Developments in synthesis, characterization, and application of large, high-quality CVD single crystal diamond

Single crystal diamond synthesis by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition at rapid growth rate has considerably advanced in the past few years. Developments have been made in growth, optical quality, and mechanical properties. Of the various types of single crystal diamond that can be produced using these techniques, high quality single crystal CVD diamond can be routinely produced, and this material is playing an increasing role in research on materials under extreme conditions. This article highlights recent developments in single crystal CVD diamond synthesis and characterization, as well as various applications in high-pressure materials research.За останні кілька роки синтез монокристалів алмазу мікрохвильовим плазмовим хімічним осадженням з газової фази з високою швидкістю значно просунувся. Прогрес було досягнуто у рості, оптичних і механічних властивостях. З різних типів монокристалічного алмазу, що можна отримати з використанням цього методу, регулярно виробляють високоякісні монокристалічні CVD-алмази, і цей матеріал відіграє все більш важливу роль при дослідженні матеріалів в екстремальних умовах. У даній роботі висвітлено останні досягнення в синтезі монокристалічного CVD-алмазу і дослідженні його характеристик, а також його різне застосування у дослідженні матеріалів при високому тиску.За последние несколько лет синтез монокристаллов алмаза микроволновым плазменным химическим осаждением из газовой фазы с высокой скоростью значительно продвинулся. Прогресс был достигнут в росте, оптических и механических свойствах. Из различных типов монокристаллического алмаза, которые могут быть получены с использованием этого метода, регулярно производят высококачественные монокристаллы CVD-алмаза, и этот материал играет все более важную роль в исследовании материалов в экстремальных условиях. В этой работе осветлены последние разработки в синтезе монокристаллов CVD-алмаза и исследовании его характерист

Test results of a diamond double-crystal monochromator at the advanced photon source

We have tested the first diamond double-crystal monochromator at the Advanced Photon Source (APS). The monochromator consisted of two synthetic type lb (111) diamond plates in symmetric Bragg geometry. We tested two pairs of single-crystal plates: the first pair was 6 mm by 5 mm by 0.25 mm and 6 mm by 5 mm by 0.37 mm; the second set was 7 mm by 5.5 mm by 0.44 mm. The monochromator first crystal was indirectly cooled by edge contact with a water-cooled copper holder. We studied the performance of the monochromator under the high-power x-ray beam delivered by the APS undulator A. We found no indication of thermal distortions or strains even at the highest incident power (280 watts) and power density (123 W/mm{sup 2} at normal incidence). The calculated maximum power and power density absorbed by the first crystal were 37 watts and 16 W/mm{sup 2} respectively. We also compared the maximum intensity delivered by the diamond monochromator and by a silicon (111) cryogenically cooled monochromator. For energies in the range of 6 to 10 keV, the flux through the diamond monochromator was about a factor of two less than through the silicon monochromator, in good agreement with calculations. We conclude that water-cooled diamond monochromators can handle the high-power beams from the undulator beams from the undulator beamlines at the APS. As single-crystal diamond plates of larger size and better quality become available, the use of diamond monochromators will become a very attractive option

Sub-Doppler Resolution in the THz Frequency Domain: 1 kHz Accuracy at 1 THz by Exploiting the Lamb-Dip Technique

We report the first thorough investigation of the Lamb-dip effect in the THz region, which in turn allows sub-Doppler resolution to be exploited in this frequency region. It is demonstrated that an accuracy of 1 kHz, or even better (i.e., an accuracy better than 1 part in 109), and a frequency resolution of 50 kHz (i.e., a resolution better than 5 parts in 108) can be routinely obtained in our laboratory. It has also shown that Lamb-dip spectra can be recorded using either a Fabry−Perot interferometric cell or a free-space cell. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), sulfur dioxide (SO2), deuterated water (D2O), and methyl fluoride (CH3F) have been selected as examples for demonstrating the accuracy and resolution reachable, thus providing the most accurate frequency values in the 1.0−1.2 THz frequency range for these molecules. Measurements for SO2 have also been employed in a global fit, thus improving its spectroscopic parameters for the vibrational ground state