Energetic ion irradiation of American diamond in a plasma focus device and characterization of irradiated material

Energetic ion beams of the Centre of Plasma Physics plasma focus facility were utilized for the first time to irradiate American diamond (high purity zirconia). Specimens of various colors were exposed to nitrogen ion beams of single shot /multiple shots at optimum operating condition. The colors of exposed specimens were found to change after irradiation. The unexposed and exposed specimens were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), micro hardness test and UV–VIS spectroscopy and the results are reported.