WO2017085730A1 - An apparatus and method for identifying synthetic diamonds - Google Patents
An apparatus and method for identifying synthetic diamonds Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2017085730A1 WO2017085730A1 PCT/IN2016/000094 IN2016000094W WO2017085730A1 WO 2017085730 A1 WO2017085730 A1 WO 2017085730A1 IN 2016000094 W IN2016000094 W IN 2016000094W WO 2017085730 A1 WO2017085730 A1 WO 2017085730A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- diamonds
- radiation
- processing unit
- filter
- synthetic
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
- G01N21/87—Investigating jewels
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of diamond and jewellery industry. More particularly it relates to an identification technique to identify synthetic, lab grown or manmade diamonds.
- a synthetic diamond (also known as an artificial diamond, cultured diamond, or cultivated diamond) is diamond produced by human in a laboratory or a diamonds which is not produced by nature or natural processes,. Synthetic diamond is also widely known as HPHT* diamond (referring to the high-pressure high-temperature method) and CVD diamond (referring to chemical vapor deposition crystal formation method) after the two common production methods.
- HPHT* diamond referring to the high-pressure high-temperature method
- CVD diamond referring to chemical vapor deposition crystal formation method
- the main object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism (an apparatus and method) for identifying synthetic diamonds which provides nearly fool-proof and. accurate results.
- Another object of the invention is to provide the mechanism (an apparatus and method) for identifying synthetic diamonds which is repeatable and reliable.
- the present invention provides ah apparatus for identifying synthetic diamonds, the apparatus comprising: a platform for accommodating diamonds to be identified; a source of light being configured to emit a beam of monochromatic laser radiation of predetermined wavelength and irradiate the diamonds with the monochromatic laser radiation of predetermined wavelength; a filter being configured to pass only scattered Raman radiation of frequency characteristics of the diamonds out of the ration emitted by the diamonds, the filter being placed at right angle to the scattered beam of radiation; a photocell device to detect and receive the scattered Raman radiation passed by the filter, the photocell device being, configured to generate photo luminescence signal for the diamond on the basis of received scattered Raman radiation; and a processing unit being operatively connected to the photocell device and configurecf to:
- the present invention also provides a method for identifying synthetic diamonds, the method comprising steps of placing diamonds to be identified on a platform; irradiating, by a source of light, the diamonds with the monochromatic laser radiation of predetennined wavelength; emitting, by the diamonds, the radiation as a result of irradiation with the monochromatic laser radiation; separating, by a filter, out of the ration emitted by the diamonds, only scattered Raman radiation of frequency characteristics of the diamonds; placing the filter at right angle to the scattered beam of radiation; detecting and receiving, by a photocell device, the scattered Raman radiation separated by the filter generating, by the photocell device, a photo luminescence signal for the diamond on the basis of received scattered Raman radiation; receiving s by a processing unit, the photo luminescence signal; generating, by the processing unit, different patterns of growth and/ or illumination for diamonds based on the photo luminescence signal; comparing, by the processing unit, generated patterns with predefined patterns of diamonds; and
- Fig. 1 Shows block diagram of the apparatus for identifying synthetic diamonds in accordance to the present invention.
- the apparatus for identifying synthetic diamonds of present invention includes a platform, a source of light, a filter, a photocell device and a processing unit.
- the platform holds the diamonds to be identified.
- the source of light emits a beam of monochromatic laser radiation of predetermined wavelength and irradiate the diamonds with the monochromatic laser radiation of predetermined wavelength.
- the source of light is a low powered laser and/ or monochromatic laser source.
- the source of radiation is a gas laser producing monochromatic radiation.
- the predetermined wavelength is in the range of 190 to 550 nanometre.
- the diamonds emits radiation as a result of irradiation with the monochromatic laser radiation.
- the filter receives radiations emitted by the diamonds and allows passing of only scattered Raman radiation of frequency characteristics of the diamonds.
- the filter is placed at right angle to the scattered beam of radiation.
- the filter may comprise a thin glass slide having a suitable coating. Filters are characterized in terms of the wavelength of the incident radiation.
- the photocell device detects and receives the scattered Raman radiation passed by the filter.
- the photocell device generates photo luminescence signal for the diamond on the basis of received scattered Raman radiation.
- the processing unit is operatively connected to the photocell device. The processing unit receives the photo luminescence signal and generates different patterns of growth and/ or illumination for diamonds based on the photo luminescence signal.
- the processing unit compares generated patterns with predefined patterns of diamonds and identify whether diamond is synthetic or not based on the results of comparison.
- the comparison result is displayed on a display.
- Other details can also be made available on the display.
- the predefined patterns are stored in a storage unit.
- the storage unit is operatively coupled to the processing unit.
- the apparatus may include a diaphragm to control the light emitted from the source of light.
- a central database is provided which is operatively connected to the processing unit and configured to store the identification result of the diamonds for future use.
- a single apparatus is explained for the ease. It may possible that a system may include plurality of such apparatuses which are connected to the central database.
- the identification results obtained by all apparatuses are stored in central database. The results can be access through whole supply chain for validation and chain of custody.
- the diamonds will be validated and connected to a central database.
- the processing unit will generate Unique Identification number to each group of diamonds test or studded jewellery test via photocell signal. Validation is to be carried out through internet by gathering detail of an owner of that particular apparatus, location, processing unit name and number and or IP address.
- the extension of the apparatus by mechanical arrangement to segregate synthetic diamonds from a group of natural diamonds in its loose format.
- the present invention also provides a method for identifying synthetic diamonds with the use of above defined apparatus.
- the method comprising of following steps:
- Raman radiation h. receiving, by a processing unit, the photo luminescence signal; i. generating, by the processing unit, different patterns of growth and/or illumination for diamonds based on the photo luminescence signal; j. comparing, by the processing unit, generated patterns with predefined patterns of diamonds; and k. identifying, by the processing unit, whether diamond is synthetic or not based on the result of comparing step.
Abstract
An apparatus for identifying synthetic diamonds comprising: a platform for accommodating diamonds to be identified; a light source configured to emit a beam of monochromatic laser radiation of predetermined wavelength and irradiate the diamonds; a filter configured to pass only scattered Raman radiation of frequency characteristics of the diamonds out of the radiation emitted by the diamonds, the filter placed at right angle to the radiation; a photocell device to detect and receive the scattered Raman radiation passed by the filter, configured to generate photoluminescence signal for the diamond on the basis of received scattered Raman radiation; and a processing unit operatively connected to the photocell device, configured to receive the photo luminescence signal and generate different patterns of growth and/or illumination for diamonds based on the photoluminescence signal, compare generated patterns with predefined patterns of diamonds; and identify whether diamond is synthetic based on the results of comparison.
Description
An Apparatus and Method for Identifying Synthetic Diamonds
Field of the Invention: The present invention relates to the field of diamond and jewellery industry. More particularly it relates to an identification technique to identify synthetic, lab grown or manmade diamonds.
Prior Art:
A synthetic diamond (also known as an artificial diamond, cultured diamond, or cultivated diamond) is diamond produced by human in a laboratory or a diamonds which is not produced by nature or natural processes,. Synthetic diamond is also widely known as HPHT* diamond (referring to the high-pressure high-temperature method) and CVD diamond (referring to chemical vapor deposition crystal formation method) after the two common production methods.
The structural distinction between natural and synthetic stones can be found in the difference of the diamonds' crystallization conditions and the chemical composition of their environment. Rough, natural crystals are found in different shapes, the most common being the cubo-octahedron. The cube, rhombic dodecahedron and tetrahedron are also found. Synthetic diamonds are almost always cubo-octahedrons and have a characteristic tabular appearance. Another visible clue is found in HPHT formed diamonds. The 'seed' crystal from which the diamond is built upon can sometimes be visible. However, once polished, these cubo-octahedral faces will not be visible any more, making the synthetic diamond very difficult to detect visually.
Because synthetic diamonds have identical properties to natural diamonds, it is almost impossible to determine a synthetic stone through a visual'
examination alone, although there are several 'clues' that if apparent in the stone can indicate the synthetic nature of the diamond and should be submitted to a lab for further gemological investigation into the stone's origin. These clues though are by no means fool-proof and are simply indicators. Identification of the synthetic nature of a diamond requires a trained and skilled gemologist who is trained in handling special equipment available- in leading gemological laboratories.
Hence, it is essential to develop the mechanism which can differentiate between natural and synthetic diamonds without facing problems as mentioned above.
Object of the Invention! The main object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism (an apparatus and method) for identifying synthetic diamonds which provides nearly fool-proof and. accurate results.
Another object of the invention is to provide the mechanism (an apparatus and method) for identifying synthetic diamonds which is repeatable and reliable.
Summary of trie invention: Accordingly to achieve the foregoing objectives, the present invention provides ah apparatus for identifying synthetic diamonds, the apparatus comprising: a platform for accommodating diamonds to be identified; a source of light being configured to emit a beam of monochromatic laser radiation of predetermined wavelength and irradiate the
diamonds with the monochromatic laser radiation of predetermined wavelength; a filter being configured to pass only scattered Raman radiation of frequency characteristics of the diamonds out of the ration emitted by the diamonds, the filter being placed at right angle to the scattered beam of radiation; a photocell device to detect and receive the scattered Raman radiation passed by the filter, the photocell device being, configured to generate photo luminescence signal for the diamond on the basis of received scattered Raman radiation; and a processing unit being operatively connected to the photocell device and configurecf to:
- receive the photo luminescence signal,
- generate different patterns of growth and/ or illumination for diamonds based on the photo luminescence signal,
- compare generated patterns with predefined patterns of diamonds; and
- identify whether diamond is synthetic or not based on the results of comparison.
The present invention also provides a method for identifying synthetic diamonds, the method comprising steps of placing diamonds to be identified on a platform; irradiating, by a source of light, the diamonds with the monochromatic laser radiation of predetennined wavelength;
emitting, by the diamonds, the radiation as a result of irradiation with the monochromatic laser radiation; separating, by a filter, out of the ration emitted by the diamonds, only scattered Raman radiation of frequency characteristics of the diamonds; placing the filter at right angle to the scattered beam of radiation; detecting and receiving, by a photocell device, the scattered Raman radiation separated by the filter generating, by the photocell device, a photo luminescence signal for the diamond on the basis of received scattered Raman radiation; receivings by a processing unit, the photo luminescence signal; generating, by the processing unit, different patterns of growth and/ or illumination for diamonds based on the photo luminescence signal; comparing, by the processing unit, generated patterns with predefined patterns of diamonds; and identifying, by the processing unit, whether diamond is synthetic or not based on the result of comparing step
Brief description of the drawings:
The invention will described below with reference to an example of an embodiment of the drawings:
Fig. 1 : Shows block diagram of the apparatus for identifying synthetic diamonds in accordance to the present invention.
Detailed description of the drawings:
The invention and its further features and advantages are explained in more detail on the basis of the exemplary embodiments schematically represented in the figures.
Referring to figure 1 , the apparatus for identifying synthetic diamonds of present invention includes a platform, a source of light, a filter, a photocell device and a processing unit.
The platform holds the diamonds to be identified. The source of light emits a beam of monochromatic laser radiation of predetermined wavelength and irradiate the diamonds with the monochromatic laser radiation of predetermined wavelength. Preferably the source of light is a low powered laser and/ or monochromatic laser source. Preferably the source of radiation is a gas laser producing monochromatic radiation. The predetermined wavelength is in the range of 190 to 550 nanometre. The diamonds emits radiation as a result of irradiation with the monochromatic laser radiation.
The filter receives radiations emitted by the diamonds and allows passing of only scattered Raman radiation of frequency characteristics of the diamonds. Preferably, the filter is placed at right angle to the scattered beam of radiation. The filter may comprise a thin glass slide having a suitable coating. Filters are characterized in terms of the wavelength of the incident radiation.
The photocell device detects and receives the scattered Raman radiation passed by the filter. The photocell device generates photo luminescence signal for the diamond on the basis of received scattered Raman radiation. The processing unit is operatively connected to the photocell device. The processing unit receives the photo luminescence signal and generates different patterns of growth and/ or illumination for diamonds based on the photo luminescence signal. Then, the processing unit compares generated patterns with predefined patterns of diamonds and identify whether diamond is synthetic or not based on the results of comparison. The comparison result is displayed on a display. Other details can also be made available on the display. Preferably, the predefined patterns are stored in a storage unit. The storage unit is operatively coupled to the processing unit. The apparatus may include a diaphragm to control the light emitted from the source of light. According to one of the embodiment of the invention, a central database is provided which is operatively connected to the processing unit and configured to store the identification result of the diamonds for future use.
Hereinabove, a single apparatus is explained for the ease. It may possible that a system may include plurality of such apparatuses which are connected to the central database. The identification results obtained by all apparatuses are stored in central database. The results can be access through whole supply chain for validation and chain of custody. The diamonds will be validated and connected to a central database. The processing unit will generate Unique Identification number to each group of diamonds test or studded jewellery test via photocell signal. Validation is to be carried out through internet by gathering detail of an owner of that particular apparatus, location, processing unit name and number and or IP address. The extension of the apparatus by mechanical arrangement to segregate synthetic diamonds from a group of natural diamonds in its loose
format.
The present invention also provides a method for identifying synthetic diamonds with the use of above defined apparatus. The method comprising of following steps:
a. placing diamonds to be identified on a platform; b. irradiating, by a source of light, the diamonds with the monochromatic laser radiation of predetermined wavelength; c. emitting, by the diamonds, the radiation as a result of irradiation with the monochromatic laser radiation; d. separating, by a filter, out of the ration emitted by the diamonds, only scattered Raman radiation of frequency characteristics of the diamonds; e. placing the filter at right angle to the scattered beam of radiation; f. detecting and receiving, by a photocell device, the scattered Raman radiation separated by the filter; g. generating, by the photocell device, a photo luminescence signal for the diamond on the basis of received ' scattered
Raman radiation; h. receiving, by a processing unit, the photo luminescence signal; i. generating, by the processing unit, different patterns of growth and/or illumination for diamonds based on the photo luminescence signal;
j. comparing, by the processing unit, generated patterns with predefined patterns of diamonds; and k. identifying, by the processing unit, whether diamond is synthetic or not based on the result of comparing step.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. An apparatus for identifying synthetic diamonds, the apparatus comprising: a platform for accommodating diamonds to be identified; a source of light being configured to emit a beam of monochromatic laser radiation of predetermined wavelength and irradiate the diamonds with the monochromatic laser radiation of predetermined wavelength; a filter being configured to pass only scattered Raman radiation of frequency characteristics of the diamonds out of the ration emitted by the diamonds, the filter being placed at right angle to the scattered beam of radiation; a photocell device to detect and receive the scattered Raman radiation passed by the filter, the photocell device being configured to generate photo luminescence signal for the diamond on the basis of received scattered Raman radiation; and a processing unit being operatively connected to the photocell device and configured to:
- receive the photo luminescence signal,
- generate different patterns of growth and/ or illumination for diamonds based on the photo luminescence signal,
- compare generated patterns with predefined patterns of diamonds; and
- identify whether diamond is synthetic or not based on the results of comparison.
2. The apparatus for identifying synthetic diamonds as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a diaphragm to control the light emitted from the source of light.
3. The apparatus for identifying synthetic diamonds as claimed in claim
1 further comprising a storage unit being operatively coupled to the processing unit and configured to store the predefined patterns of diamonds.
4. The apparatus for identifying synthetic diamonds as claimed in claim
1 wherein the predetermined wavelength is in the range of 190 to 550 nanometer.
5. The apparatus for identifying synthetic diamonds as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a central database being operatively connected to the processing unit and configured to store the identification result of the diamonds for future use.
6. A method for identifying synthetic diamonds, the method comprising steps of: placing diamonds to be identified on a platform; irradiating, by a source of light, the diamonds with the monochromatic laser radiation of predetermined wavelength; emitting, by the diamonds, the radiation as a result of irradiation with the monochromatic laser radiation; separating, by a filter, out of the ration emitted by the diamonds, only scattered Raman radiation of frequency characteristics of the diamonds;
placing the filter at right angle to the scattered beam of radiation; detecting and receiving, by a photocell device, the scattered Raman radiation separated by the filter; generating, by the photocell device, a photo luminescence signal for the diamond on the basis of received scattered Raman radiation; receiving, by a processing unit, the photo luminescence signal; generating, by the processing unit, different patterns of growth and/ or illumination for diamonds based on the photo luminescence signal; comparing, by the processing unit, generated patterns with predefined patterns of diamonds; and identifying, by the processing unit, whether diamond is synthetic or not based on the result of comparing step.
7. The method for identifying synthetic diamonds as claimed in claim 6 further comprising controlling, by a diaphragm, the light emitted from the source of light.
8. The method for identifying synthetic diamonds as claimed in claim 6 wherein the predetermined wavelength is in the range of 190 to 550 nanometer.
9. The method for identifying synthetic diamonds as claimed in claim 6 further comprising storing, by the processing unit, the identification result of the diamonds in a central database.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN4358MU2015 | 2015-11-19 | ||
| IN4358/MUM/2015 | 2015-11-19 |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2017085730A1 true WO2017085730A1 (en) | 2017-05-26 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| PCT/IN2016/000094 WO2017085730A1 (en) | 2015-11-19 | 2016-04-11 | An apparatus and method for identifying synthetic diamonds |
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Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4799786A (en) * | 1985-06-13 | 1989-01-24 | The British Petroleum Company P.L.C. | Method of diamond identification |
| US5883389A (en) * | 1993-03-05 | 1999-03-16 | Spear; Paul Martyn | Distinguishing natural from synthetic diamonds |
| US20020008925A1 (en) * | 1999-03-04 | 2002-01-24 | Gemological Institute Of America, Inc. | Gem identification viewer |
| US20130321792A1 (en) * | 2012-06-04 | 2013-12-05 | Frederick W. Shapiro | Universal tool for automated gem and mineral identification and measurement |
| WO2015082985A1 (en) * | 2013-12-05 | 2015-06-11 | Sahajanand Technologies Pvt Ltd. | Detecting synthetic gemstones using image processing |
-
2016
- 2016-04-11 WO PCT/IN2016/000094 patent/WO2017085730A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4799786A (en) * | 1985-06-13 | 1989-01-24 | The British Petroleum Company P.L.C. | Method of diamond identification |
| US5883389A (en) * | 1993-03-05 | 1999-03-16 | Spear; Paul Martyn | Distinguishing natural from synthetic diamonds |
| US20020008925A1 (en) * | 1999-03-04 | 2002-01-24 | Gemological Institute Of America, Inc. | Gem identification viewer |
| US20130321792A1 (en) * | 2012-06-04 | 2013-12-05 | Frederick W. Shapiro | Universal tool for automated gem and mineral identification and measurement |
| WO2015082985A1 (en) * | 2013-12-05 | 2015-06-11 | Sahajanand Technologies Pvt Ltd. | Detecting synthetic gemstones using image processing |
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