Surface losses in the visible governed by Rayleigh scattering in synthetic diamonds

Measurements of surface loss throughout the visible and in the near-infrared on a single crystal diamond using laser calorimetry reveal that it is governed by Rayleigh scattering. This was confirmed by Atomic Force Microscopy that revealed surface roughness much smaller than the wavelengths used. There is no detectable contribution from surface absorption on this material as finished and cleaned. Measuring the dispersion of surface loss offers a powerful tool in determining its cause.