ETCH-DELINEATION OF DEFECTS IN DIAMOND BY EXPOSURE TO AN OXIDIZING FLAME

An experimental study of the etching properties of defects in diamond using propane flame exposure in air is presented. Both natural diamond crystals and polycrystalline diamond films were exposed to a flame for an optimum time of 3-4 s. This process topographically delineates defects in diamond via an accelerated etch rate at defect sites. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to determine the exact nature and density of defects present in the diamond, we have found a direct correlation between topographical delineation observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the defect structure observed by TEM.