Diamond films grown by activated chemical vapor deposition have superlative thermal, mechanical, optical, and electronic properties combined with a very high degree of chemical inertness to most environments. These properties, together with the ability to fabricate films and shapes of considerable size, promise an exciting new material with many applications. Some applications are on the verge of commercialization but many await a few more technological developments. Diamond-like films are already employed in both commercial and military applications. The popular press, as well as the scientific and technological and industrial communities, are increasingly interested in the potential for future development of these materials. Although there are many technical papers and review articles published, there is no Single comprehensive introduction to these technologies. The Scientific Affairs Division of NATO recognized the need and the future importance of these technologies and authorized an Advanced Study Institute on diamond and diamond-like films. NATO Advanced Study Institutes are high level teaching activities at which a carefully defined subject is presented in a systematic and coherently structured program. The subject is treated in considerable depth by lecturers eminent in their fields and of international standing. The presentations are made to students who are scientists in the field or who possess an advanced general scientific background.

- Discusses the most advanced techniques for diamond growth - Assists diamond researchers in deciding on the most suitable process conditions - Inspires readers to devise new CVD (chemical vapor deposition Ever since the early 1980s, and the discovery of the vapour growth methods of diamond film, heteroexpitaxial growth has become one of the most important and heavily discussed topics amongst the diamond research community. Kobashi has documented such discussions with a strong focus on how diamond films can be best utilised as an industrial material, working from the premise that crystal diamond films can be made by chemical vapour disposition. Kobashi provides information on the process and characterization technologies of oriented and heteroepitaxial growth of diamond films.

Two chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems (hot filament and microwave plasma) and a multitechnique analysis system have been designed, constructed and characterized. The effects of surface steps, substrate material and substrate/filament bias have been examined. Diamond films from outside sources have been analyzed by a variety of techniques. Most notably, numerous defects, especially (111) twins, have been identified by TEM and are similar to those found in natural diamond. Certain diamond particles were in a twinned epitaxial relationship with the Silicon substrate. It has also been found that a thin Silicon carbide layer forms immediately (i.e.

Examines both mined and synthetic diamonds and diamond films. The text offers coverage on the use of diamond as an engineering material, integrating original research on the science, technology and applications of diamond. It discusses the use of chemical vapour deposition grown diamonds in electronics, cutting tools, wear resistant coatings, thermal management, optics and acoustics, as well as in new products.

This work, written by leading international authorities, deals with nucleation growth and processing, characterization and electrical, thermal, optical and mechanical properties of thin film diamond. The final chapters are devoted to the broad range of applications of this material.