Integrating Sphere Reflectance Spectroscopy for Baroque Gemstones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gemstone identification methods, particularly ultraviolet spectrophotometers, face challenges in efficiently measuring irregularly shaped samples due to fixed optical paths and complex mechanical adjustments, leading to low measurement efficiency and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A reflectance spectroscopy measuring and sampling system utilizing an integrating sphere with multiple diffuse reflections, filtered light from dual light sources, and a spectroscopic detection module to collect and analyze reflected light across a wide spectrum, providing a real-time spectrogram without the need for mechanical rotation or complex adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ultraviolet spectrophotometer with fixed optical path is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and adaptability for baroque-shaped samples deteriorate due to inability to collect reflected light efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an integrating sphere as an intermediary device between the light source and the sample, and between the sample and the detector. This integrating sphere collects light from all directions (including reflected light from baroque-shaped samples) and directs it through a fixed optical path to the detector, thereby enabling accurate measurement of irregularly shaped samples without requiring complex adjustable optical paths.
2Measurement precision
If pre splitting with beam splitter and monochromator is used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to mechanical rotation and adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation and adjustment systems (beam splitter and monochromator) with an optical fiber-based transmission system. The optical fiber conveys light from the integrating sphere directly to the detector without requiring mechanical movement, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving measurement efficiency and eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If pre splitting with mechanical rotation is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to precision mechanical rotating device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the precision mechanical rotating device entirely by using an optical fiber transmission system. The optical fiber can be easily positioned and does not require precision mechanical rotation or adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to transmit light accurately to the detector.
4Productivity
If traditional ultraviolet spectrophotometer is used, then analysis cost is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to slow analyzing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous light transmission through the optical fiber from the integrating sphere directly to the detector, eliminating interruptions caused by mechanical rotation and adjustment. This continuous action enables faster data acquisition and analysis, significantly improving productivity while keeping the system cost-effective through the use of simple optical components rather than complex mechanical systems.
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 convenient, accurate, and high-speed detection of baroque-shaped gemstones by collecting full-spectrum information from user-selected wavelengths, significantly improving detection efficiency and reducing analysis time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
hits the sample through the sampling opening after multiple diffuse reflections in the integrating sphere
Implementation Method 2
The reflected light and reflected lights formed by the diffuse reflections in the integrating sphere are introduced into the spectroscopic detection module via the optical fiber connected to the reflected light exit port
Implementation Method 3
The reflected lights are splitted and then detected by the spectroscopic detection module, photonic information of the reflected lights are converted into electronic signals in accordance with the order of wavelengths thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A reflectance spectroscopy measuring and sampling system for gemstone testing is disclosed. The system includes a first light source (1), a second light source (2), a light filtering element, an integrating sphere (S), an optical fiber (9), a spectroscopic detection module (10), an analog-digital conversion module (11) and a data processing terminal (12), wherein the integrating sphere (S) is provided with an entrance port, a sampling opening (6) and a reflected light exit port (7). A reflectance spectroscopy measuring and sampling method for gemstone testing is also disclosed. The system and the method have an excellent performance and can be widely used in the gemstone identification.