A new type of DC arc plasma torch for low cost large area diamond deposition

• Published in: Diamond and related materials Vol. 7; no. 6; pp. 737 - 741
• Main Authors: Lu, F.X., Zhong, G.F., Sun, J.G., Fu, Y.L., Tang, W.Z., Wang, J.J., Li, G.H., Zang, J.M., Pan, C.H., Tang, C.X., Lo, T.L., Zhang, Y.G.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.06.1998; Elsevier
• Subjects: Chemical vapor deposition (including plasma-enhanced cvd, mocvd, etc.); Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; DC arc plasma jet; Diamond films; Economics; Exact sciences and technology; Materials science; Methods of deposition of films and coatings; film growth and epitaxy; Physics; Physics of gases, plasmas and electric discharges; Physics of plasmas and electric discharges; Plasma applications; Torch; Economics; DC arc plasma jet; Diamond films; Torch; CVD; Plasma torches; Plasma arc; Experimental study; Diamonds
• ISSN: 0925-9635; 1879-0062
• DOI: 10.1016/S0925-9635(97)00180-5

In the present paper, a new type of DC arc plasma torch is disclosed. The principles of the new magnetic and fluid dynamic controlled large orifice long discharge tunnel plasma torch is discussed. Large area uniformity is achieved through the externally applied magnetic field which stabilizes the arc jet and the proper magnetic and fluid dynamic control which guarantees the dynamic mixing of gases before impinging on to the substrate. The 100 kW high power jet which is newly developed based on the experience of the low power model is equipped with a Φ120 mm orifice torch, and is capable of depositing diamond films over a substrate area of Φ110 mm at a growth rate as high as 40 μm/h, and can be operated in gas recycling mode, which allows 95% of the gases to be recycled. It is demonstrated that the new type DC plasma torch can be easily scaled-up to an even higher power jet. It is estimated that even by the 100 kW Jet, the cost for tool grade diamond films can be as low as less than $4/carat.