Analysis of diamond nucleation on molybdenum by biased hot filament chemical vapor deposition

The nucleation and initial growth of diamond on molybdenum using biased hot filament chemical vapor deposition were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and adhesion force tests. The studies showed that the negative biased pre-treatment greatly enhanced the nucleation density and adhesion force of diamond films on molybdenum. The experimental evidence was confirmed that there is large stress near the interface between the diamond and the Mo substrate, which were originated from the disordered graphite phases and molybdenum carbide near the interface. This may play an important role during nucleation stage. However, larger stress can cause the degradation of the adhesion force of diamond films on Mo substrate. However, the adhesion force was enhanced with increasing bias voltage. The theoretical relationship between the adhesion force and the bias voltage is given by theoretical calculation. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.