Diamond Luminescence Markers Using Pulsed UV Phosphorescence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for distinguishing between natural and synthetic diamonds are cumbersome and lack a practical, economical means to fully utilize the complex temporal, spatial, and spectral characteristics of luminescence for accurate identification.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using synchronized ultraviolet excitation pulses and luminescence data capture to measure short-lived phosphorescence, combining data from multiple pulses to create composite images or videos, allowing for the detection of specific luminescence markers such as blue fast phosphorescence and turquoise slow phosphorescence to indicate diamond type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional luminescence observation methods are used, then the measurement process is simple and economical, but the ability to fully utilize complex temporal, spatial, and spectral characteristics is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the luminescence measurement process into distinct temporal windows (e.g., prompt fluorescence window, short-lived phosphorescence window, long-lived phosphorescence window) and spatial zones. This allows comprehensive characterization of luminescence properties while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular measurement approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pulsed excitation instead of continuous illumination, enabling temporal resolution of different luminescence components. By synchronizing detection with the excitation pulse timing, the system captures prompt fluorescence, short-lived phosphorescence, and long-lived phosphorescence in sequence, achieving comprehensive measurement without requiring overly complex continuous monitoring systems.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive luminescence data collection is implemented, then identification accuracy improves, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous data collection across multiple temporal windows during each excitation cycle. Rather than performing separate measurements for different luminescence components, the system captures prompt fluorescence, short-lived phosphorescence, and long-lived phosphorescence data continuously in sequence, eliminating idle time between measurements and reducing total measurement duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary characterization by collecting comprehensive luminescence data across all temporal and spatial parameters in a single integrated measurement sequence. This preliminary comprehensive data collection enables accurate diamond identification without requiring multiple sequential specialized measurements, thereby reducing total measurement time.
3Measurement precision
If multiple temporal windows are used for data collection, then luminescence marker detection accuracy improves, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates specific luminescence markers by analyzing data from distinct temporal windows. By separating prompt fluorescence, short-lived phosphorescence, and long-lived phosphorescence into individual data sets, the system identifies characteristic markers for different diamond types without requiring complex analysis of mixed signals, thereby managing data processing complexity through selective extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds temporal dimensionality to luminescence measurement by collecting data across multiple time windows. This temporal dimension enables differentiation of luminescence components based on their decay characteristics, improving marker detection accuracy. The systematic organization of multi-dimensional data (temporal, spatial, spectral) provides a structured framework that manages processing complexity through dimensional decomposition.
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 accurate differentiation between natural and synthetic diamonds by identifying specific luminescence patterns, improving the efficiency and reliability of diamond identification beyond conventional techniques.
Implementation Method 1
Fluorescence is a type of luminescence characterised as only being produced when the ultraviolet excitation is on
Implementation Method 2
Phosphorescence, which may also be observed, is a type of luminescence that remains but decays away once the excitation is removed
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of and an apparatus for providing an indicator for a diamond as to whether it is natural by testing for the presence or absence of one or more specific markers in the luminescence properties of the diamond, These markers are characterised by luminescence decay time and luminescence wavelength.