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At least 307 records · Page 17

Diamond formation kinetics in shock-compressed C$-$H$-$O samples recorded by small-angle x-ray scattering and x-ray diffraction

Extreme conditions inside ice giants such as Uranus and Neptune can result in peculiar chemistry and structural transitions, e.g., the precipitation of diamonds or superionic water, as so far experimentally observed only for pure C$-$H and H 2 O systems, respectively. Here, we investigate a stoichiometric mixture of C and H 2 O by shock-compressing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics and performing in situ x-ray probing. We observe diamond formation at pressures between 72 ± 7 and 125 ± 13 GPa at temperatures ranging from ~3500 to ~6000 K. Combining x-ray diffraction and small-angle x-ray scattering, we access the kinetics of this exotic reaction. The observed demixing of C and H 2 O suggests that diamond precipitation inside the ice giants is enhanced by oxygen, which can lead to isolated water and thus the formation of superionic structures relevant to the planets’ magnetic fields. Moreover, our measurements indicate a way of producing nanodiamonds by simple laser-driven shock compression of cheap PET plastics.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Nuclear quadrupole resonance spectroscopy with a femtotesla diamond magnetometer

Radio frequency (RF) magnetometers based on nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond are predicted to offer femtotesla sensitivity, but previous experiments were limited to the picotesla level. We demonstrate a femtotesla RF magnetometer using a diamond membrane inserted between ferrite flux concentrators. The device provides ~300-fold amplitude enhancement for RF magnetic fields from 70 kHz to 3.6 MHz, and the sensitivity reaches ~70 fT√s at 0.35 MHz. The sensor detected the 3.6-MHz nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) of room-temperature sodium nitrite powder. The sensor’s recovery time after an RF pulse is ~35 μs, limited by the excitation coil’s ring-down time. The sodium-nitrite NQR frequency shifts with temperature as -1.00±0.02 kHz/K, the magnetization dephasing time is T 2 *=887±51 μs, and multipulse sequences extend the signal lifetime to 332±23 ms, all consistent with coil-based studies. Our results expand the sensitivity frontier of diamond magnetometers to the femtotesla range, with potential applications in security, medical imaging, and materials science.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

A vertically-loaded diamond microdisk resonator spin-photon interface

We propose and optimize a vertically-loaded diamond microdisk resonator (VLDMoRt) coupled to a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond for efficient collection of zero-phonon-line emission into low numerical aperture (NA) free-space modes. The VLDMoRt achieves a Purcell enhancement of 172 with 39% of the emitted light collected within a NA of 0.6, leading to a total external spin-photon collection efficiency of 0.33. As the design is compatible with established nanofabrication techniques and couples to low-NA modes accessible by cryogenic free-space optical systems, it is a promising platform for efficient spin-photon interfaces based on diamond quantum emitters.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Development of hard masks for reactive ion beam angled etching of diamond

Diamond offers good optical properties and hosts bright color centers with long spin coherence times. Recent advances in angled-etching of diamond, specifically with reactive ion beam angled etching (RIBAE), have led to successful demonstration of quantum photonic devices operating at visible wavelengths. However, larger devices operating at telecommunication wavelengths have been difficult to fabricate due to the increased mask erosion, arising from the increased size of devices requiring longer etch times. We evaluated different mask materials for RIBAE of diamond photonic crystal nanobeams and waveguides, and how their thickness, selectivity, aspect ratio and sidewall smoothness affected the resultant etch profiles and optical performance. We found that a thick hydrogen silesquioxane (HSQ) layer on a thin alumina adhesion layer provided the best etch profile and optical performance. The techniques explored in this work can also be adapted to other bulk materials that are not available heteroepitaxially or as thin films-on-insulator.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Spectroscopy of GR1 centers in synthetic diamonds

We report on the spectroscopic characterization, absorption saturation, and excited-state dynamics of GR1 centers in synthetic diamonds. The non-linear optical measurements reveal an efficient bleaching of the GR1 center’s ground level under ns-pulsed 633 nm excitation. The maxima of absorption and emission cross sections were estimated to be 4.5 × 10 −17 cm 2 and 9 × 10 −17 cm 2 at 630 nm and 780 nm, respectively. The radiative lifetime of the excited level was estimated to be 8.5 ns. The 658 nm probe kinetics uncovered relaxation of 1 T 2 excited level going predominantly to a metastable state with a lifetime of 220 μs. An induced absorption detected with the use of a highly concentrated diamond sample could be due to up-conversion and photoionization processes in additional impurity-vacancy center with absorption at the short-wavelength tail of GR1. The results presented here indicate that synthetic diamonds with GR1 centers could serve as near infrared gain media or passive Q-switchers for laser cavities over the 633–750 nm spectral range. Optimization of the center concentration and the crystal parameters are required to minimize the induced absorption at the lasing wavelengths.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Modular chip-integrated photonic control of artificial atoms in diamond waveguides

A central goal in creating long-distance quantum networks and distributed quantum computing is the development of interconnected and individually controlled qubit nodes. Atom-like emitters in diamond have emerged as a leading system for optically networked quantum memories, motivating the development of visible-spectrum, multi-channel photonic integrated circuit (PIC) systems for scalable atom control. However, it has remained an open challenge to realize optical programmability with a qubit layer that can achieve high optical detection probability over many optical channels. Here, we address this problem by introducing a modular architecture of piezoelectrically actuated atom-control PICs (APICs) and artificial atoms embedded in diamond nanostructures designed for high-efficiency free-space collection. The high-speed four-channel APIC is based on a splitting tree mesh with triple-phase shifter Mach–Zehnder interferometers. This design simultaneously achieves optically broadband operation at visible wavelengths, high-fidelity switching (>40dB) at low voltages, submicrosecond modulation timescales (>30MHz), and minimal channel-to-channel crosstalk for repeatable optical pulse carving. Via a reconfigurable free-space interconnect, we use the APIC to address single silicon vacancy color centers in individual diamond waveguides with inverse tapered couplers, achieving efficient single photon detection probabilities (∼15%) and second-order autocorrelation measurements g (2) (0)<0.14 for all channels. The modularity of this distributed APIC–quantum memory system simplifies the quantum control problem, potentially enabling further scaling to thousands of channels.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

An approach for the measurement of the bulk temperature of single crystal diamond using an X-ray Free Electron Laser

We present a method to determine the bulk temperature of a single crystal diamond sample at an X-Ray Free Electron Laser using inelastic X-ray scattering. The experiment was performed at the High Energy Density (HED) instrument at the European XFEL GmbH, Germany. The technique, based on inelastic X-ray scattering and the principle of detailed balance, was demonstrated to give accurate temperature measurements, within 8% for both room temperature diamond and heated diamond to 500 K. Here, the temperature was increased in a controlled way using a resistive heater to test theoretical predictions of the scaling of the signal with temperature. The method was tested by validating the energy of the phonon modes with previous measurements made at room temperature using inelastic X-ray scattering and neutron scattering techniques. This technique could be used to determine the bulk temperature in transient systems with a temporal resolution of 50 fs and for which accurate measurements of thermodynamic properties are vital to build accurate equation of state models.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

High-resolution magnetic microscopy applications using nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond

Magnetic microscopy with high spatial resolution helps to solve a variety of technical problems in condensed-matter physics, electrical engineering, biomagnetism, and geomagnetism. In this work we used quantum diamond magnetic microscope (QDMM) setups, which use a dense uniform layer of magnetically-sensitive nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond to image an external magnetic field using a fluorescence microscope. We used this technique for imaging few-micron ferromagnetic needles used as a physically unclonable function (PUF) and to passively interrogate electric current paths in a commercial 555 timer integrated circuit (IC). As part of the QDMM development, we also found a way to calculate ion implantation recipes to create diamond samples with dense uniform NV layers at the surface. This work opens the possibility for follow-up experiments with 2D magnetic materials, ion implantation, and electronics characterization and troubleshooting.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High-Field Quantum Diamond Magnetometers for Fusion Diagnostics (Final Technical Report)

Summary of research performed to enable all-optical quantum diamond magnetometers for fusion diagnostics, including: the physical mechanisms enabling all-optical photoluminescence contrast as a function of magnetic field magnitude and direction for dense ensembles of nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in diamond; the characterization and optimization of NV-diamond material; and related investigations and student training.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Size-Dependent Electrical Transport Properties in Conducting Diamond Nanostripes

With the advances in nanofabrication technology, horizontally aligned and well-defined nitrogen-doped ultrananocrystalline diamond nanostripes can be fabricated with widths in the order of tens of nanometers. The study of the size-dependent electron transport properties of these nanostructures is crucial to novel electronic and electrochemical applications. In this paper, 100 nm thick n-type ultrananocrystalline diamond thin films were synthesized by microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition method with 5% N2 gas in the plasma during the growth process. Then the nanostripes were fabricated using standard electron beam lithography and reactive ion etching techniques. The electrical transport properties of the free-standing single nanostripes of different widths from 75 to 150 nm and lengths from 1 to 128 μm were investigated. The study showed that the electrical resistivity of the n-type ultrananocrystalline diamond nanostripes increased dramatically with the decrease in the nanostripe width. The nanostripe resistivity was nearly doubted when the width was reduced from 150 nm to 75 nm. The size-dependent variability in conductivity could originate from the imposed diffusive scattering of the nanostripe surfaces which had a further compounding effect to reinforce the grain boundary scattering.

Zhou, Andrew F. (ORCID:0000000243050409)↗

Experiments with diamond-turned metal X-ray mirrors

It is noted that the primary advantages of diamond turning technology for the fabrication of X-ray telescope mirrors is in the smoothness of the finished surface and the control of the position of the cutter afforded by the precision slides and computer-assisted positioners which form the surface. The paper summarizes the Caltech work in attempting to make Wolter Type I telescope mirrors using the diamond turning facilities at the Oak Ridge Y-12 laboratory. Attention is given to such factors as the use of aluminum with copper plating and electroless nickel coating. It is found that although the diamond turning capability of the Y-12 lab is capable of making good X-ray mirror contours, there are problems in the process which have limited the accuracy achieved by this technique.

Garmire, G. P.↗

The uses of Man-Made diamond in wafering applications

The continuing, rapid growth of the semiconductor industry requires the involvement of several specialized industries in the development of special products geared toward the unique requirements of this new industry. A specialized manufactured diamond to meet various material removal needs was discussed. The area of silicon wafer slicing has presented yet anothr challenge and it is met most effectively. The history, operation, and performance of Man-Made diamond and particularly as applied to silicon wafer slicing is discussed. Product development is underway to come up with a diamond specifically for sawing silicon wafers on an electroplated blade.

Fallon, D. B.↗

The failure strengths of perfect diamond crystals

Finite elasticity analysis is extended to the 110 direction, where off axis strain symmetry is not present, and the third order elastic data are obtained for diamond. The compressive yield strengths of perfect diamond crystals loaded in the 100, 110, and 111 directions are predicted to be 2.2, 5.6, and 2.8 Mbars, respectively, while the corresponding tensile fracture strengths are 1.0, 0.5, and 0.5 Mbars. From these results and from Hertz theory it is predicted that ring fracture of spherically tipped diamonds pressed against a flat will occur at pressures of 1.8-1.9 Mbars, substantially below the yield pressure (above 3 Mbars). Modification of the tip shape leads to a predicted increase in the pressure at which fracture occurs.

Whitlock, J.↗

Diamond shines in high-power devices

The 20-W S-band power amplifiers aboard the GOES E and F spacecraft exemplify the problems that type-IIa diamond heat sinks have been developed to solve, including the requirement for junction temperatures to be kept below 125 C. Diamond heat sinks allow high power S-band semiconductors to operate at a flange temperature of 70 C without exceeding the stipulated maximum junction temperature. Type-IIA diamond, which is an excellent electrical insulator, possesses a thermal conductivity four times better than pure copper at 100 C, and outperforms BeO by an even greater margin. Higher costs are offset by high reliability. Attention is presently given to the results of tests conducted by the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

Line, L.↗

A new method for fabrication of diamond-dust blocking filters

Thermal embedding of diamond dust onto a polyethylene-coated Al plate has been used to make a blocking filter for FIR applications. The Al plate is sandwiched between two Mylar 'blankets' and the air between the layers is removed by means of a small vacuum pump. After the polyethylene is heated and softened, the diamond dust is applied to the polyethylene coating using a brush. The optimum diamond dust grain sizes corresponding to polyethylene layer thicknesses of 9-12 microns are given in a table, and the application of the blocking filter to spectrometric measurements in the FIR is described. An exploded view diagram of the layered structure of the blocking filter is provided.

Collard, H. R.↗

High-pressure ruby and diamond fluorescence - Observations at 0.21 to 0.55 terapascal

A diamond-anvil, high-pressure apparatus was used to extend the upper pressure limit of static laboratory experiments. Shifts of the R1 strong fluorescent line of ruby were observed that correspond to static pressures of 0.21 to 0.55 terapascal (2.1 to 5.5 megabars) at 25 C. Sensitive spectroscopic techniques in the pressure range 0.15 to 0.28 terapascal were used to observe ruby and diamond fluorescence separately; these two fluorescent emissions overlap strongly at high pressures. At pressures greater than approximately 0.28 terapascal, the diamond fluorescence diminished and the ruby fluorescence reappeared strongly. Pressure was determined by extrapolation of the calibrated shift of the ruby R1 line.

Xu, J. A.↗

Are small diamonds thermodynamically stable in the interstellar medium?

Very small diamond particles (50 A diameter) are shown to be thermodynamically stable with respect to similar sized graphite particles for reasonable values of the surface free energies of diamond and graphite. Small diamonds are likely to be stable against both thermal evaporation and chemical attack in the general interstellar medium. A few of the consequences of these conclusions are examined.

Nuth, Joseph A., III↗