Diamond-like films formed by pulsed laser irradiation of phenylcarbyne polymer

Growth of diamond-like films at room temperature by Nd:YAG laser (λ=532 nm) irradiation of a polymer precursor is presented. The morphologies of the resulting samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The structures of films were investigated by Raman spectra. The mechanism of diamond-like phase conversion from the polymer is discussed. Our results indicate that the polymer is converted into sp3 diamond phases in amorphous carbon matrix phases by pulsed laser irradiation in an argon atmosphere. Raman spectroscopy analysis provides evidence for the conversion from this polymer to diamond-like phases. SEM micrographs reveal the crystalline structures. It is proposed that the conversion of diamond-like phases may be related to the unique structure of the polymer and the thermal energy provided by the laser beam.