Integrating Sphere Nitrogen Concentration Measurement in Diamond
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring nitrogen concentration in diamonds, such as visual comparison using color tone charts and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, are inaccurate and destructive, respectively, due to variability in inspector experience and the need for standardized diamond shapes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing an integrating sphere to emit visible light onto the diamond from various directions, allowing for accurate nitrogen concentration calculation based on reflectance ratios across specific wavelength ranges without altering the diamond's shape, using an expression that incorporates the diamond's mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If visual comparison using color tone charts is used to measure nitrogen concentration, then the measurement can be performed without specialized equipment, but the accuracy is low due to inspector experience variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the subjective visual comparison method with an optical measurement system using an integrating sphere and spectrometer. The system measures reflectance ratios at specific wavelength ranges (450-480nm and 560-590nm) to calculate nitrogen concentration objectively, eliminating inspector experience variability while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from subjective color perception to objective reflectance ratio at specific wavelength ranges. By measuring reflectance at blue-green (450-480nm) and yellow-green (560-590nm) wavelength ranges and calculating their ratio, the system achieves precise nitrogen concentration measurement through spectral parameter analysis.
2Measurement precision
If FT-IR spectroscopy is used to measure nitrogen concentration, then accurate measurement can be achieved, but the diamond must be machined into standardized shapes which is destructive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the destructive FT-IR spectroscopy method with a non-destructive optical reflectance measurement system. By measuring visible light reflectance ratios at specific wavelength ranges, the system achieves nitrogen concentration measurement without machining or altering the diamond's shape, preserving the gemstone's integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement approach from infrared absorption spectroscopy to visible light reflectance measurement. This parameter change enables non-destructive testing while maintaining measurement precision, as the reflectance ratio method is sensitive to nitrogen concentration without requiring standardized sample preparation.
3Device complexity
If direct light irradiation method is used, then the measurement setup is simple, but the reflectance varies depending on diamond orientation and shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an integrating sphere with a diffuse reflective inner surface to illuminate the diamond from all directions simultaneously. This spherical geometry ensures that light reaches the diamond sample uniformly regardless of its orientation or shape, eliminating measurement variations caused by crystallographic orientation while maintaining a relatively simple measurement setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrating sphere creates an equipotential lighting environment where the diamond sample receives uniform illumination from all directions. This eliminates directional bias in light incidence, ensuring that reflectance measurements are consistent and reproducible regardless of how the diamond is positioned or oriented during measurement.
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 precise and non-destructive measurement of nitrogen concentration in diamonds regardless of shape or size, improving accuracy over existing methods by averaging light incidence from all directions and using reflectance ratios across defined wavelength ranges.
Implementation Method 1
visible light that is reflected by an inner surface of the integrating sphere and passes through or is reflected by the diamond
Implementation Method 2
the visible light that is reflected by an inner surface of the integrating sphere and passes through or is reflected by the diamond
Implementation Method 3
a concentration of nitrogen in the diamond is calculated based on data on the received visible light and a mass of the diamond
Data Source
AI summary
A method of measuring a concentration of nitrogen in diamond includes a first step, a second step, and a third step. In the first step, diamond is arranged in the inside of an integrating sphere. In the second step, visible light is emitted to the inside of the integrating sphere and the visible light that is reflected by an inner surface of the integrating sphere and passes through or is reflected by diamond arranged in the inside of the integrating sphere is received. In the third step, the concentration of nitrogen in diamond is calculated based on data on received visible light and a mass of diamond.