Interaction with Energetic Light Beams

Abstract

Diamond is damaged when irradiated with energetic light beams. High light energy can be delivered either by a high flux of quanta of moderate energy (usually of a few electron-volts) or by moderate fluxes of high-energy quanta. The processes developing in the diamond matrix exposed to light beams may be significantly different depending on the quantum energy: (i) mere thermal heating; (ii) valence excitation of carbon atoms; (iii) deep shell excitation of carbon atoms and their ionization. As a result the exposed diamond area may be converted into graphite or amorphous carbon, may sublimate or be converted into carbon compounds when radiated in certain atmospheres.