Abstract: Methods of applying a nanocrystalline diamond film to a cutting tool are provided. In the methods, the cutting tool comprises tungsten carbide and has a cutting edge with a radius of curvature of no more than about 1 ?m. The methods can comprise seeding a cutting surface of the cutting tool with a diamond nanopowder, the cutting surface having a reduced cobalt content, and depositing a nanocrystalline diamond film having a thickness of no more than about 1 ?m onto the seeded cutting surface. The methods can also comprise implanting carbon ions into a cutting surface of the cutting tool to provide a carbide rich cutting surface and depositing a nanocrystalline diamond film having a thickness of no more than about 1 ?m onto the carbide-rich cutting surface.

Abstract: Monolithic tetrahedra amorphous carbon (ta-C) nanoprobes and ta-C coated nanoprobes and methods for fabricating such nanoprobes are provided. The nanoprobes provide hard, wear-resistant, low friction, and chemically inert probes for use in such applications as atomic force microscopy, nanolithography and metrology.

Abstract: The present invention provides tungsten carbide-containing surfaces, and particularly tungsten carbide-containing cutting tools, that are at least partially coated with a thin nanocrystalline diamond film. Also provided are methods for producing the nanocrystalline diamond-coated surfaces. The films are desirably continuous and uniform with a thickness of no greater than about 1 micron. The films may be coated onto the cutting edge(s) of a micro-cutting tool to strengthen the tool, thereby extending its lifetime without significantly increasing the diameter or radius of curvature of the cutting surface.