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First Principles Study of Nanodiamond Optical and Electronic Properties

Journal Article · · Computer Physics Communications
OSTI ID:950631
Nanometer sized diamond has been found in meteorites, proto-planetary nebulae and interstellar dusts, as well as in residues of detonation and in diamond films. Remarkably, the size distribution of diamond nanoparticles appears to be peaked around 2-5 nm, and to be largely independent of preparation conditions. Using ab-initio calculations, we have shown that in this size range nanodiamond has a fullerene-like surface and, unlike silicon and germanium, exhibits very weak quantum confinement effects. We called these carbon nanoparticles bucky-diamonds: their atomic structure, predicted by simulations, is consistent with many experimental findings. In addition, we carried out calculations of the stability of nanodiamond which provided a unifying explanation of its size distribution in extra-terrestrial samples, and in ultra-crystalline diamond films.
Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
950631
Report Number(s):
UCRL-JRNL-208178
Journal Information:
Computer Physics Communications, Journal Name: Computer Physics Communications Journal Issue: 1-3 Vol. 169; ISSN 0010-4655; ISSN CPHCBZ
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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