Microwave plasma reactor design for high pressure and high power density diamond synthesis

The design and performance of an improved microwave plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition (MPACVD) reactor is described. This reactor operates with high power densities and at pressures up to 300 torr. Differences from earlier MPACVD reactor designs [4] include an increase in applicator and dome size and the excitation of the applicator with a new “hybrid “TM0/TEM001” mode. The reactor is experimentally evaluated by synthesizing single crystal diamond (SCD) at pressures from 180 to 300 torr with absorbed power densities between 400 and 1000 W/cm3. Without N2 addition SCD growth rates as high as 75 μm/h were observed. A SCD growth window between 950 °C and 1300 °C was identified and within this growth window growth rates were 1.2 to 2.5 times greater than the corresponding growth rates for earlier reactor designs. SCD characterization by micro-Raman spectroscopy, SIMS, and by IR-UV transmission spectroscopy indicated that the synthesized SCD quality is that of type IIa diamond.

► New designed reactor operates with high power densities and at pressures up to 300 torr.
► the applicator is excited with a new “hybrid TM0/TEM001” mode.
► Without N2 addition SCD growth rates as high as 75 μm/h were observed.
► SCD quality is that of type IIa diamond.