High resolution 3D imaging of diamonds with multiphoton microscopy

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a nondestructive, high-resolution 3D imaging technique for diamonds using multiphoton microscopy, revealing internal structures and defects crucial for quality assessment and technological applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel application of multiphoton microscopy for detailed, nondestructive 3D imaging and spectral analysis of diamonds, enabling insights into their internal features and formation conditions.

Findings

Achieved sub-micrometer resolution in 3D imaging of diamonds

Enabled spectral analysis of fluorescent defects and inclusions

Provided insights into diamond provenance and treatment history

Abstract

Diamonds offer unique benefits for optical technology development due to their optical, chemical, electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. These attributes also contribute to their aesthetic appeal, high commercial value, and utility in geological studies. Thus, there is high demand for nondestructive techniques that enable rapid analysis of natural and synthetic diamonds as well as diamond-like simulants. Here, we demonstrate sub-micrometer, nondestructive, three-dimensional imaging and spectral analysis of diamonds using multiphoton microscopy (MPM). This approach stimulates nonlinear optical emissions to provide unique insights into the interior structure, fluorescent defects, and formational conditions of diamonds. As a result, MPM can be used to investigate gemstone quality, vacancy centers used in quantum technologies, and the various inclusions and fluorescent emitters that may trace gemstone provenance and treatment history.