Abstract: Polycrystalline diamond constructions include a diamond body comprising a matrix phase of bonded together diamond crystals formed at high pressure/high temperature conditions with a catalyst material. The sintered body is treated remove the catalyst material disposed within interstitial regions, rendering it substantially free of the catalyst material used to initially sinter the body. Accelerating techniques can be used to remove the catalyst material. The body includes an infiltrant material disposed within interstitial regions in a first region of the construction. The body includes a second region adjacent the working surface and that is substantially free of the infiltrant material. The infiltrant material can be a Group VIII material not used to initially sinter the diamond body. A metallic substrate is attached to the diamond body, and can be the same or different from a substrate used as a source of the catalyst material used to initially sinter the diamond body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacture of diamond, the method including the steps of providing a first coating of solvent metal or solvent metal alloy on a diamond seed to create a coated diamond seed, situating the coated diamond seed adjacent a catalyst system comprising a solvent metal and/or a source of carbon, and subjecting the coated diamond seed and catalyst system to increased temperature wherein the melting point of the first coating is at least 20 deg C. below that of the catalyst system. The invention further relates to a compact comprising a plurality of diamond seeds wherein at least one seed includes a first coating comprising a solvent metal and/or solvent metal based alloy, the compact further comprising a catalyst system comprising a solvent metal and/or a source of carbon wherein the melting point of the first coating is at least 20 deg C. below that of the catalyst system.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a diamond composite, includes: a) mixing diamonds with additives, the mixture comprising at least 50 wt % and less than 95 wt % of diamonds and more than 5 wt % additives; b) forming a work piece from the mixture using a pressure of at least 100 Mpa; c) heating the formed work piece to at least 300° C. for removing possible water and wholly or partially removing additives; d) heating the work piece and controlling the heating temperature and heating time so that a certain desired amount of graphite is created by graphitization of diamonds, wherein the amount of graphite created by graphitization is 3-50 wt % of the amount of diamond; e) infiltrating silicon or silicon alloy into the work piece.

Abstract: Provided are electron emitters based upon diamondoid monolayers, preferably self-assembled higher diamondoid monolayers. High intensity electron emission has been demonstrated employing such diamondoid monolayers, particularly when the monolayers are comprised of higher diamondoids. The application of such diamondoid monolayers can alter the band structure of substrates, as well as emit monochromatic electrons, and the high intensity electron emissions can also greatly improve the efficiency of field-effect electron emitters as applied to industrial and commercial applications.

Abstract: There is provided an n type (100) oriented single crystal diamond semiconductor film into which phosphorus atoms have been doped and a method of producing the same. The n type (100) oriented single crystal diamond semiconductor film, characterized in that (100) oriented diamond is epitaxially grown on a substrate under such conditions that; the diamond substrate (100) oriented diamond, a means for chemical vapor deposition provides hydrogen, hydrocarbon and a phosphorus compound in the plasma vapor phase, the ratio of phosphorus atoms to carbon atoms in the plasma vapor phase is no less than 0.1%, and the ratio of carbon atoms to hydrogen atoms is no less than 0.05%, and the method of producing the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for debindering and/or purifying granules or material suitable for use in High Pressure High Temperatures diamond or cubic boron nitride synthesis, the method comprising the steps of passing the granules or material through a zone having controlled atmosphere and temperature in a continuous manner, the zone having a maximum temperature within the zone of greater than approximately 600° C, wherein the time spent by each granule within the zone is less than 30 minutes.

Abstract: A diamond single crystal composite substrate which are constructed from a plurality of diamond single crystal substrates with uniform plane orientations disposed side by side and integrated overall by growing diamond single crystals thereon by vapor phase synthesis, in which the deviation of the plane orientation of the main plane of each of said plurality of diamond single crystal substrates, excluding one diamond single crystal substrate, from the {100} plane is less than 1 degree, the deviation of the plane orientation of the main plane of the excluded one substrate from the {100} plane is 1 to 8 degrees, said one diamond single crystal substrate is disposed in the outermost circumferential part when the diamond single crystal substrates are disposed side by side, and is disposed so that the <100> direction in the main plane of said one substrate faces in the outer circumferential direction of the disposed substrates, and diamond single crystals are then grown by vapor phase synthesis so that the dia

Abstract: An improved method for synthesizing superabrasive particles provides high quality industrial superabrasive particles with high yield and a narrow size distribution. The synthesis method includes forming a substantially homogeneous mixture of raw material and catalyst material or layers of raw material and metal catalyst. A plurality of crystalline seeds is placed in a predetermined pattern in the mixture or one of the layers to form a growth precursor. The growth precursor is maintained at a temperature and pressure at which the superabrasive crystal is thermodynamically stable for a time sufficient for a desired degree of growth. Advantageously, the patterned placement of crystalline seeds and disclosed processes allow for production of various morphologies of synthetic diamonds, including octahedral and cubic diamonds, and improved growth conditions generally. As a result, the grown superabrasive particles typically have a high yield of high quality particles and a narrow distribution of particle sizes.

Abstract: A grown single crystal diamond is polished using a non contact polishing technique, which leaves a residue on the diamond surface. In one embodiment, a wet chemical etch is performed to remove the residue, leaving a highly polished single crystal diamond surface. In a further embodiment, a colloidal silica solution is used in combination with rotating polishing pads to remove the residue. Both residue removing techniques may be used in further embodiments.

Abstract: A method for producing a large homoepitaxial monocrystalline diamond. The method comprises placing at least two substrates in a substrate holder in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chamber. The substrates are positioned in such a manner that the growth faces of the substrates form a wedge. A diamond forming gas is provided adjacent to the substrates in the CVD chamber. The diamond forming gas is exposed to microwave radiation to generate a plasma. Then, the substrates are exposed to the plasma under such conditions that diamond growth occurs in the wedge between the substrates, to form a large homoepitaxial monocrystalline diamond.

Abstract: The invention relates to a layered structure comprising a first intermediate layer, said first intermediate layer comprising at least one element of group IVB, group VB or group VIB; a second intermediate layer deposited on top of said first intermediate layer, said second intermediate layer comprising a diamond-like nanocomposite composition; a diamond-like carbon layer deposited on top of said second intermediate layer. The invention further relates to the use of a substrate coated with such a layered structure for high shear and/or high impact applications and to a method to cover a substrate with such a layered structure.

Abstract: To provide a fluorinated compound, which can readily form a thin film having a hydrophobic/hydrophilic pattern, by employing an ultraviolet light having a relatively low energy.

Abstract: The present invention refers to the provision of a process to manufacture large diamond monocrystals of different colors from carbon obtained from the keratin contained in the ectoderm of many living beings being possible to extract carbon from a human being by cutting a lock of hair and carbonizing it, and then subjecting it to a high pressure high temperature process.

Abstract: High pressure synthesis of various crystals such as diamond, cBN and the like can be carried out using reaction assemblies suitable for use in methods such as temperature gradient methods. The reaction assembly can be oriented substantially perpendicular to gravity during application of high pressure. Orienting the reaction assembly in this manner can avoid detrimental effects of gravity on the molten catalyst, e.g., convection, hence increasing available volumes for growing high quality crystals. Multiple reaction assemblies can be oriented in series or parallel, each reaction assembly having one or more growth cells suitable for growth of high quality crystals. Additionally, various high pressure apparatuses can be used. A split die design allows for particularly effective results and control of temperature and growth conditions for individual crystals.

Abstract: An improved method for synthesizing superabrasive particles provides high quality industrial superabrasive particles with high yield and a narrow size distribution. The synthesis method can include forming a growth precursor of a substantially homogeneous mixture of raw material and catalyst material or layers of raw material and metal catalyst. The growth precursor can have a layer of adhesive over at least a portion thereof. A plurality of crystalline seeds can be placed in a predetermined pattern on the layer of adhesive. The growth precursor can be maintained at a temperature and pressure at which the superabrasive crystal is thermodynamically stable for a time sufficient for a desired degree of growth. Advantageously, the patterned placement of crystalline seeds and disclosed processes allow for production of various morphologies of synthetic diamonds, including octahedral and cubic diamonds, and improved growth conditions generally.

Abstract: A method for temporarily securing superabrasive particles to a substrate such as a tool substrate or a growth precursor and articles formed therefrom are provided. The method can include applying an array of adhesive droplets onto at least a portion of a substrate in accordance with a predetermined pattern. The pattern may be uniform grid equally spacing each adhesive droplet. The adhesive droplets can be suitable to each secure only a single superabrasive particle. The method may further include adhering a single superabrasive particle to each adhesive droplet. As a result of the method can yield a tool substrate and grow precursor having enhance particle growth and wear properties.

Abstract: A diamond sintered body conventionally used in a cutting tool or the like includes an iron group metal element as a sintering aid, and therefore has a problem in heat resistance. A diamond sintered body not including the iron group metal, on the other hand, does not have sufficient mechanical strength to be used as a tool material, and also does not have conductivity, which makes electrical discharge machining impossible, and thus processing thereof is difficult. A diamond polycrystalline body having high heat resistance and mechanical strength and having conductivity enabling electrical discharge machining is obtained by using only an amorphous or fine graphite-type carbon material as a starting material, adding boron thereto and concurrently performing conversion into diamond and sintering in an ultra-high pressure and temperature condition.

Abstract: An improved method for controlling nucleation sites during superabrasive particle synthesis can provide high quality industrial superabrasive particles with high yield and a narrow size distribution. The synthesis method can include forming a raw material layer, forming a particulate catalyst layer adjacent the raw material layer, and placing crystalline seeds in a predetermined pattern at least partially in the catalyst layer or raw material layer to form a growth precursor. Alternatively, the raw material and catalyst material can be mixed to form a particulate crystal growth layer and then placing the crystalline seeds in a predetermined pattern in the growth layer. Preferably, seeds can be substantially surrounded by catalyst material. The growth precursor can be maintained at a temperature and pressure at which the superabrasive crystal is thermodynamically stable for a time sufficient for a desired degree of growth.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for changing the color of colored natural diamonds. The method includes placing a discolored natural diamond in a pressure-transmitting medium which is consolidated into a pill. Next, the pill is placed into a high pressure/high temperature (HP/HT) press at elevated pressure and elevated temperature for a time sufficient to improve the color of the diamond. The diamond may be exposed at elevated-pressure and elevated-temperature conditions within the graphite-stable region of the carbon-phase diagram—without significant graphitization of the diamond, or above the diamond-graphite equilibrium and within the diamond-stable region of the carbon-phase diagram. Finally, the diamond is recovered from said press. Colorless Type Ia and Type II diamonds may be made by this method.

Abstract: A diamond electrode having a sufficiently low resistance is disclosed which is realized by increasing the amount of boron added thereto. A method for producing a high-performance, high-durability electrode is also disclosed by which adhesiveness between a diamond coating and a substrate and separation resistance during electrolysis are sufficiently increased. An electrode composed of a substrate and a diamond layer coating the substrate is characterized in that the electrode is composed of a base coated with diamond and the diamond contains boron in such an amount that the boron concentration is not less than 10,000 ppm but not more than 100,000 ppm. The base is preferably made of an insulating material.

Abstract: Novel heterodiamondoid-containing field emission devices (FED's) are disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the present invention, the heteroatom of the heterodiamondoid comprises an electron-donating species (such as nitrogen) as part of the cathode or electron-emitting component of the field emission device.

Abstract: A single crystal diamond grown by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition annealed at pressures in excess of 4.0 GPa and heated to temperature in excess of 1500 degrees C. that has a hardness of greater than 120 GPa. A method for manufacture a hard single crystal diamond includes growing a single crystal diamond and annealing the single crystal diamond at pressures in excess of 4.0 GPa and a temperature in excess of 1500 degrees C. to have a hardness in excess of 120 GPa.

Abstract: Novel diamondoid-based components that may be used in nanoscale construction are disclosed. Such components include rods, brackets, screws, gears, rotors, and impellers. Subassemblies (or subsystems) may comprise one or more diamondoid components. Exemplary subassemblies include atomic force microscope tips, molecular tachometers and signal waveform generators, and self-assembling cellular membrane pores and channels.

Abstract: High pressure synthesis of various crystals such as diamond, cBN and the like can be carried out using reaction assemblies suitable for use in methods such as temperature gradient methods. The reaction assembly can be oriented substantially perpendicular to gravity during application of high pressure. Orienting the reaction assembly in this manner can avoid detrimental effects of gravity on the molten catalyst, e.g., convection, hence increasing available volumes for growing high quality crystals. Multiple reaction assemblies can be oriented in series or parallel, each reaction assembly having one or more growth cells suitable for growth of high quality crystals. Additionally, various high pressure apparatuses can be used. A split die design allows for particularly effective results and control of temperature and growth conditions for individual crystals.

Abstract: Novel uses of diamondoid-containing materials in the field of microelectronics are disclosed. Embodiments include, but are not limited to, thermally conductive films in integrated circuit packaging, low-k dielectric layers in integrated circuit multilevel interconnects, thermally conductive adhesive films, thermally conductive films in thermoelectric cooling devices, passivation films for integrated circuit devices (ICs), and field emission cathodes. The diamondoids employed in the present invention may be selected from lower diamondoids, as well as the newly provided higher diamondoids, including substituted and unsubstituted diamondoids. The higher diamondoids include tetramantane, peritamantane, hexamantane, heptamantane, octamantane, nonamantane, decamantane, and undecamantane.

Abstract: The present invention provides films and substrates coated with films that comprise a nano-crystalline diamond matrix that is substantially free of graphite inclusions. The present invention also provides a method of chemical vapor deposition to prepare the films. The method of chemical vapor deposition operates at a DC bias voltage that substantially precludes the formation of a plasma ion capable of causing a region of a nano-crystalline diamond matrix within a forming film to allotrope when the plasma ion collides with the film.

Abstract: Novel uses of diamondoid-containing materials in the field of microelectronics are disclosed. Embodiments include, but are not limited to, thermally conductive films in integrated circuit packaging, thermally conductive adhesive films, and thermally conductive films in thermoelectric cooling devices. The diamondoids employed in the present invention may be selected from lower diamondoids, as well as the newly provided higher diamondoids, including substituted and unsubstituted diamondoids. The higher diamondoids include tetramantane, pentamantane, hexamantane, heptamantane, octamantane, nonamantane, decamantane, and undecamantane. The diamondoid-containing material may be fabricated as a diamondoid-containing polymer, a diamondoid-containing sintered ceramic, a diamondoid ceramic composite, a CVD diamondoid film, a self-assembled diamondoid film, and a diamondoid-fullerene composite.

Abstract: Novel uses of diamondoid-containing materials in the field of microelectronics are disclosed. Embodiments include, but are not limited to, passivation films for integrated circuit devices (ICs). The diamondoids employed in the present invention may be selected from lower diamondoids, as well as the newly provided higher diamondoids, including substituted and unsubstituted diamondoids. The higher diamondoids include tetramantane, pentamantane, hexamantane, heptamantane, octamantane, nonamantane, decamantane, and undecamantane. The diamondoid-containing material may be fabricated as a diamondoid-containing polymer, a diamondoid-containing sintered ceramic, a diamondoid ceramic composite, a CVD diamondoid film, a self-assembled diamondoid film, and a diamondoid-fullerene composite.

Abstract: In a diamond manufacturing method, a melt of carbon and blue kimberlite is contained in a vessel at 1000° C. The vessel is pressurized by a gas of predominantly hydrogen to 200 atmospheres. A crystallization seed is drawn from the melt to generate a piece of diamond material.

Abstract: Synthetic monocrystalline diamond compositions having one or more monocrystalline diamond layers formed by chemical vapor deposition, the layers including one or more layers having an increased concentration of one or more impurities (such as boron and/or isotopes of carbon), as compared to other layers or comparable layers without such impurities. Such compositions provide an improved combination of properties, including color, strength, velocity of sound, electrical conductivity, and control of defects. A related method for preparing such a composition is also described, as well as a system for use in performing such a method, and articles incorporating such a composition.

Abstract: Concerns lithium-doped diamond: Low-resistivity n-type semiconductor diamond doped with lithium and nitrogen, and a method of manufacturing such diamond are provided. Low-resistivity n-type semiconductor diamond containing 1017 cm?3 or more of lithium atoms and nitrogen atoms together, in which are respectively doped lithium atoms into carbon-atom interstitial lattice sites, and nitrogen atoms into carbon-atom substitutional sites, with the lithium and the nitrogen holding arrangements that neighbor each other. To obtain low-resistivity n-type semiconductor diamond, in a method for the vapor synthesis of diamond, photodissociating source materials by photoexcitation utilizing vacuum ultraviolet light and irradiating a lithium source material with an excimer laser to scatter and supply lithium atoms enables the diamond to be produced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating discolored natural diamond, especially Type IIa diamond and Type IaA/B diamond with nitrogen as predominantly B centers, for improving its color. The method includes preblocking and preshaping a discolored natural diamond to prevent its breakage in a high pressure/high temperature (HP/HT) press, placing said discolored natural diamond in a pressure transmitting medium which is consolidated into a pill. Next, the pill is placed into a HP/HT press at elevated pressure and elevated temperature within the graphite-stable or diamond-stable range of the carbon phase diagram for a time sufficient to improve the color of said diamond. Finally, the diamond is recovered from said press. Colorless and fancy colored diamonds can be made by this method.

Abstract: A diamond electrode having a prolonged life by combining a conventional diamond electrode having a relatively short life with other components is provided. A diamond electrode for electrolysis includes an electrode substrate, at least the surface of which comprises Magneli phase titanium oxide, and conductive diamond supported as an electrode catalyst on a surface of the electrode. The electrode catalyst may contain a titanium oxide powder. Magneli phase titanium oxide improves conductivity without forming a stable oxide layer on the substrate surface.

Abstract: Synthetic monocrystalline diamond compositions having one or more monocrystalline diamond layers formed by chemical vapor deposition, the layers including one or more layers having an increased concentration of one or more impurities (such as boron and/or isotopes of carbon), as compared to other layers or comparable layers without such impurities. Such compositions provide an improved combination of properties, including color, strength, velocity of sound, electrical conductivity, and control of defects. A related method for preparing such a composition is also described., as well as a system for use in performing such a method, and articles incorporating such a composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diamond coating of substrates in which the substrate is exposed in a vacuum atmosphere to a reactive gas mixture excited by means of a plasma discharge, the plasma discharge comprising a plasma beam (14) in an evacuated receiver (16) that is formed between a cathode chamber (1) and an anode (2), and the reactive gas mixture comprising a reactive gas and a working gas, the reactive gas in (9) and the working gas in (8) and/or (9) introduced into the receiver, and the receiver (16) is evacuated by a pump arrangement (15), and the hydrogen concentration of the reactive gas mixture being 0–45 vol. %.

Abstract: A method of producing a single crystal CVD diamond of a desired color which includes the steps of providing single crystal CVD diamond which is colored and heat treating the diamond under conditions suitable to produce the desired color. Colors which may be produced are, for example, in the pink-green range.

Abstract: Methods of synthesizing superabrasive particles such as diamonds and cubic boron nitride are disclosed and described. One procedure includes providing a superabrasive precursor including a source material in a metal matrix. The carbon source can contain a majority of carbon atoms oriented in a rhombohedral polytype configuration. A shock wave can be passed through the carbon source that is sufficient to convert the diamond to graphite. The superabrasive precursor can be formed by dissolving hexagonal carbon in a suitable molten metal or by mixing particulate components. Similarly, hexagonal boron nitride can be used in a metal matrix which is subjected to a shock wave having sufficient energy to form cubic boron nitride. The superabrasive particles produced using these methods can be provided at relatively high yields with reduced costs.

Abstract: A layer of single crystal boron doped diamond produced by CVD and having a total boron concentration which is uniform. The layer is formed from a single growth sector, or has a thickness exceeding 100 ?m, or has a volume exceeding 1 mm3, or a combination of such characteristics.

Abstract: Novel uses of diamondoid-containing materials in the field of microelectronics are disclosed. Embodiments include, but are not limited to, thermally conductive films in integrated circuit packaging, low-k dielectric layers in integrated circuit multilevel interconnects, thermally conductive adhesive films, thermally conductive films in thermoelectric cooling devices, passivation films for integrated circuit devices (ICs), and field emission cathodes. The diamondoids employed in the present invention may be selected from lower diamondoids, as well as the newly provided higher diamondoids, including substituted and unsubstituted diamondoids. The higher diamondoids include tetramantane, pentamantane, hexamantane, heptamantane, octamantane, nonamantane, decamantane, and undecamantane.

Abstract: A single crystal diamond grown by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition has a hardness of 50–90 GPa and a fracture toughness of 11–20 MPa m1/2. A method for growing a single crystal diamond includes placing a seed diamond in a holder; and growing single crystal diamond at a temperature of about 1000° C. to about 1100° C. such that the single crystal diamond has a fracture toughness of 11–20 MPa m1/2.

Abstract: To provide a diamond compact die semi-manufactured product and a diamond compact die that do not crack during die processing. A diamond compact die semi-manufactured product includes a diamond compact and a holding ring. The holding ring is a cylinder composed of a tungsten alloy, and the inner diameter thereof is tapered. The diamond compact is tapered so as to fit to the taper of the cylinder and the diamond compact is press-fitted to the holding ring. For lower cost production, the tapered face of the diamond compact is formed by electric spark machining. The tungsten alloy contains 90% to 97% by weight of tungsten and 3% to 10% by weight of nickel.

Abstract: An ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) having an average grain size between 3 and 5 nanometers (nm) with not more than about 8% by volume diamond having an average grain size larger than 10 nm. A method of manufacturing UNCD film is also disclosed in which a vapor of acetylene and hydrogen in an inert gas other than He wherein the volume ratio of acetylene to hydrogen is greater than 0.35 and less than 0.85, with the balance being an inert gas, is subjected to a suitable amount of energy to fragment at least some of the acetylene to form a UNCD film having an average grain size of 3 to 5 nm with not more than about 8% by volume diamond having an average grain size larger than 10 nm.

Abstract: A single crystal diamond grown by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition annealed at pressures in excess of 4.0 GPa and heated to temperature in excess of 1500 degrees C. that has a hardness of greater than 120 GPa. A method for manufacture a hard single crystal diamond includes growing a single crystal diamond and annealing the single crystal diamond at pressures in excess of 4.0 GPa and a temperature in excess of 1500 degrees C. to have a hardness in excess of 120 GPa.

Abstract: A high temperature/high pressure (HP/HT) apparatus for converting feedstock housed in a capsule into product crystals, comprising at least two electrical heating paths for independent control of both the mean temperature in the reaction cell and the temperature gradient across the reaction cell.

Abstract: A process for producing a diamond substance with a first inner nozzle and a second outer nozzle. In the first step of the process, a first mixture comprised of oxygen and a hydrocarbon gas is formed in the first inner nozzle; such hydrocarbon gas contains from about 1.01 to about 1.1 moles of carbon for each mole of oxygen present in such first mixture, and said first mixture contains at least about 10 volume percent of hydrocarbon gas. In the second step of the process, the first mixture is ignited to produce a flame core. In the third step of the process, a second mixture comprised of hydrogen and oxygen is formed in the outer nozzle; the second mixture is comprised of at least 2 moles of said hydrogen for each mole of said oxygen present in the second mixture; hydrogen gas and oxygen gas comprise at least about 20 molar volume percent of the second mixture; and the second mixture contains up to about 5 volume percent of hydrocarbon gas.

Abstract: Ion beam-deposited, nitrogen-doped C:H films having substantially lower resistivities than undoped ion beam-deposited C:H films and suitable for use as hard, abrasion-resistant overcoat layers for magnetic recording media, such as hard disks, are formed by supplying a mixture of hydrocarbon and nitrogen gases to an ion beam generator. Nitrogen atom content of the films is controlled to within from about 5 to about 25 at. % by appropriate selection of the ratio of hydrocarbon gas flow to nitrogen gas flow. The resultant IBD i-C:HN films exhibit a reduced tendency for charge build-up thereon during hard disk operation by virtue of their lower resistivity vis-à-vis conventional a-C:H materials.

Abstract: The present invention deals with the generation of sharp single crystal diamond tips and the arrays of these tips, and their fabrication technology. The invention combines the deposition of synthetic diamond films with reactive etching processes. Upon the diamond orientation prepared and reactive etching environment with considerable directivity of ions, single crystal diamond tips with different apical angles can be fabricated. Very sharp diamond tips with an apical angle of no more than about 28° and a tip radius smaller than 50 nm are fabricated on pyramidal-shaped [001]-textured diamond films by subsequent reactive etching., The technology is based on selective etching of sp2- and sp3- hybridized carbons by the activated constituents of an etching environment, in particular based on atomic hydrogen, in a way similar to ion bombardment, which contributes to overall etching and local conversion of diamond to graphitic phase promoting further etching with chemically activated species.

Abstract: An element-doped diamond crystal is disclosed herein. The crystal includes at least one dopant element which has a greater concentration toward or near an outermost surface of the crystal than in the center of the crystal. The concentration of the dopant element is at a local minimum at least about 5 micrometers below the surface. The concentration-profile of the dopant element for these diamond crystals causes an expansion of the diamond lattice, thereby generating tangential compressive stresses at the surface of the diamond crystal. These stresses beneficially increase the compressive fracture strength of the diamond.

Abstract: An electrically conducting and dimensionally stable diamond (12, 14) and metal particle (13) electrode produced by electrodepositing the metal on the diamond is described. The electrode is particularly useful in harsh chemical environments and at high current densities and potentials. The electrode is particularly useful for generating hydrogen, and for reducing oxygen and oxidizing methanol in reactions which are of importance in fuel cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing diamond in a deposition chamber including a heat-sinking holder for holding a diamond and for making thermal contact with a side surface of the diamond adjacent to an edge of a growth surface of the diamond, a noncontact temperature measurement device positioned to measure temperature of the diamond across the growth surface of the diamond and a main process controller for receiving a temperature measurement from the noncontact temperature measurement device and controlling temperature of the growth surface such that all temperature gradients across the growth surface are less than 20° C.