Investigation of lattice impurities and photochromic centres in diamond with high resolution positron annihilation spectroscopy

  • R. W.N. Nilen
  • , S. H. Connell
  • , D. T. Britton
  • , C. G. Fischer
  • , E. J. Sendezera
  • , P. Schaaff
  • , J. P.F. Sellschop

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Thermalized positrons in solids annihilate with core and valence electrons after the formation of well-defined configurations which represent delocalized or trapped positron states. A two-dimensional coincidence measurement of the Doppler broadening of the electron-positron annihilation quanta allows the measurement of the longitudinal component of the momentum distribution profile out to 20 keV c-1, with high sensitivity and improved resolution. Positron annihilation with core electrons can thus be observed, allowing the identification of lattice defects and impurities. We report on two-dimensional Doppler broadening measurements performed on synthetic and natural diamond. The results are consistent with positron annihilation at nitrogen-related defects in the synthetic diamond and positron trapping at photochromic centres in the natural diamond.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1777-1783
Number of pages7
JournalDiamond and Related Materials
Volume6
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 1997
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bulk diamond
  • Defect
  • Nitrogen
  • Positron Spectroscopy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • General Chemistry
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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