The Inspectrum provides a convenient and portable way to perform optical spectroscopy on gems. It illuminates a gem under evaluation with white light and then analysing which wavelengths have been transmitted or absorbed after interacting with the gem.
The instrument comprises a visible light spectrometer combined with a 405 nm laser and white light source. It provides both fluorescence and transmission spectra from gems.
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The Inspectrum has been specifically designed for use with facetted diamonds, especially for the detection of lab-grown and treated diamonds. It is unique in several respects:
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1) Features both a visible transmission and a PL (405 nm) capability in the one unit without having to relocate the sample
- 2) Enhanced transmission sensitivity in the 415 nm and 700 – 750 nm region
- 3) Able to record transmission spectra for mounted gems and reflection spectra for stones (e.g. jade)
- 4) Highly compact and portable
- 5) Can be powered by an external 12V battery pack (8 x AA batteries)
- 6) Affordable low price.
A common test for diamond ID is to observe features, such as the 415 nm (natural) line in a PL spectrum. However for diamonds that are not fluorescent, such spectrum is not attainable. A transmission spectrum will reveal the 415 nm feature as absorption rather than emission. With a flick of a switch an Inspectrum can be converted to visible transmission mode when a 415 nm and other absorption lines can be observed.
A PC is required to interface with the spectrometer and to be able to save spectra as txt files and be able to compare with some reference spectra.
Examples of a PL and transmission spectrum are shown opposite.
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