the single crystal matrix.
Innovation Solution
The development of a method using plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) to create single crystal diamond gemstones with embedded color variations, allowing for the formation of externally visible two-dimensional or three-dimensional images within a seamless single crystal matrix without visible internal lines, by altering diamond growth conditions or using etching/patterning techniques to create customized designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple individual gemstones are bonded together to form composite gemstones, then images can be embedded in the gemstone, but visible internal lines or interfacial boundaries appear that detract from the seamless appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image embedding process into multiple deposition stages, where different colored diamond layers are deposited sequentially on a substrate. Each layer corresponds to a portion of the final image, allowing complex images to be constructed from simpler individual layers without requiring physical bonding of separate gemstones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite diamond structures by depositing multiple layers of diamond material with different colors onto a single substrate. These layers are integrated at the atomic level through chemical vapor deposition, forming a unified crystal structure that eliminates visible internal boundaries while maintaining the composite color patterns needed for image embedding.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjacent differently colored layers are formed to create images, then color variations can be achieved, but visible internal lines or interfacial boundaries may appear at the interfaces between layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes deposition parameters such as gas composition, temperature, and pressure during the chemical vapor deposition process to control the color of diamond layers. By adjusting these parameters, different colored layers can be created while maintaining atomic-level integration at the interfaces, preventing visible boundary formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different deposition conditions to specific local regions of the substrate, allowing different colored layers to be formed in different areas. This local control enables precise color placement while maintaining seamless transitions at the interfaces through continuous atomic deposition processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the creation of multicolored single crystal diamond gemstones with embedded images that maintain a seamless appearance, enhancing their aesthetic value for jewelry and decorative applications.
Implementation Method 1
The disclosed methods use a combination of gemstone deposition processes and patterning processes to create single crystal gemstones with embedded color variations
Implementation Method 2
plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD)
Implementation Method 3
uses photolithography/etching techniques to define a pattern in one or more diamond layers that corresponds to the desired image in the final gemstone
Implementation Method 4
The resulting gemstone formed according to the disclosure uses single crystal homoepitaxial deposition to form adjacent, differently colored layers (e.g., with one being colorless and one or more being colored) that together have single crystal structure
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to the inclusion of an image embedded in or on a single crystal diamond such that the image is part of the single crystal diamond structure. The disclosed methods use a combination of gemstone deposition processes and patterning processes to create single crystal gemstones with embedded color variations that can create externally visible two-dimensional or three-dimensional images in a seamless single crystal matrix without visible internal lines/interfacial boundaries. The image embedded image is differently colored from the surrounding diamond matrix. The color variation is accomplished by a change in the diamond growth conditions or treatment of the diamond.