Exploring natural gems and minerals by multiphoton microscopy

Benjamin Cromey; Ryan J. Knox; Eric Fritz; Khanh Kieu

doi:10.1117/12.2528764

Translator Disclaimer

30 August 2019 Exploring natural gems and minerals by multiphoton microscopy

Benjamin Cromey; Ryan J. Knox; Eric Fritz; Khanh Kieu

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 11099, Light in Nature VII; 1109902 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2528764
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2019, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The beauty of gems and minerals have been examined and appreciated by optical tools for centuries. Current methods for examining the interior structure of gems and minerals typically requires a sample to be cut and polished prior to imaging. In this presentation, we introduce a new tool for imaging gems and minerals in three dimensions, the multiphoton microscope. We have demonstrated that the multiphoton microscope can capture fascinating information from natural gems and minerals with sub-micron resolution at depths up to the millimeter scale. This new application of multiphoton microscopy may open the doors to non-destructive characterization leading to new information on the formation, structure, and appearance of these stones that have fascinated the eye for centuries.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Benjamin Cromey, Ryan J. Knox, Eric Fritz, and Khanh Kieu "Exploring natural gems and minerals by multiphoton microscopy", Proc. SPIE 11099, Light in Nature VII, 1109902 (30 August 2019); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2528764

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE