Diamond Marking via Ion Implantation for Invisible Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for marking and authenticating precious stones, such as diamonds, face challenges due to aggressive cleaning processes and the need for non-distractive, durable, and invisible markings that do not affect the stone's properties or value, especially considering the smooth and non-active surface of polished diamonds.
Innovation Solution
A novel technique using vacuum deposition methods to apply a unique material composition as a continuous film on the diamond's surface, detectable by XRF analysis, which is resilient and maintains the stone's original properties, allowing for authentication without altering its appearance or quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser incisions or cuts are etched in the precious stone to create visible markings, then authentication capability is improved, but the stone's appearance and value are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The marking information is extracted from the visible surface and transferred to the subsurface layer through ion implantation. The marking is 'taken out' from the optical domain and placed in the radiation detection domain, allowing authentication without visible surface alterations that would affect appearance and value.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary process of ion implantation is used to transfer marking information into the subsurface layer. This mediator technique allows the marking to be stored beneath the surface where it does not affect visual appearance, yet remains detectable through radiation analysis for authentication purposes.
2Reliability
If coating material residue is left in incisions for XRF detection, then authentication capability is improved, but the marking becomes visible and affects stone appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The marking detection is extracted from the visible optical domain and moved to the subsurface radiation detection domain. By eliminating the need for visible coating residues on the surface and using ion implantation to create subsurface markers, the authentication function is separated from visual appearance, resolving the contradiction between detectability and aesthetics.
3Reliability
If marking is applied to the smooth surface of polished diamonds, then authentication capability is improved, but the marking durability deteriorates due to aggressive cleaning processes
Solution Approach 1:
The marking is applied in advance through ion implantation into the subsurface layer before the diamond undergoes aggressive cleaning processes. This preliminary action ensures the marking is embedded deep enough to withstand subsequent cleaning treatments while maintaining authentication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking is extracted from the vulnerable surface layer and placed in the more durable subsurface layer through ion implantation. This relocation protects the marking from degradation during aggressive cleaning processes while maintaining its detectability for authentication.
4Reliability
If traditional marking methods are used that affect stone properties, then authentication capability is improved, but the stone's original properties and value are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The ion implantation process applies localized modifications only to specific subsurface regions where marking is needed, rather than affecting the entire stone. This localized approach preserves the overall quality and original properties of the diamond while enabling authentication in the marked areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking function is extracted from the visible and structural properties of the stone and transferred to the subsurface composition. This allows authentication capability to be added without affecting the stone's original geometric, mechanical, and optical properties that determine its value.
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
The method provides a durable and invisible marking that withstands aggressive cleaning processes, maintains the diamond's properties, and allows for accurate authentication, applicable to both rough and polished diamonds, as well as natural and synthetic stones, using a unique X-ray or gamma-ray radiation response.
Implementation Method 1
applying a material deposition process to the precious stone and creating at least one predetermined marking on at least a portion of a surface of the precious stone
Implementation Method 2
which can be detected by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis
Data Source
AI summary
Method and systems are presented for authentication of precious stones, according to their natural ID and/or predetermined markings created in the stones, based on unique characteristic radiation response of the stone to predetermined primary radiation.