Technology from Ocean Optics (www.OceanOptics.com) is being used in China's Beijing Antique City to separate authentic ceramic antiques from fakes. Nationally recognized antiques appraiser Guan Haisen employs an Ocean Optics LIBS system, with QE65000 spectrometer, to help him identify artificially aged ceramics and artifacts.

Ocean Optics' LIBS system uses a laser to ‘burn' away a very tiny area (invisible to the naked eye) of the object under test, causing a plasma to form. The plasma is then analyzed for the key elements of interest, such as chemicals used to simulate the process of aging. The entire test takes less than 30 seconds.

Currently, the ceramics examination industry in China relies heavily on the appraiser's knowledge and experience. LIBS analysis brings a level of technical accuracy to antique identification. Haisen uses LIBS to augment his extensive expertise and obtain the most accurate results. His goal is to make this type of scientific verification a standard practice.

In selecting a system for this relatively new application, the accuracy of the spectrometer and software were absolutely vital to Haisen. Portability and accuracy in the field were also important considerations as the appraiser often travels to the object rather than ship delicate items to the lab. In addition, Ocean Optics' flexibility enabled Haisen to design a new configuration of the LIBS system-basically an entirely new product specifically for his needs.

Ocean Optics LIBS systems are used in a wide variety of other applications, such as RoHS screening, gem origin determination, and elemental determinations in mixed powders.

About Ocean Optics
Headquartered in Dunedin, Fla., Ocean Optics is a leading supplier of solutions for optical sensing - fundamental methods of measuring and interpreting the interaction of light with matter. With locations in Asia and Europe, the company has sold more than 130,000 spectrometers worldwide since 1992. Ocean Optics' extensive line of complementary technologies includes chemical sensors, analytical instrumentation, optical fibers, metrology products and optics. The company is a subsidiary of Halma p.l.c., an international market leader in safety, health and sensor technology.

About Guan Haisen and Beijing Antiques City
Guan Haisen is a nationally recognized expert in distinguishing fake antiques, particularly ceramics. He has published a number of books and papers on the subject, and has appeared on numerous televisions shows, including the Chinese equivalent of Antiques Roadshow. His shop, Guanhaisen Appraises Antique Technical Company, is located in the new state-owned Beijing Antique City (Beijing, China). The four story building is the largest Chinese antique trade center in Asia, handling thousands of antiques including paintings, calligraphic works, jewelry and jade goods from over 600 dealers.