Graphitization of diamond stimulated by electron-hole recombination

A laser field photon whose energy exceeds a crystal's electronic band gap generates electron-hole pairs. Non-radiative recombination of such pairs in diamond may assist transiting the carbon atoms into the graphite phase, that is, graphitization of diamond. A theoretical problem of finding the rate of this type of laser-driven graphitization process is posed. One and three dimensional geometries of surface graphitization are studied. Graphitization rates are evaluated, as well as the thickness of the formed graphite layers, as functions of temperature.