MP-CVD
Proposed analytical equipment
Diamonds created using the CVD Method are chemically, physically and optically the same that natural diamonds that are created deep within the earth. First, a small layer of naturally occurring diamond that is made entirely of carbon is sliced to create the diamond seed. The CVD plasma reactor can accommodate the sliced diamond seed which is ready to grow. The reactor is a machine which provides the suitable condition for the formation of lab grown diamonds. The controlled conditions in the CVD process along with the precursor gases bit entering into the diamond seed, then the carbon particles disintegrate to form layers on the diamond seed to create the diamond.
Diamond Growing by CVD Method
Starts with a thin slice of Diamond seed
Carbon melts and forms into a diamond around the seed
The Carbon is removed from the diamond
The Rough Stone is cut and polished into diamond
MPCVD Process
Microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is one of the most popularly used method to grow lab-grown diamonds.
The setup: A diamond growth chamber is created, consisting of a reactor chamber with a microwave power source, gas inlet system, and substrate holder. The chamber is designed to create a controlled environment for diamond growth.
Gas mixture: A mixture of hydrogen gas (H2) and a carbon-containing gas (such as methane CH4) is introduced into the chamber. This gas mixture provides the necessary elements for diamond growth.
Microwave plasma generation: Microwaves at a specific frequency are applied to the gas mixture, creating a plasma. This plasma generates high-energy species such as ions and radicals.
Diamond growth: The high-energy species in the plasma break down the carbon-containing gas molecules, releasing carbon atoms. These carbon atoms settle on a substrate, typically a flat diamond seed or a wafer, and start to form diamond crystals.
Deposition process: The carbon atoms continue to deposit onto the substrate, layer by layer, forming a diamond structure. The growth conditions, including temperature, pressure, and gas composition, are carefully controlled to optimize the quality and size of the grown diamonds.
Growth monitoring: Throughout the process, various monitoring techniques such as laser interferometry or spectroscopy are used to assess and control the growth parameters, ensuring the desired quality and characteristics of the lab-grown diamonds.
Diamond extraction: Once the desired growth is achieved, the lab-grown diamonds are extracted from the substrate and undergo additional processing, such as cutting and polishing, to create finished gemstones or industrial-grade diamonds.