Gemstone Luminescence Imaging With Dichroic Beam Splitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for evaluating gemstones, particularly distinguishing natural diamonds from lab-grown diamonds and simulants, are limited by accuracy, reproducibility, and speed, and require manual, repetitive processes due to the faint and difficult-to-quantify luminescence features.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple light sources and dichroic beam splitters to capture and analyze luminescence images of gemstones, employing UV light sources, filters, and a camera with a computer processor to digitize and analyze luminescence features for differentiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fluorescent lamp observation is used to evaluate luminescence features, then human operators can detect minor differences between samples, but the measurement precision and reproducibility are poor due to difficulty in quantifying color and brightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual observation system with an automated digital imaging system. A camera captures luminescence images under controlled UV illumination, and software algorithms automatically analyze color and brightness parameters. This substitution of mechanical/visual inspection with automated optical measurement systems enables precise quantification of luminescence features, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and the difficulty of quantification.
2Productivity
If manual observation in dark environment is used to evaluate luminescence features, then luminescence features can be observed, but the productivity and screening speed are limited due to repetitive manual processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automated analysis where the camera and software automatically capture, process, and evaluate luminescence images without requiring continuous manual intervention. Multiple samples can be screened sequentially or in batches, with the system autonomously comparing luminescence characteristics against reference data to identify natural versus lab-grown diamonds, dramatically improving productivity while reducing time loss.
3Reliability
If multiple light sources and dichroic beam splitters are used to capture luminescence images, then reliable and reproducible analysis is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional optical system where dichroic beam splitters serve multiple purposes: they separate different UV wavelength ranges (longwave and shortwave) while also directing both excitation and emission light paths through a single camera system. This universal optical architecture enables the capture of multiple luminescence characteristics (color, brightness, decay) using a unified instrument, improving reliability and reproducibility while managing device complexity through functional integration.
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 reliable, reproducible, and efficient differentiation of natural diamonds from synthetic diamonds and simulants by analyzing luminescence color, brightness, and decay, facilitating automated and accurate gemstone analysis.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing various light sources and image capture for analyzing a diamond or other gemstone
Implementation Method 2
evaluate those features under fluorescent lamps with ultraviolet emission
Implementation Method 3
directing the first luminescence exciting beam through a first filter and to a first dichroic beam splitter, and a second dichroic beam splitter
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods here may be used for a setup of image capturing of a gemstone, such as a diamond, exposed to different light sources. Some examples utilize a setup that both sends light and captures the image through multiple dichroic beam splitters at pre-selected timing. The multiple light source and multiple dichroic beam splitter arrangement allows for multiple gemstones to be analyzed using multiple methods with minimal moving, changing, or adjusting the equipment for different samples.