The characterization of strain, impurity content, and crush strength of synthetic diamond crystals

Contributors:   T.L. McCormick, W.E. Jackson, and Robert J. Nemanich

ABSTRACT

This study addresses the correlation of the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of synthetic diamond crystals produced by high pressure, high temperature conditions. Microscopic properties were characterized using Raman spectroscopy, birefringence, and photoluminescence (PL). Macroscopic properties characterized included inclusion content and crush force. Raman measurements detected measurable stress shifts in only two samples. The PL measurements indicated an increased presence of the H3 center in areas of high strain. The absence of the H3 center and the presence of the N-V PL center was correlated to lower average crush force. A hierarchy has been developed that relates microscopic properties to average crush force.

Publisher: Journal of Materials Research,   Volume: 12,   253-263 ||  Published: 1997-01 ||   PDF (394.85 KB) ||   Read more...