Diamond devices as characterisation tools for novel photon sources

Diamond polycrystalline films have been synthesised using the Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) technique in order to fabricate new types of photo-detectors for novel photon source characterisation. We present here diamond-based new devices for a range of applications, including (i) VUV spectral output monitoring down to 125 nm, with high selectivity with respect to UV. These devices exhibit a VUV to UV sensitivity ratio above 400, thus demonstrating their solar blindness. Another aspect (ii) addresses the design of intensity or beam position monitors (resolution < 2 mu m) for extremely low wavelengths as encountered in synchrotron light source experiments. These detectors enable in-line beam characterisation with low cross-section. Further, (iii) since diamond exhibits a low carrier lifetime (much less than 1 ns), detectors have been fabricated for the temporal characterisation of ultra-fast (< 100 ps) laser pulse duration monitoring. They can be used for the characterisation of short laser pulses as well as for synchrotron machine diagnostics. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.