Abstract: A system includes a radiation source to provide short wavelength light. A holder positions a table of a gemstone to receive the light. A detector is positioned to receive fluorescent light from the gemstone when the gemstone is a CVD grown gemstone.

Abstract: A method and gem pattern matching technique to analyze a target gemstone by analyzing a pattern created by transmitting a light source such as a laser beam through the gemstone to create a visual optical pattern and comparing the pattern to a database of known gemstone patterns to determine the percentage likelihood that the target gemstone will match a gemstone in the database. The matching is based on the weight of the heaviest spot in the pattern and its location in the gemstone image and comparing it to the weight and location of the heaviest spots in each gemstone image in the database to determine a percentage matching.

Abstract: A system for grading the cut of a diamond utilizes a number of appearance metrics to generate scores for a number of cut components that affect cut quality. These cut components include brightness, fire, scintillation, overweight, durability, polish, and symmetry. The cut grading system employs a cut grading algorithm that processes the individual scores obtained for the cut components to generate an overall cut grade for the diamond. The scoring methodology and the cut grading algorithm are designed to emulate actual observation grading such that the overall cut grade represents a fair indication of the cut quality of the diamond. In one practical embodiment, the cut grading system is fully automated and computer-implemented.

Abstract: Diamonds may be identified as grown by the use of chemical vapor deposition. One or more diamonds may be placed on a surface and exposed to short wavelength light. Diamonds that fluoresce red may be identified as grown by the use of chemical vapor deposition. In some embodiments, the diamonds are cooled prior to exposure to the short wavelength light.

Abstract: A system includes a radiation source to provide short wavelength light. A holder positions a table of a gemstone to receive the light. A detector is positioned to receive fluorescent light from the gemstone when the gemstone is a CVD grown gemstone.

Abstract: An automatic tracking apparatus is provided, which is capable of solving a failure occurred in an automatic tracking operation in connection with a zooming operation, and capable of tracking an object in a stable manner, while a zooming-up operation, or a zooming-down operation is carried out in a high speed.

Abstract: Diamonds may be identified as grown by the use of chemical vapor deposition. One or more diamonds may be placed on a surface and exposed to short wavelength light. Diamonds that fluoresce red may be identified as grown by the use of chemical vapor deposition. In some embodiments, the diamonds are cooled prior to exposure to the short wavelength light.

Abstract: A method and system for evaluating a colored gem stone which has been cooled to below a designated temperature are provided. The system includes a cooling unit configured to support and cool a gem stone to below a desired temperature, an electromagnetic radiation source, a spectrometer, an integrating sphere, and a processing unit. The method includes receiving a spectral response of the colored gem stone and sampling a noise component within a range of wavelengths in the spectral response so as to make a baseline determination. The method further includes ascertaining a presence of at least one designated peak within the range of wavelengths as a function of the baseline determination, and evaluating the presence of each of the at least one designated peaks so as to provide an indication of whether the colored gem stone requires further evaluation.

Abstract: A method of capturing data for gemstone analysis is provided. The method includes capturing images of the gemstone under differing lighting conditions, and comparing the captured images.

Abstract: A method of determining the position of inclusions in a gemstone, comprising: (a) placing the gemstone within a material having a refractive index within 0.5, optionally 0.2 or 0.1, of that of the gemstone; (b) illuminating the gemstone and imaging the illuminated gemstone; and (c) determining the position of inclusions based on images of the inclusions in the images.

Abstract: Systems and methods, for the evaluation, grading, and presentation of evaluation results, of the scintillation of gemstones, such as diamonds. Specifically, there are discussed systems and methods for determining when a scintillation event in a gemstone is likely to occur and for mapping such events to a presentation.

Abstract: A system for grading the cut of a diamond utilizes a number of appearance metrics to generate scores for a number of cut components that affect cut quality. These cut components include brightness, fire, scintillation, overweight, durability, polish, and symmetry. The cut grading system employs a cut grading algorithm that processes the individual scores obtained for the cut components to generate an overall cut grade for the diamond. The scoring methodology and the cut grading algorithm are designed to emulate actual observation grading such that the overall cut grade represents a fair indication of the cut quality of the diamond. In one practical embodiment, the cut grading system is fully automated and computer-implemented.

Abstract: A device for measuring properties of scatterers which measures properties of a scatterer from a stereoscopic scattering distribution of the scatterer upon receiving an electromagnetic wave with a certain wavelength distribution is provided. In the device, a scatterer to be measured is placed on a specimen platform; the electromagnetic wave is irradiated onto the scatterer from at least either any one or more directions, or one or more continuous directions of a hypothetical spherical surface having the above-mentioned focal point as its center; scattering waves scattered by the scatterer and reflected off the paraboloidal mirror or projected onto the paraboloidal screen are imaged by the imaging means as planar imaging data; and from thus obtained imaging data, a stereoscopic distribution of the scattering waves generated by the scatterer is obtained so as to measure properties of the scatterer from the distribution result.

Abstract: The present invention is an engraved gemstone viewer for viewing a smooth surface of a gemstone that has been micro or nano etched, engraved or embossed with an inscription such as an identification number. The gemstone is mounted on a piece of jewelry or can remain unmounted when received by the viewer. A source of light directs a light beam toward a magnifying lens coated with a reflection enhancing coating. The lens reflects the light beam along a path incident to the surface of the gemstone containing the inscription. The smooth gemstone surface specularly reflects the light beam along a path back toward the magnifying lens, which produces a viewable light image that reveals the inscription. The inscription is shown as a combination of darkened or lightened areas, lines and characters given the reduction or absence of light reflected, or highlighted by the reflection of light.

Abstract: Methods for detecting and evaluating the quality of protein crystals are provided comprising subjecting a sample to second order non-linear optical imaging and detecting the second harmonic generation signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for viewing images of a gemstone is described. The apparatus comprises a support structure for supporting the gemstone at an observation position. An illumination structure comprises a plurality of directional light sources directed towards the observation position so as to illuminate the gemstone. The support structure and illumination structure are relatively rotatable relative to one another about a rotation axis. An imaging device is arranged to obtain images of the gemstone at the observation position at a variety of relative rotational positions between the illumination structure and support structure: the imaging device has an imaging axis passing through the observation position. The support structure is arranged so that the gemstone can be placed at the observation position in such a way that the normal to a selected facet of the gemstone is within a range of tilt angles from the rotation axis.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for measuring the crystallographic orientation of a component cast by a directional solidification process. The method comprises the steps of: illuminating at least a region of the component surface with substantially coherent light, measuring the mean angle and intensity of the light reflected from the component surface, and correlating said mean angle and intensity to the crystallographic orientation of the component. The method has been found to lend itself particularly well to automation.

Abstract: An arrangement for, and a method of, accurately determining at least one optical property, such as coverage and/or symmetry, of a gemstone, employ an energizable, stationary light source for directing light rays at different orientations to an uncovered table of the gemstone, and an energizable, stationary backlight spaced away from a culet of the gemstone. A controller energizes the light source to generate return light from the gemstone for each light ray, and energizes the backlight to illuminate the gemstone from behind. An imager images the return light as a plurality of frontlit images, and images the backlit gemstone as a backlit image. The controller processes at least one of the images to determine the optical property of the gemstone.

Abstract: A gemstone to be optically examined is held by a holder having an internal compartment. A mounting plate supports the gemstone table-side up in an upright position within the internal compartment. A protective lid is mounted on the holder for movement between a closed position in which the lid overlies the mounting plate and the gemstone supported thereon, and an open position in which the lid uncovers the gemstone for optical examination.

Abstract: A method of measuring a degree of crystallinity of a polycrystalline silicon substrate includes obtaining a Raman spectrum graph by irradiating a polycrystalline silicon substrate with a laser beam; and calculating a degree of crystallinity of the polycrystalline silicon substrate from the Raman spectrum graph using the following formula: (degree of crystallinity)=(area of polycrystalline peak)/[(area of amorphous peak)+(area of polycrystalline peak)].

Abstract: Provided are a method for evaluating evenness of suplatast tosilate crystals; stable suplatast tosilate crystals exhibiting evenness in optical purity; and a method for producing the suplatast tosilate crystals. The method for evaluating evenness of suplatast tosilate crystals includes: (a) a step of adding a solvent to suplatast tosilate crystals to thereby dissolve 3% or less of the crystals in the solvent, and subjecting a portion of the supernatant of the resultant suspension to optical purity measurement, and (b) a step of adding a solvent to the remaining suspension to thereby dissolve the entirety of the suspension in the solvent, and subjecting a portion of the resultant solution to optical purity measurement, wherein the optical purity as measured in the step (a) is compared with the optical purity as measured in the step (b). The suplatast tosilate crystals exhibits excellent evenness and thermal stability. The method for producing the suplatast tosilate crystals is also provided.

Abstract: In an object verifier having a housing and an object holder, an object may be placed in the object holder for observation by an operator. The object is illuminated using a collimated beam of white light that is generated by a light generator. The collimated beam of white light is passed through a beam splitter with the two portions of the collimated beam of white light presented to the object at a 90 degree angle one from the other. The interior of the housing includes a reflective surface for maximal illumination of the object. The observer may view the illuminated object through a viewing window and/or through a magnification window. The magnification window provides for the viewing of the object in greater detail.

Abstract: The determination of an apparent distance between an object and a surface is disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises illuminating the object with a spatially inhomogeneous irradiance from the surface, an intensity variation in the spatially inhomogeneous irradiance in a plane parallel to the surface responsive to a distance between the plane and the surface. Next, an image of the object is acquired while the object is illuminated by the spatially inhomogeneous irradiance, and the apparent distance of the object from the surface is determined based on a brightness contrast in the image of the object due to the spatially inhomogeneous irradiance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing objects. The method includes the steps of illuminating the object with incident red light having at least some wavelengths between 620 nms and 650 nms and detecting red light fluorescence from said object having a wavelength greater than visible wavelengths greater than that of the incident wavelengths, for example by using a filter. An apparatus including a source of red incident light, a detector for longer wavelength fluorescent light and a means for physically removing the detected objects from the rest is also provided. An embodiment of the present invention may be used in a mine, for example, to separate gem stones from less valuable ore rock or in prospecting to detect the presence of gems. In this embodiment the detection is not possible with the naked eye alone.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining location of at least one inclusion in a gemstone having a first refractive index, comprising: a container adapted for containing a material having a second refractive index, a holder operative to support a gemstone in the material when the container contains the material; an illuminator positioned and adapted to illuminate said gemstone when disposed within said material in said container, with illumination at which said gemstone and said material have their respective first and second indices; a detector that detects illumination from the illuminated gemstone and said material and produces signals responsive thereto; a controller that receives the signals and is operative to determine a location of an inclusion in the gemstone based on the signals; and a system, operative to reduce the presence within said material, at least when the gemstone is disposed therein, of any substance other than inclusions, having a third refractive index.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus includes a container configured to contain a coolant within a space. The apparatus further includes a cooling block positioned substantially within the space and having a high heat capacity such that the space not occupied by the cooling block is filled with a coolant to a level at or below the top of the cooling block, and a placement structure having high thermal conductivity positioned on top of the cooling block and outside of the space. A method for cooling an object is also provided, which includes inserting a coolant into a container configured to contain the coolant within a space, and placing the object on a placement structure outside the space. For this method, the placement structure has a high thermal conductivity and is coupled to a cooling block, the cooling block having a high heat capacity and positioned substantially within the space. A two-stage cooling apparatus and method is also described.

Abstract: A method and system for evaluating a colored gem stone which has been cooled to below a designated temperature are provided. The system includes a cooling unit configured to support and cool a gem stone to below a desired temperature, an electromagnetic radiation source, a spectrometer, an integrating sphere, and a processing unit. The method includes receiving a spectral response of the colored gem stone and sampling a noise component within a range of wavelengths in the spectral response so as to make a baseline determination. The method further includes ascertaining a presence of at least one designated peak within the range of wavelengths as a function of the baseline determination, and evaluating the presence of each of the at least one designated peaks so as to provide an indication of whether the colored gem stone requires further evaluation.

Abstract: The present invention presents a non-destructive method and means of obtaining either the inner portion or the outer contour of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional model of the outer contours of a gemstone.

Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating an optical property of a gemstone operate to trace selected and ordered model light rays through a model of the gemstone. The rays may be selected such that, when ordered into a sequence, the points of contact of successive rays with the gemstone surface generate a pattern defined by a path created by the linking of successive contact points with line segments. Further, the rays may be propagated through the gemstone in a manner that utilizes an ordered set of facet identifiers corresponding to facets impinged upon by a ray previously propagated through the gemstone. Moreover, these strategies can be combined by propagating an ordered sequence of rays corresponding to an ordered set of contact points generating a pattern defined by a path, and using for such propagation an ordered set of facet identifiers corresponding to facets impinged upon by a ray previously propagated through the gemstone.

Abstract: The present invention discloses method for color measurement and color grading of faceted gemstones, diamonds and the like. A novel three-step calibration insures an accurate spectral measurement of the sample inside the measurement integrating sphere. Using the method of the present invention, a computer provides measurement parameters calculated from the physical parameters of the measured sample, including, but not limited to, shape, dimensions, refractive index, intensity of fluorescence and cut grade. By means of the present invention, a computer then calculates the spectral reflectance and colorimetric data, and determines an average color grade by checking a look-up-table that represents the relationship between the CIELAB coordinate and the average color grade, and it also determines a true color grade based upon the average color grade and the physical parameters, using mathematical analyses and algorithms.

Abstract: An improved refractometer for automatically determining the refractive index of a test subject by using principles embodied in Brewster's Angle, the refractometer comprising a light source, a light detector, a subject mount for securing the test subject to the device, a positioning device to orient the light source and light detector to the subject such that the angles of the light source and light detector to the subject are substantially identical, a data gathering device to automatically retrieve relevant data regarding the angles of the light source and light detector to the subject and the light intensity of the reflected light, and a computational device to process the data using algorithms taking into account the principles embodied in Brewster's Angle and/or Fresnel Equations in order to arrive at the refractive index of the test subject.

Abstract: The invention is a method for detecting the diameter of a single crystal grown by the Czochralski method, wherein the diameter of a single crystal is detected by both a camera and a load cell, the diameter detected by the camera is corrected based on a difference between the diameter detected by the camera and the diameter calculated by the load cell and a correction coefficient ? obtained in advance according to a growth rate of the single crystal, and a value obtained by the correction is set as the diameter of the single crystal, and a single crystal pulling apparatus including both a camera and a load cell for detecting the diameter of a single crystal to be pulled upwardly. As a result, it is possible to improve the measurement accuracy of the diameter of a large-diameter, heavy crystal and achieve the enhancement of yields and a reduction in variations in quality.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for assessment, evaluation and grading of gemstones has a stage (11) upon which a gemstone may be supported, the stage being enclosed in a housing (15) that is impervious to light. At least one light source (14) located in the housing is adapted to project incident light onto the gemstone. There are means for rotating and tilting the stage so as to vary the orientation of the gemstone to the incident light. A digital camera (16) is located in the housing adjacent the or each light source and is adapted to take images of the gemstone based on reflection and/or refraction of the incident light. There are also information processing means for calibrating and analysing the images, with the information processing means being programmed with an instruction set for colour calibrating the images and then analysing the colour calibrated images by segmentation and histogram measurement.

Abstract: A dark field lighting testing device, for detecting a surface defect of an object having mirror surfaces, includes a cavity, the interior surface of which is made of a light-absorbing material; an opening arranged on a top of the cavity; a tape body arranged on the interior surface of the cavity; a plurality of lighting elements arranged on the tape body and electrically connected to each other; and a plate body arranged right above the opening of the cavity. During testing procedure, light emitted from each lighting element is incident upon the surface of the tested object, from which the diffusively reflected or refracted light forms an image on the surface of the plate body, thus a defect on the surface of the tested body and a position thereof being able to be detected.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer has a bevel contour formed along the periphery thereof, products formed on the wafer, and an ID mark formed on the bevel contour. The ID mark shows at least the properties, manufacturing conditions, and test results of the products.

Abstract: The present invention provides high quality monodisperse or substantially monodisperse InAs nanocrystals in the as-prepared state. In some embodiments, the as-prepared substantially monodisperse InAs nanocrystals demonstrate a photoluminescence of between about 700 nm and 1400 nm.

Abstract: The method determines laser stability of an optical material, which is suitable for making an optical element through which high-energy light passes. The method includes pre-irradiation to produce radiation damage and measurement of the resulting induced non-intrinsic fluorescence. The method is distinguished by excitation of induced fluorescence immediately after pre-irradiation and after at least ten minutes after pre-irradiation with light of a wavelength between 350 and 810 nm, and measurement and quantitative evaluation of fluorescence intensities at wavelengths between 550 nm and 810 nm. Especially laser-stable optical materials, particularly CaF2 crystals, have a normalized difference (Z) of the fluorescence intensities measured at a first time immediately after pre-irradiation and at a second time at least ten minutes after the pre-irradiation, as calculated by the following equation (1): Z=(I2,?1,?2?I1,?1,?2)I2,?1,?2??(1), which is less than 0.3.

Abstract: Diamonds may be identified as grown by the use of chemical vapor deposition. One or more diamonds may be placed on a surface and exposed to short wavelength light. Diamonds that fluoresce red may be identified as grown by the use of chemical vapor deposition. In some embodiments, the diamonds are cooled prior to exposure to the short wavelength light.

Abstract: Diamonds are embedded with one or more layers representative of an identifier. The identifier may include encoding in the form of defects created in one or more layers in a recognizable pattern, such as a bar code, characters or symbols. In some embodiments, a single crystal CVD diamond is formed with layers of varying thickness to provide the encoding. A system includes a radiation source to provide short wavelength light. A holder positions a gemstone to receive the light. A detector is positioned to receive fluorescent light from the gemstone when the gemstone is a CVD grown gemstone, and a pattern identifier correlates a detected pattern of defects to unique identification information.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for measuring the crystallographic orientation of a component cast by a directional solidification process. The method comprises the steps of: illuminating at least a region of the component surface with substantially coherent light, measuring the mean angle and intensity of the light reflected from the component surface, and correlating said mean angle and intensity to the crystallographic orientation of the component. The method has been found to lend itself particularly well to automation.

Abstract: A system includes a radiation source to provide short wavelength light. A holder positions a table of a gemstone to receive the light. A detector is positioned to receive fluorescent light from the gemstone when the gemstone is a CVD grown gemstone.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus that comprises a spectrometer, and computer and a dual integrating sphere measurement arrangement comprising a measurement integrating sphere, a sample integrating sphere, a sample platform, a filter, a lens system, a baffle and a light source. The sample integrating sphere encloses a sample to provide a constant environment for simulating the visual color grading environment. The computer controls the spectrometer and provides measurement parameters calculated from physical parameters of the measured sample, including, but not limited to, shape, dimensions, refractive index, intensity of fluorescence and cut grade. The computer then calculates spectral reflectance and colorimetric data, and determines an average color grade by checking a look-up-table that represents the relationship between the CIELAB coordinate and the average color grade.

Abstract: A system for grading the cut of a diamond utilizes a number of appearance metrics to generate scores for a number of cut components that affect cut quality. These cut components include brightness, fire, scintillation, overweight, durability, polish, and symmetry. The cut grading system employs a cut grading algorithm that processes the individual scores obtained for the cut components to generate an overall cut grade for the diamond. The scoring methodology and the cut grading algorithm are designed to emulate actual observation grading such that the overall cut grade represents a fair indication of the cut quality of the diamond. In one practical embodiment, the cut grading system is fully automated and computer-implemented.

Abstract: A system for grading the cut of a diamond utilizes a number of appearance metrics to generate scores for a number of cut components that affect cut quality. These cut components include brightness, fire, scintillation, overweight, durability, polish, and symmetry. The cut grading system employs a cut grading algorithm that processes the individual scores obtained for the cut components to generate an overall cut grade for the diamond. The scoring methodology and the cut grading algorithm are designed to emulate actual observation grading such that the overall cut grade represents a fair indication of the cut quality of the diamond. In one practical embodiment, the cut grading system is fully automated and computer-implemented.

Abstract: A crystal optical material is illuminated at a wavelength of light that does not ionize the crystal optical material. Birefringence is measured between a plurality of voxels within the crystal optical material having spatial dimensions small enough to distinguish optical propagations of the light encountering boundary regions between subgrains of the crystal mosaic from optical propagations of the light through the subgrains themselves. The measured birefringence is evaluated for quantifying a characteristic of the crystal matrix. Metrics describing the crystal matrix are associated with performance of the crystal optical material.

Abstract: A system is provided for certifying two or more gemstones as being a matched pair. The system includes measuring values for at least four physical properties of a multiplicity of gemstones, identifying a first gemstone, a second gemstone, and optionally still further gemstones all being within match tolerances of the respective measured values, and certifying in a single certificate that based on the match tolerances, the gemstones constitute a matched set. Also disclosed is jewelry and a process for creating jewelry based on the certification system.

Abstract: A process to create a fungible global standard for diamonds and gemstones. The process involves grouping diamonds in an investment standard according to their gemological, proportional, optical and light behavior characteristics. Diamonds that conform to the investment grade standard are interchangeable within a specific size range according to an equivalent monetary bundling process. Diamonds subjected to the standard conform to a holistic set of gemological, proportional, optical and light characteristic requirements that enables diamonds to be classified into a extraordinarily homogeneous, visually indistinguishable and highly fungible group which can be used to create baskets of diamonds to form an index/benchmark for diamond pricing, financial instruments, and a standard that can be used for certifying diamonds as investment grade to insure quality.

Abstract: A correlation operation method adopted when calculating a degree of correlation manifesting between a first signal data string and a second signal data string, includes: a first information generation step of generating first operation data by calculating a product of first data in the first signal data string and nearby data present near second data in the second signal data string which correspond to the first data; a second information generation step of generating second operation data by calculating a product of the second data in the second signal data string and nearby data present near the first data in the first signal data string; and a correlation degree detection step of calculating a degree of correlation between the first operation data and the second operation data.

Abstract: Methods for grading gemstones, apparatus for grading gemstones, and systems that utilize such methods and apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for grading the cut of a diamond utilizes a number of appearance metrics to generate scores for a number of cut components that affect cut quality. These cut components include brightness, fire, scintillation, overweight, durability, polish, and symmetry. The cut grading system employs a cut grading algorithm that processes the individual scores obtained for the cut components to generate an overall cut grade for the diamond. The scoring methodology and the cut grading algorithm are designed to emulate actual observation grading such that the overall cut grade represents a fair indication of the cut quality of the diamond. In one practical embodiment, the cut grading system is fully automated and computer-implemented.