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

Growth of diamond-like films at room temperature by Nd:YAG laser (λ=532nm) 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.