Residual stress distribution in thin diamond films and its effects on preparation of thick freestanding diamond films using DC arc plasma jet operated at gas recycling mode

Diamond films produced by chemical vapor deposition show excellent properties. The residual stress distribution of diamond thin films deposited by DC arc plasma jet at recycling mode was analyzed by line shifts of micro Raman spectroscopy. The results show that the compressive residual stress concentrates at the film's edge. The experimental observations show that cracks initiate at the edge of the diamond thick wafer and then propagate towards the center. The residual stress of diamond films increases with the increase of methane concentration and deposition temperature. The difference of adhesion in close area causes more shear stress and brings about the two sides of crack being not at same level. To suppress crack probability, it is favourable for increasing the film thickness and selecting a substrate with lower coefficient of thermal expansion and lower adhesion. The effects of the residual stress distribution on thick diamond films detachment were discussed. [Substrate: Mo].