Laser-induced modification of electron field emission from nanocrystalline diamond films

A significant reduction of electron field emission thresholds resulting from ArF laser irradiation of nanocrystalline diamond films in borazine (B₃N₃H₆) and ammonia (NH₃) atmospheres is reported. The change of emission characteristics is not connected with either laser surface graphitization or formation of bulk defects. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy surface analysis and Raman spectroscopy data from these samples show that laser irradiation results in the synthesis of ultrathin layers of boron–carbon–nitrogen and in B and N atoms intergrain penetration into the film to a depth above 50 Å. The synthesis of the ternary B–C–N and the presence of sp² bonded C–N compounds is demonstrated. © 1999 American Institute of Physics.