Abstract

The sequence of events in the LPSSS process when intimate mixtures of Ag and C are reacted in~100 Torr of a pure H plasma of 750~950C have been studied in detail. Instead of the equilibrium solubility of~0.1 % of C in Ag, metastable noncrystalline “liquid” phases with very high concentrations of carbon are formed. These phases, in the form of 10~50 micron “spheres”, precipitate euhedral cubo-octahedra of diamonds, leaving metal-rich skeletons. Epitaxial growth on (110) single crystal has also been achieved and its rate is enhanced by this LPSSS arrangement. Possible mechanism for the diamond formation is discussed.

© 1995 Optical Society of America