NUCLEATION ENHANCEMENT OF DIAMOND SYNTHESIZED BY COMBUSTION FLAME TECHNIQUES

The nucleation density and the morphology of diamond crystals and films, synthesized by the combustion flame technique, are shown to be strongly influenced by the nucleation processes at work. Nucleation of diamond on a mechanically abraded molybdenum surface results in well-formed cubo octahedrons with a relatively low nucleation density. Nucleation on an initially formed, diamond-like carbon layer markedly increases the nucleation density and alters the morphology of the diamond crystals and film. The enhancement of nucleation by diamond-like carbon layers is postulated to be a result of the high surface defect density and the high hydrogen concentration of these materials.