Diamond Tribe | Q&A | II

Q: What are the types of tests we have for diamond characterization?

A: There are many tests like Raman, FTIR, XRD, etc.

The list below provides a wide variety of tests for characterising and analysing lab-grown diamonds, encompassing a range of topics such as elemental composition, crystal structure, defects, impurities, optical properties, and growth factors.

Raman Spectroscopy: This technique is used to identify the chemical composition and crystal structure of the diamond. It can also reveal the presence of impurities and defects.

Photoluminescence Spectroscopy: This technique measures the emission of light from the diamond when it is excited by a laser. It can provide information about the diamond's electronic and optical properties, as well as the presence of defects.

Fourier-transform infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR): This technique is used to identify the presence of impurities, particularly nitrogen and boron, in the diamond.

X-ray Diffraction (XRD): This technique is used to analyze the crystal structure and lattice parameters of the diamond.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): This technique is used to observe the surface morphology and structure of the diamond.

Transmission electron Microscopy (TEM): This technique is used to analyze the internal structure and defects of the diamond at the atomic scale.

Atomic force Microscopy (AFM): This technique is used to measure the surface topography and roughness of the diamond at the nanometer scale.

Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance (ODMR): ODMR is a technique that combines optical and magnetic resonance measurements to study the electronic and spin properties of diamonds. It involves applying a magnetic field and exciting the diamond with light, then detecting changes in the light emission or absorption as a result of interactions with electron spins. ODMR can provide insights into the defects, impurities, and spin dynamics of lab-grown diamonds.

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR): EPR, also known as Electron Spin Resonance (ESR), is a spectroscopic technique that detects the presence of paramagnetic species in diamonds. It provides information about the electronic structure and defects within the diamond lattice

Cathodoluminescence (CL): CL microscopy involves exciting the diamond with an electron beam and analyzing the resulting emitted light. It provides information about the diamond's impurities, defects, and luminescent properties.

Time-Resolved Photoluminescence (TRPL): TRPL measures the time-dependent emission of light from the diamond following an excitation pulse. It provides insights into the radiative recombination and nonradiative processes within the diamond, including the presence of defects or impurities.

X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS): XPS is a technique used to analyze the surface chemistry of the diamond. It provides information about the elemental composition, chemical bonding, and oxidation state of the diamond's surface.

Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS): SIMS is used to determine the elemental composition and impurity concentrations within the diamond. It involves bombarding the diamond surface with a primary ion beam, which causes the emission of secondary ions that are then analyzed by mass spectrometry.

Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy: UV-Vis Spectroscopy measures the absorption and transmission of light in the ultraviolet and visible regions of the spectrum. It provides information about the diamond's optical properties, including its absorption characteristics and bandgap energy.

DiamondView Imaging: DiamondView imaging utilizes ultraviolet light to reveal fluorescence patterns and internal growth features within diamonds. It aids in the identification of natural versus lab-grown diamonds and can provide information about the diamond's growth history.

X-ray Fluorescence (XRF): XRF is a non-destructive technique used to determine the elemental composition of the diamond. It provides quantitative information about the presence and concentration of various elements in the diamond.

Confocal Raman Spectroscopy: Confocal Raman Spectroscopy combines Raman Spectroscopy with spatial resolution. It provides detailed information about the chemical composition, crystal structure, and lattice defects within the diamond.

Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD): EBSD is used to analyze the crystallographic orientation and microstructure of the diamond. It provides information about the crystal defects, grain boundaries, and growth textures within the diamond.

Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS): LA-ICP-MS is a technique that combines laser ablation with mass spectrometry to determine the trace element composition of the diamond. It can provide insights into the diamond's formation environment and any contamination or impurities present.

Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS): EELS is a technique used in transmission electron microscopy to study the electronic structure and chemical composition of materials at the atomic scale. It can provide insights into the bonding, elemental composition, and electronic properties of lab-grown diamonds.

Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA): TGA measures the weight changes of the diamond as a function of temperature. It can be used to determine the thermal stability, decomposition behaviour, and presence of impurities or absorbed species within the diamond.

X-ray Reflectivity: X-ray reflectivity is a technique used to study the surface and interface properties of diamonds. It provides information about layer thicknesses, roughness, and density profiles of thin films or coatings deposited on the diamond surface.

Micro X-ray Computed Tomography (Micro-CT): Micro-CT is a non-destructive imaging technique used to obtain 3D internal structural information of lab-grown diamonds. It can reveal the distribution of defects, inclusions, and growth features within the diamond.

Hall Effect Measurements: Hall effect measurements involve applying a magnetic field to the diamond and measuring the resulting voltage, current, and magnetic field relationship. This technique provides information about the carrier concentration, mobility, and type (e.g., electrons or holes) within the diamond.

Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR): SPR is a technique used to study the interaction of light with the diamond surface. It provides information about surface binding events, such as adsorption or chemical reactions, and can be used for sensing applications.

These techniques cover a wide range of physical, chemical, optical, and mechanical properties, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of lab-grown diamonds.