Nanostructured diamondlike carbon thin films for medical applications

Diamondlike carbon (DLC) is an amorphous form of carbon that may contain a high fraction of sp3-hybridized carbon atoms. DLC thin films possess high hardness values, low coefficient of friction values, chemical inertness, and compatibility with human cells. The cardiovascular, orthopedic, ophthalmic, biosensor, and microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device applications for diamondlike carbon thin films are reviewed. Finally, processing of nanostructured diamondlike carbon thin films for medical applications is presented.