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Influence of substrate topography on the nucleation of diamond thin films

Conference ·
OSTI ID:10135102

Polycrystalline diamond films are of interest because of their unique materials properties. However, depositing films with the desired morphology is hindered by the difficulty in controlling the nucleation process. A popular method of enhancing the nucleation rate and density is to abrade the substrate with diamond powder before deposition. Although effective, this procedure is difficult to analyze since it may leave residual powder, may introduce damage, and may modify the surface topography. In order to separate these effects, we have studied the nucleation on chemically etched silicon substrates. Our results show that the majority of nucleation events occur on protruding surface features.

Research Organization:
Stanford Univ., CA (United States). Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
FG05-88ER45345
OSTI ID:
10135102
Report Number(s):
CONF-910854--3; ON: DE92010777
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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