DTI Diamond Technologies, Inc - Diamond Cut Analysis

how technology works: Ray Tracing vs Reflection Tracing

HOW IT WORKS

Our system uses powerful computer technology to simulate the real life viewing environment that occurs when the human eye views a diamond. This process is extremely complicated, a simplified explanation is as follows: We first build a model of the diamond and it’s environment, next we illuminate it. Then we analyze the information returned by the diamond using an advanced form of light analysis called reflection tracing. Then these results are analyzed the same way the human eye does.

History of the study of light through a diamond

1919 Marcel Tolkowsky used a 2-D model
1980’s ray tracing using a faceted 3-D model
1989 DTIs’ first ray tracing studies.

DTI quickly realized that ray tracing was insufficient

1992 DTI pioneered the creation of Reflection Tracing.
The most advanced technology in existence.

2-D Model

Ray Tracing

Uses thousands of tiny little points (rays) in an attempt to represent the actual shape and area of a light beam.
Forced to guess the geometry of the beam and newly created beams.

Reflection Tracing

Uses the exact geometric shape and area of a light beam.
Knows exact geometry and number of new beams. (note 15 new beams created out of initial entry beam after just three bounces of the light thru diamond.

Reflection tracing allows for tremendous computational speed over ray tracing which in turn leads to greater accuracy.

Evidence of this fact is shown in the small inset in the figure on the right. Note the light beam that exists the diamond, reflection tracings result outlined in red shows the entire beam including its shape and area. Ray tracing has only 6 rays emerging out of the thousands that entered the original facet. This is a classic example of the lack of knowledge ray tracing provides.