An apparatus, method, and system are disclosed to analyze samples materials using
triboluminescent technology. A mechanical activation knot is provided that comprises
an optical window, a membrane, and a device that supplies a constant pressure of
gas on the zone of activation. A sample is placed between the membrane and the
optical window. The optical window is rotated along its z-axis. The friction between
the sample and the optical window generates triboluminescence and associated optical
emissions. Optical emissions may be distributed on the spectrum by a spectrograph,
a monochromator, or a collection of filters, and then fixed by the charge coupled
device, a photodiode, or a photomultiplier tube. Then, the results (data) are incorporated
into different mathematical algorithms or programs with the help of computers or
other computation technologies. The final results (the output) may be compared
among themselves or with reference data stored in a computer's memory.
