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Raman Spectroscopy Study on the Surface of High Temperature and High Pressure Diamond Crystal in Geology, Rock and Minerals

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2022-11-10
JournalHighlights in Science Engineering and Technology
AuthorsShi Li, Hui Chi, Wei Wang, Yong Yu
AnalysisFull AI Review Included

Technical Documentation & Analysis: Defect Engineering in Diamond Crystals

Section titled “Technical Documentation & Analysis: Defect Engineering in Diamond Crystals”

This document analyzes the research paper “Raman Spectroscopy Study on the Surface of High Temperature and High Pressure Diamond Crystal in Geology, Rock and Minerals” to highlight the critical role of material purity, defect control, and advanced characterization in diamond science. 6CCVD specializes in providing the high-quality, customized MPCVD diamond materials necessary to advance research in defect physics, quantum sensing, and high-power optics.


  • Research Focus: Comprehensive spectroscopic analysis (IR, PL, Raman, 3D Fluorescence) of HPHT synthetic diamonds subjected to high-temperature and high-pressure (HPHT) treatment (1500-1700°C, 5-6 GPa) to understand color origin and defect transformation.
  • Defect Identification: Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of sp3-CH2 and sp2-CH2 hydrocarbon defects, which are characteristic of HPHT synthetic growth.
  • Defect Transformation: PL analysis demonstrated that the HPHT treatment significantly reduced the concentration of NV- centers (peak weakened at 637 nm) while simultaneously enhancing the concentration of SiV- centers (peak significantly enhanced at 737 nm).
  • Material Quality Requirement: The study underscores the necessity of precise defect control (N, Si, C-H impurities) for tailoring the optical and electronic properties of synthetic diamond materials.
  • 6CCVD Value Proposition: 6CCVD provides high-purity MPCVD diamond substrates (SCD and PCD) with inherently low native nitrogen content, enabling superior control over intentional defect incorporation (e.g., SiV, NV) for quantum and optical applications, surpassing the limitations of typical HPHT material.

The following hard data points were extracted from the experimental section, detailing the material processing and characterization conditions:

ParameterValueUnitContext
Sample Dimensions3 x 3 x 1mmHPHT Synthetic Diamond (Rough)
Processing Pressure5 - 6GPaColor-fading treatment
Processing Temperature1500 - 1700°CColor-fading treatment range
Heating Time200sHPHT treatment cycle
Cooling Time400sHPHT treatment cycle
X-ray Voltage20kVElemental composition analysis (QUANT’X)
IR Scanning Range650 - 6000cm-1Fourier Transform Infrared Microscopy
IR Resolution4cm-1Fourier Transform Infrared Microscopy
PL Excitation Wavelengths532, 633nmDefect analysis (NV, SiV centers)
Raman Laser Wavelengths473, 532, 785nmSpectroscopy testing
SiV- Center PL Peak737nmSignificantly enhanced after treatment
NV- Center PL Peak637nmWeakened after treatment

The research employed a multi-modal spectroscopic approach to characterize the structural and chemical changes in the diamond samples:

  1. Sample Selection and Preparation: Five yellow HPHT synthetic rough diamonds (cube/octahedron shape) were selected, all synthesized under the same conditions.
  2. High-Temperature/High-Pressure Treatment: Samples were subjected to HPHT processing (1500-1700°C, 5-6 GPa) to remove the yellow tint and improve transparency.
  3. Surface and Internal Observation:
    • Ultra-depth-of-field microscopy for surface topography.
    • Gemmological microscopy for internal features.
    • Diamond Observer (UV <220 nm source) for fluorescence and phosphorescence analysis.
  4. Elemental and Structural Analysis:
    • X-ray Spectrometry (Thermo Scientific QUANT’X) for elemental composition of inclusions.
    • X-ray Rocking Curve analysis (mentioned in Abstract) for lattice quality.
  5. Infrared Spectroscopy (IR): Used to quantify boron and nitrogen content, and to identify hydrocarbon defects (sp3-CH2 and sp2-CH2) via absorption peaks (e.g., 2850 cm-1, 2920 cm-1).
  6. Photoluminescence (PL) Spectroscopy: Used to analyze impurity elements and defect types (e.g., NV- centers, SiV- centers) using 532 nm and 633 nm excitation lasers.
  7. Laser Raman Spectroscopy: Used for general material testing and normalization of PL spectra.
  8. 3D Fluorescence Spectroscopy: Used to map fluorescence intensity changes across varying excitation and emission wavelengths, providing a comprehensive view of defect changes.

The research demonstrates the critical need for materials with controlled defect profiles for advanced applications. 6CCVD’s MPCVD technology offers superior control over impurity incorporation compared to the HPHT material studied.

To replicate or extend this research, particularly focusing on quantum defects (NV, SiV) and minimizing unwanted impurities (like C-H groups), 6CCVD recommends the following materials:

6CCVD MaterialKey FeatureRelevance to Research
High-Purity SCDUltra-low native nitrogen (< 1 ppb)Ideal starting material for precise, intentional creation of specific color centers (e.g., NV, SiV) without interference from background impurities.
Optical Grade SCDPolished to Ra < 1 nmEssential for high-resolution confocal microscopy and spectroscopy (Raman/PL) to minimize surface scattering artifacts and ensure accurate defect measurement.
Silicon-Doped SCDIntentional Si incorporationDirectly supports research into SiV- centers (737 nm peak), allowing scientists to tune Si concentration for optimized quantum emitter performance.
PCD Plates (Inch-Size)Large area, high thermal conductivitySuitable for scaling up high-power optical components or thermal management studies where defect control is still required.

The paper utilized small, rough samples. 6CCVD enables researchers to transition from small-scale analysis to device integration:

  • Custom Dimensions: We provide SCD and PCD plates/wafers up to 125 mm in diameter, significantly larger than the 3 mm samples used in this study, facilitating device fabrication.
  • Precision Polishing: Our capability to achieve surface roughness of Ra < 1 nm (SCD) and Ra < 5 nm (Inch-size PCD) ensures optimal optical performance for high-sensitivity PL and Raman measurements.
  • Integrated Metalization: While the paper focused on bulk analysis, 6CCVD offers in-house metalization services (Au, Pt, Pd, Ti, W, Cu) for creating electrical contacts or optical coatings directly onto the diamond surface, crucial for integrating defect centers into functional devices.

The research highlights the complex relationship between high-temperature processing and defect mobility (e.g., transformation of NV- to SiV- centers).

  • Defect Control Expertise: 6CCVD’s in-house PhD engineering team specializes in tailoring MPCVD growth recipes (gas mixtures, pressure, temperature) to achieve specific lattice quality and targeted defect concentrations, crucial for similar quantum sensing and optical component projects.
  • Global Logistics: We ensure reliable, global shipping (DDU default, DDP available) of sensitive materials, supporting international research collaborations.

For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly.

View Original Abstract

This paper analyses the colour origin and colour change mechanism of high temperature and high-pressure synthetic diamonds through experiments. In this paper, ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy, laser Raman spectroscopy and X-ray rocking curve were used for analysis. The results show that it is easy to identify genuine and fake gemstones based on Raman testing of the gemstone itself. The measurement of tiny inclusions with a confocal microscope system can provide information on whether the gemstone is natural or artificially improved, and even trace the origin of the gemstone. Width at half maximum of the Raman spectrum. Phonon “lifetime” can provide information on whether the gemstone is natural or synthetic. The photoluminescence spectrum of gemstones can also provide valuable information about the sample. This article can also identify natural gemstones or synthetic gemstones accordingly.