Diamond devices as characterisation tools for novel photon sources

Diamond polycrystalline films have been synthesised using the Chemical Vapour Deposition CVD.technique in order to fabricate new types of photo-detectors for novel photon source characterisation. We present here diamond-based new devices for a range of applications, including i. VUV spectral output monitoring down to 125 nm, with high selectivity with respect to UV. These devices exhibit a VUV to UV sensitivity ratio above 400, thus demonstrating their solar blindness. Another aspect ii. addresses the design of intensity or beam position monitors resolution-2 mm. for extremely low wavelengths as encountered in synchrotron light source experiments. These detectors enable in-line beam characterisation with low cross-section. Further, iii. since diamond exhibits a low carrier lifetime <1 ns., detectors have been fabricated for the temporal characterisation of ultra-fast -100 ps.laser pulse duration monitoring. They can be used for the characterisation of short laser pulses as well as for synchrotron machine diagnostics. q2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved