Early stages of laser graphitization of diamond

A mechanism for photographitization of a free diamond surface is proposed. The quantum-kinetic rate of this process is determined. The graphitization rate is close to zero if the activation energy of the graphitization process is taken as being equal to the binding energy of a carbon atom with the surface (i.e. equal to the sublimation energy of a carbon atom). On the contrary, if the activation energy is close to the energy of C–C bonds, the graphitization process may occur at a noticeable rate and be observed under ‘relatively smooth’ experimental conditions. The temperature rise leads to a considerable increase in the graphitization rates. Preliminary experimental data on the low-rate laser ablation of diamond are presented to support the proposed model of photographitization.