Topography and chemical evolutions of the iridium surface in the successive steps of bias-enhanced nucleation and growth were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and nano-Auger analyses. This sequential approach, which was performed in localized areas at the nanoscale, provides three new experimental and complementary concepts that can enhance the knowledge of nucleation pathways on iridium. First, SEM imaging at low-acceleration voltage enables the detection of diamond nuclei or stable precursors after the BEN step. Second, domains consist of iridium furrows that are covered by an amorphous carbon overlayer, with a thickness of 6.8 nm, according to AFM and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy data. Third, SEM observations also suggest a close relationship between furrows created under ion bombardment and domains in our study conditions. These results prompted us to propose a scheme that describes the topography and surface chemistry of domains.
Single crystal (SC) diamond has since years demonstrated its interest for the fabrication of radiation detectors, especially where the material properties are providing superior interests with respect to the detection application. Among the industrial suppliers able to provide on a commercial basis high-grade single crystal diamond, IIa-Tech has recently appeared in the market as a new player. The aim of this paper is to assess the quality of one SC sample when characterized under a-particles for the measurement of its carrier transport properties. We observed that full charge collection could be observed at biases as low as 0.11 V/mm with no space charge build-up (conventionally typical bias values used are closer to 1 V/mm). Velocity reached values of 38 mm/ns and 53 mm/ns for electrons and holes, respectively (values probed at 0.33 V/mm). Similarly, the a detection spectrum displays a sharp line demonstrating the good uniformity of the material over its surface. By combining the measurements with more conventional optical observations such as birefringence and cathodoluminescence spectroscopy, it comes that the material demonstrates its ability to be used as a detector, with properties that can compare with the highest grade materials today available on the market.
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