Patent ID: 8048494
Filing Date: 2011-11-01
Classification: C23C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for fabricating a spherical diamond shell comprising: preparing a porous matrix having an overall discrete spherical shape; depositing a uniform diamond film, wherein the diamond film includes one or more pores, the diamond film being deposited onto the porous matrix in a CVD chamber, the depositing comprising decomposing precursor gases for diamond deposition by plasma or thermal energy, the depositing of the uniform diamond film forming a diamond/matrix composite; etching out the porous matrix of the composite via an etching solution, the etching being effected via a capillary phenomenon wherein the capillary phenomenon is such that the porous matrix absorbs the etching solution through the one or more pores in the diamond film, the one or more pores thereby functioning as openings in the diamond film, whereby the diamond shell is formed with an overall discrete spherical shape.