Patent ID: 12215438

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Problem to be Solved by the Present Disclosure

A diamond has excellent characteristics such as high thermal conductivity, high carrier mobility, high breakdown electric field, and low induction loss, and it has widely been used for a cutting tool and a wear resistant tool because of its particularly unparalleled high hardness and high wear resistance. A natural single-crystal diamond or a single-crystal diamond obtained by a high-pressure high-temperature synthesis method has conventionally widely been used. Recently, however, a technique for synthesizing a single-crystal diamond that is large in thickness and can be free-standing also with chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has been developed.

With CVD, a single-crystal diamond is readily grown on a (100) face. Therefore, in general, a technique for growing a single-crystal diamond on the (100) face of a seed substrate with CVD has been known. In a cutting tool, however, a (110) face is often used as a rake face. Therefore, when a single-crystal diamond grown on the (100) face of the seed substrate is used for a cutting tool, time and efforts for cutting the (110) face from the single-crystal diamond are required. Then, development of a technique for growing a single-crystal diamond on the (110) face of the seed substrate has progressed (PTLs 1 and 2).

According to the techniques described in PTLs 1 and 2, an amount of impurity contained in a single-crystal diamond is small and a single-crystal diamond high in hardness is obtained, whereas cleavage is likely and chipping resistance is poor.

In view of the aspects above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a single-crystal diamond excellent in chipping resistance and a method of manufacturing the same.

Advantageous Effect of the Present Disclosure

According to the above, a single-crystal diamond excellent in chipping resistance and a method of manufacturing the same can be provided.

Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure

Embodiments of the present disclosure are initially listed and described. An expression in a format “A to B” herein means the upper limit and the lower limit of a range (that is, not smaller than A and not greater than B). When a unit is not given for A but a unit is given only for B, A and B are common in unit.

A single-crystal diamond as homogenous as possible has conventionally been sought for as a single-crystal diamond to be applied to a cutting tool, a polishing tool, an electronic component, an optical component, a semiconductor material, and a heat radiation component. In a single-crystal diamond having a (110) face as its main surface, however, a (111) face along which cleavage is likely extends in a direction intersecting with the main surface. Therefore, when force is applied to the main surface, even the homogenous single-crystal diamond tends to be chipped. The present inventors have found for the first time that chipping resistance is improved by intentionally making a single-crystal diamond inhomogeneous and invented the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[1] A single-crystal diamond according to the present disclosure includes n types of regions different in total concentration of an impurity where n is 2 or 3, the n types of regions being observed in an observed surface being in parallel to a (110) face and having surface roughness Ra not greater than 5 μm, the observed surface being obtained by polishing a surface of the single-crystal diamond. Each of the n types of regions has an area not smaller than 0.1 μm2. At least one of a first line, a second line, and a third line on the observed surface crosses a boundary between the n types of regions at least four times. The first line, the second line, and the third line are line segments that are in parallel to a <−110> direction and have a length of 1 mm. A midpoint of the first line corresponds to the center of gravity of the observed surface. A midpoint of the second line corresponds to a point distant from the center of gravity by 300 μm in a <001> direction. A midpoint of the third line corresponds to a point distant from the center of gravity by 300 μm in a <00−1> direction.

According to the feature above, in the observed surface in parallel to the (110) face of the single-crystal diamond, n (n being 2 or 3) types of regions different in total concentration of an impurity are present as being mixed. In general, as a concentration of an impurity is higher, a hardness is lower. Therefore, presence of n types of regions different in total concentration of an impurity as being mixed means presence of n types of regions different in hardness as being mixed. Presence of n types of regions different in hardness as being mixed can relax stress at the time of application of stress to the single-crystal diamond and cleavage of the single-crystal diamond is less likely. A single-crystal diamond excellent in chipping resistance can be realized as set forth above.

[2] The total concentration of the impurity in one of two types of regions selected from the n types of regions is not lower than 30% of the total concentration of the impurity in the other of the two types of regions. Thus, the n types of regions can readily be distinguished from each other.

[3] In the single-crystal diamond, in a cross-section obtained by cutting the single-crystal diamond along a plane including the center of gravity of the observed surface and being in parallel to a (−110) face, the n types of regions different in total concentration of the impurity are observed. An angle formed between a boundary between the n types of regions observed in the cross-section and a <110> direction is not smaller than 0° and not greater than 7°.

Cleavage of a single-crystal diamond has been known to be likely along the (111) face. According to the feature above, in the cross-section, the boundary between the n types of regions different in total concentration of the impurity intersects with the (111) face. Therefore, even though a small crack along the (111) face is produced in the single-crystal diamond, development of the crack is stopped at the boundary between the n types of regions different in total concentration of the impurity and cleavage of a single-crystal diamond1is less likely. A single-crystal diamond further excellent in chipping resistance can thus be realized.

[4] The impurity includes at least one selected from the group consisting of B, P, Al, and S. A single-crystal diamond in which n types of regions different in total concentration of the impurity are observed in the observed surface can thus readily be manufactured.

[5] The impurity further includes N. A single-crystal diamond in which n types of regions different in total concentration of the impurity are observed in the observed surface can thus readily be manufactured.

[6] The total concentration of the impurity contained in the single-crystal diamond is not lower than 3 mol ppm. Thus, when stress is applied to the single-crystal diamond, stress is readily absorbed and occurrence of cleavage of the single-crystal diamond can further be suppressed.

[7] The single-crystal diamond includes a dislocation observed in an X-ray topographic image. An angle formed between a direction of the dislocation and a <110> direction is not smaller than 0° and not greater than 20°. Thus, even though a small crack along the (111) face is produced in the single-crystal diamond, development of the crack is stopped by the dislocation and cleavage of the single-crystal diamond is less likely.

[8] The single-crystal diamond has a Knoop hardness not higher than 100 GPa, the Knoop hardness being measured in the observed surface such that a longer diagonal of a Knoop indentation is in parallel to the <001> direction. Strain is thus less likely to be accumulated in the single-crystal diamond. Consequently, the single-crystal diamond is excellent in chipping resistance and suitable for a cutting tool.

[9] In a Raman scattering spectrum of the single-crystal diamond measured by Raman spectroscopy at an excitation wavelength of 512 nm, absolute intensity of a peak of a Raman shift from 850 to 950 cm−1is higher than 10% of absolute intensity of a peak of a Raman shift from 1310 to 1340 cm−1. Thus, the single-crystal diamond sufficiently contains B as an impurity and is excellent in chipping resistance and wear resistance.

[10] The single-crystal diamond includes a first layer having resistivity at room temperature not lower than 106Ωcm and a second layer having resistivity at room temperature lower than 106Ωcm. An interface between the first layer and the second layer is in parallel to the (110) face. The observed surface is obtained by polishing the second layer. The single-crystal diamond according to the feature above is obtained by growing the first layer on the main surface which is the (110) face of a seed substrate with chemical vapor deposition and thereafter growing the second layer on the first layer. A conductive layer is formed by implanting carbon ions into the seed substrate in advance. When electrolytic etching is performed after growth of the first layer, electric field tends to be concentrated in the conductive layer because the first layer has resistivity not lower than 106Ωcm. Therefore, the first layer and the seed substrate can readily be separated from each other.

[11] In the single-crystal diamond, the impurity includes at least one selected from the group consisting of B, P, Al, and S and the total concentration of the impurity contained in the single-crystal diamond is not lower than 3 mol ppm. The single-crystal diamond has a Knoop hardness not higher than 100 GPa, the Knoop hardness being measured in the observed surface such that a longer diagonal of a Knoop indentation is in parallel to the <001> direction. Thus, when stress is applied to the single-crystal diamond, stress is readily absorbed and occurrence of cleavage of the single-crystal diamond can further be suppressed. Furthermore, strain is less likely to be accumulated in the single-crystal diamond. Consequently, the single-crystal diamond is excellent in chipping resistance and suitable for a cutting tool.

[12] A method of manufacturing a single-crystal diamond according to the present disclosure includes preparing a seed substrate having a main surface angled off relative to a (110) face by at least 0° and at most 7°, growing a single-crystal diamond layer on the main surface by chemical vapor deposition using hydrogen gas, methane gas, and impurity gas, and separating the seed substrate and the single-crystal diamond layer from each other. In the growing a single-crystal diamond layer, a concentration of methane gas with respect to hydrogen gas is not lower than 1 mol % and not higher than 20 mol % and a concentration of impurity gas with respect to methane gas is not lower than 1 mol ppm and not higher than 50 mol %.

According to the manufacturing method having the feature above, a region where the (100) face is grown and a region where the (111) face is grown are produced on the main surface of the seed substrate as being mixed. A region where a (113) face is grown may also be produced as being mixed in these two regions. These regions are different from one another in concentration of an impurity taken thereinto. Thus, in the observed surface of the single-crystal diamond obtained by the manufacturing method having the feature above, n types of regions different in total concentration of the impurity are observed as being mixed. Consequently, a single-crystal diamond excellent in chipping resistance can be manufactured.

[13] Impurity gas contains at least one selected from the group consisting of B, P, Al, and S. The single-crystal diamond in which n types of regions different in total concentration of the impurity are observed in the observed surface is thus readily manufactured.

An embodiment of the present disclosure (which will be denoted as “the present embodiment” below) will be described below. The present embodiment, however, is not limited thereto. The same or corresponding elements in the drawings used for explaining the embodiment below have the same reference characters allotted.

<Structure of Single-Crystal Diamond>

A “single-crystal diamond” in the present disclosure refers to a diamond fixed in crystal orientation and containing substantially no polycrystalline diamond, and it is identified based on the fact that intensity at a diffraction point or a diffraction ring belonging to polycrystal is not higher than 10%, not higher than 1%, or not higher than 0.1% of a most intense diffraction point belonging to the (110) face in X-ray Laue diffraction.

FIG.1is a perspective view showing an exemplary single-crystal diamond1according to the present embodiment. A surface of single-crystal diamond1includes a main surface10angled off relative to a (110) face by at least 0° and at most 7°. The “main surface” refers to a surface largest in area among surfaces of single-crystal diamond1. ThoughFIG.1shows single-crystal diamond1in a shape of a parallelepiped, the shape of single-crystal diamond1is not particularly restricted.

Single-crystal diamond1has a thickness in a <110> direction preferably not smaller than 100 μm, and more preferably not smaller than 300 μm, not smaller than 500 μm, not smaller than 1 mm, not smaller than 2 mm, or not smaller than 5 mm. Single-crystal diamond1is thus readily applied to a cutting tool. Though an upper limit value of the thickness in the <110> direction of single-crystal diamond1is not particularly limited, the thickness is preferably not greater than 20 mm in consideration of time for growth with CVD.

In an observed surface10athat is obtained by polishing the surface (main surface10) of single-crystal diamond1, is in parallel to the (110) face, and has surface roughness Ra not greater than 5 μm, n types of regions different in total concentration of an impurity where n is 2 or 3 are observed. Surface roughness (arithmetic mean roughness) Ra is measured under JIS B-0601 (2001). A lower limit value of surface roughness Ra is not particularly limited, and the surface should only be polished to such an extent that an image of observed surface10awhich will be described later is not affected by surface irregularities.

A difference in total concentration of an impurity in single-crystal diamond1is represented by a difference in any of intensity of photoluminescence (PL), intensity of cathode luminescence (CL), secondary electron intensity detected by an electronic microscope, backscattered electron intensity detected by the electronic microscope, and absorption current intensity detected by the electronic microscope. Therefore, by obtaining a PL image, a CL image, or an electron micrograph of observed surface10a, ntypes of regions different in total concentration of an impurity can be observed. The total concentration of the impurity in one of two types of regions selected from the n types of regions is not lower than 30% of the total concentration of the impurity in the other. Single-crystal diamond1in which two types of regions different in total concentration of the impurity are observed in the entire observed surface10awill be described below.

FIG.2is a diagram showing a photograph substituted for a drawing obtained by shooting observed surface10aof an exemplary single-crystal diamond according to the present embodiment with a scanning electron microscope (SEM).FIG.3shows a photograph substituted for a drawing obtained by shooting observed surface10aof another exemplary single-crystal diamond according to the present embodiment with the SEM.FIG.4shows a photograph substituted for a drawing obtained by shooting observed surface10aof yet another exemplary single-crystal diamond according to the present embodiment with the SEM.FIGS.2to4each show a secondary electron image.

As shown inFIGS.2to4, in observed surface10a, a region11arelatively high in brightness and a region12arelatively low in brightness are observed. In each of region11aand region12a, variation in impurity concentration is within a certain range (lower than 30%). Each of region11aand region12ahas an area not smaller than 0.1 μm2. A region having an area not greater than 0.1 μm2is ignored. Though streaks caused by polishing are observed inFIGS.3and4, these streaks are also ignored. An upper limit value of the area of each of region11aand region12ais not particularly limited. For example, as shown inFIGS.3and4, region12amay occupy most of observed surface10a.

Region12ais higher in total concentration of an impurity than region11a. Region12ais higher in total concentration of an impurity than region11apreferably by at least 30%, at least 50%, at least 100%, at least 300%, or at least 1000%. The total concentration of an impurity in each of regions11aand12ais measured by focused secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) or characteristic X-ray spectrometry specifically such as magnetic sector SIMS, time of flight (TOF)-SIMS, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-wavelength dispersive X-ray spectrometry (WDS).

In observed surface10ashown inFIG.2, region11aand region12aare approximately equal in area to each other, and regions11aand regions12aare distributed like (quadrangular) tiles. As a part of a corner of a tile-like region is coupled to a corner of another tile-like region, regions11aand regions12acovering a wide range are formed.

In observed surface10ashown inFIG.3, region12ais larger in area than region11aand linear regions11aare distributed in region12a. Being “linear” includes also a band shape having a ratio of a length to a width (length/width) is two or more. Linear region11adesirably extends along a <001> direction.

In observed surface10ashown inFIG.4, region12ais larger in area and rhombic regions11aare distributed in region12a. Rhombic region11ahas a longer diagonal in parallel to the <001> direction. A ratio between the longer diagonal and the shorter diagonal of rhombic region11ais from 1 to 100.

Referring back toFIG.1, at least one of a first line15, a second line16, and a third line17on observed surface10acrosses a boundary between two types of regions11aand12adifferent in total concentration of an impurity at least four times. At least one of first line15, second line16, and third line17crosses the boundary between regions11aand12apreferably at least twenty times and more preferably at least one hundred times. Though an upper limit value of the number of times of crossing by first line15, second line16, or third line17with the boundary between regions11aand12ais not particularly limited, the number of times of crossing is desirably not more than two thousand times because chipping resistance is lowered when a region is too small.

First line15, second line16, and third line17are each a line segment that is in parallel to a <−110> direction and has a length of 1 mm. A midpoint of first line15matches with the center of gravity10mof observed surface10a. A midpoint of second line16corresponds to a point10pdistant from center of gravity10mof observed surface10aby 300 μm in a <001> direction. A midpoint of third line17corresponds to a point10qdistant from center of gravity10mof observed surface10aby 300 μm in a <00−1> direction.

FIG.5shows a photograph substituted for a drawing that shows a part of observed surface10ashown inFIG.2and first line15.FIG.6shows a photograph substituted for a drawing that shows a part of observed surface10ashown inFIG.3and first line15.FIG.7shows a photograph substituted for a drawing that shows a part of observed surface10ashown inFIG.4and first line15. As shown inFIGS.5to7, first line15crosses a boundary14between region11aand region12aat least four times.

Crossing by at least one of first line15, second line16, and third line17with the boundary between two types of regions different in total concentration of an impurity at least four times means that two types of regions11aand12adifferent in total concentration of an impurity are present as being mixed in observed surface10a. In general, as a concentration of an impurity is higher in a single-crystal diamond, a hardness thereof is lower. Therefore, region11aand region12aare different from each other in hardness. With presence of two types of regions11aand12adifferent in hardness as being mixed, when stress is applied to single-crystal diamond1, stress can be absorbed and cleavage of single-crystal diamond1is less likely. Consequently, single-crystal diamond1is excellent in chipping resistance.

In observed surface10a, a ratio between a total area of regions11aand a total area of regions12ais preferably from 3:2 to 2:3. Thus, when stress is applied to single-crystal diamond1, stress is readily absorbed. The ratio between the area of regions11aand the area of regions12a, however, may be modified as appropriate in accordance with a hardness desired for single-crystal diamond1. For example, when a high hardness is desired, the ratio between the total area of regions11aand the total area of regions12amay be set within a range from 3:2 to 5:1 or a range from 5:1 to 999:1. In contrast, when a high hardness is not much desired, the ratio between the total area of regions11aand the total area of regions12amay be set within a range from 2:3 to 1:5 or a range from 1:5 to 1:999.

FIG.8is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section10bwhen single-crystal diamond1is cut along a plane including center of gravity10mand being in parallel to a (001) face.FIG.9is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section10cwhen single-crystal diamond1is cut along a plane including center of gravity10mand being in parallel to a (−110) face. Cross-sections10band10care polished to achieve surface roughness Ra not greater than 5 μm similarly to observed surface10a. As shown inFIG.8, in cross-section10b, two types of regions11band12bdifferent in total concentration of an impurity are observed. In cross-section10b, an angle formed between a boundary14bbetween region11band region12band the <110> direction is preferably not smaller than 0° and not greater than 7°. Similarly, as shown inFIG.9, in cross-section10c, two types of regions11cand12cdifferent in total concentration of an impurity are observed. An angle formed between a boundary14cbetween two types of regions11cand12cobserved in cross-section10cand the <110> direction is preferably not smaller than 0° and not greater than 7°.

Cleavage of a single-crystal diamond has been known to be likely along the (111) face. As shown inFIG.9, boundary14cbetween region11cand region12cintersects with the (111) face. Therefore, even though a small crack along the (111) face is produced in single-crystal diamond1, development of the crack is stopped at boundary14cand cleavage of single-crystal diamond1is less likely.

In cross-section10c, an aspect ratio Z/Y between a length Y in the <001> direction and a length Z in the <110> direction in at least one of regions11cand12cis preferably not smaller than two. The number per unit area of boundaries14cintersecting with the (111) face is thus greater and occurrence of cleavage of single-crystal diamond1can further be suppressed. Similarly, in cross-section10b, an aspect ratio Z/X between a length X in the <−110> direction and length Z in the <110> direction in at least one of regions11band12bis preferably not smaller than two. Occurrence of cleavage of single-crystal diamond1can thus further be suppressed.

<Impurity in Single-Crystal Diamond>

An impurity contained in single-crystal diamond1preferably includes at least one selected from the group consisting of B, P, Al, and S, and among these, the single-crystal diamond more preferably contains B. By containing such an element as an impurity, as shown inFIGS.2to4, two types of regions11aand12adifferent in total concentration of an impurity can readily be present as being mixed in observed surface10a. The impurity contained in single-crystal diamond1may include at least one selected from the group consisting of B, P, Al, and S, and may further include another element (for example, N). For example, single-crystal diamond1may contain B and N as impurities. A single-crystal diamond in which n (n being 2 or 3) types of regions different in total concentration of an impurity are observed in the observed surface is thus readily manufactured.

A total concentration of a single impurity or a plurality of impurities contained in single-crystal diamond1is preferably not lower than 3 mol ppm, and more preferably not lower than 10 mol ppm, not lower than 100 mol ppm, not lower than 1000 mol ppm, or not lower than 10000 mol ppm. Thus, when stress is applied to single-crystal diamond1, stress is readily absorbed and occurrence of cleavage of single-crystal diamond1can further be suppressed. The total concentration of a single impurity or a plurality of impurities contained in single-crystal diamond1is preferably not higher than 30000 mol ppm in consideration of a hardness of single-crystal diamond1as a whole. A total concentration of an impurity is measured by focused SIMS.

<X-Ray Topographic Image of Single-Crystal Diamond>

As will be described later, single-crystal diamond1is obtained by growing with CVD, a single-crystal diamond layer on a main surface angled off relative to the (110) face of a seed substrate by at least 0° and at most 7°. Therefore, a dislocation is observed in an X-ray topographic image of single-crystal diamond1and an angle formed between a direction of the dislocation and the <110> direction is not smaller than 0° and not greater than 20°. In other words, in single-crystal diamond1, the dislocation propagates at an angle not smaller than 0° and not greater than 20° with respect to the <110> direction and is formed across the (111) face along which cleavage is likely. Therefore, even though a small crack along the (111) face is produced in single-crystal diamond1, development of the crack stops at the dislocation and cleavage of single-crystal diamond1is less likely. In single-crystal diamond1, a dislocation does not propagate perfectly linearly but propagates as meandering at an angle not smaller than 0° and not greater than 20° with respect to the <110> direction as a whole.

<Knoop Hardness of Single-Crystal Diamond>

A Knoop hardness is measured with a Knoop indenter that leaves an indentation (Knoop indentation) in a shape of an elongated rhombus.FIG.10is a diagram showing a method of measuring a Knoop hardness in observed surface10a. As shown inFIG.10, a Knoop hardness is measured in observed surface10asuch that a longer diagonal n1of a Knoop indentation N is in parallel to the <001> direction. A test load is set to 4.9 N. A type IIa single-crystal diamond obtained by the high-pressure high-temperature synthesis method has a Knoop hardness exceeding 100 GPa. Though the type IIa single-crystal diamond is high in hardness, it is very low in chipping resistance and it is difficult to apply a type IIa single-crystal diamond to a cutting tool. In contrast, single-crystal diamond1according to the present embodiment has a Knoop hardness not higher than 100 GPa. Therefore, single-crystal diamond1is excellent in chipping resistance and suitable for a cutting tool. A Knoop hardness is preferably not lower than 70 GPa. Cutting performance as a cutting tool can thus be maintained.

<Raman Scattering Spectrum>

When single-crystal diamond1contains B as an impurity, in a Raman scattering spectrum measured by Raman spectroscopy at an excitation wavelength of 512 nm, absolute intensity of a peak of a Raman shift from 850 to 950 cm−1is preferably higher than 10% of absolute intensity of a peak of a Raman shift from 1310 to 1340 cm−1.

It has been known that, in a Raman scattering spectrum, a peak of a diamond is observed in a range from 1310 to 1340 cm−1around a Raman shift of 1333 cm−1. A broad peak specific to a boron (B)-doped diamond is observed in a Raman shift from 850 to 950 cm−1. With absolute intensity of the peak of the Raman shift from 850 to 950 cm−1being higher than 10% of absolute intensity of the peak of the Raman shift from 1310 to 1340 cm−1, single-crystal diamond1sufficiently contains B as an impurity and is excellent in chipping resistance and wear resistance. In consideration of a hardness of single-crystal diamond1as a whole, absolute intensity of the peak of the Raman shift from 850 to 950 cm−1is preferably not higher than 300% of absolute intensity of the peak of the Raman shift from 1310 to 1340 cm−1.

Absolute intensity of the peak of the Raman shift from 850 to 950 cm−1and the peak of the Raman shift from 1310 to 1340 cm−1is measured after background processing of the Raman scattering spectrum. The background processing is performed such that background of the peak of the Raman shift from 1310 to 1340 cm−1is 0.

<Method of Manufacturing Single-Crystal Diamond>

A method of manufacturing single-crystal diamond1will now be described with reference toFIGS.11A to11C. The method of manufacturing single-crystal diamond1includes a <<seed substrate preparation step>>, a <<growth step>>, and a <<separation step>>.FIG.11Ais a diagram showing the seed substrate preparation step in the method of manufacturing single-crystal diamond1according to the present embodiment.FIG.11Bis a diagram showing the growth step in the method of manufacturing single-crystal diamond1according to the present embodiment.FIG.11Cis a diagram showing the separation step in the method of manufacturing single-crystal diamond1according to the present embodiment.

<<Seed Substrate Preparation Step>>

As shown inFIG.11A, the seed substrate preparation step is a step of preparing a seed substrate30including a main surface30aangled off relative to the (110) face by at least 0° and at most 7°. Seed substrate30may be composed of a single-crystal diamond synthesized by the high-pressure high-temperature synthesis method or a single-crystal diamond epitaxially grown with CVD. Seed substrate30has a defect density preferably not higher than 105/cm2. A lower limit of the defect density of seed substrate30is not particularly limited and the defect density is ideally 0.

Carbon ions are implanted into main surface30aof seed substrate30at a dose from 1×1015to 1×1019/cm2with energy from 300 keV to 3 MeV to thereby form a conductive layer30b.

A metal film composed, for example, of W, Nb, Ta, Fe, Ni, or Co may be formed on a side surface of seed substrate30. Growth of a single-crystal diamond on the side surface of seed substrate30in the subsequent growth step can thus be suppressed.

<<Growth Step>>

The growth step is then performed. As shown inFIG.11B, the growth step is a step of growing a single-crystal diamond layer40on main surface30aof seed substrate30with chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using hydrogen gas, methane gas, and impurity gas.

Impurity gas contains at least one selected from the group consisting of B, P, Al, and S. Specifically, at least one of gas containing B (diborane (B2H6) or trimethylboron ((CH3)3B)), gas containing P (phosphine (PH3) or trimethylphosphine (P(CH3)3)), gas containing S (hydrogen sulfide (H2S)), and gas containing Al (trimethylaluminum ((CH3)3Al) can be employed as impurity gas. Impurity gas may include nitrogen gas (N2) in addition to any gas above.

<<Separation Step>>

The separation step is finally performed. As shown inFIG.11C, the separation step is a step of separating seed substrate30and single-crystal diamond layer40from each other. Single-crystal diamond1is made up of single-crystal diamond layer40separated from seed substrate30. Since conductive layer30bis formed in the seed substrate preparation step, seed substrate30and single-crystal diamond layer40can readily be separated from each other by electrolytic etching in aqua pura.

<<Concentration of Methane Gas and Impurity Gas>>

In the present embodiment, in the growth step, a concentration of methane gas with respect to hydrogen gas is not lower than 1 mol % and not higher than 20 mol % and a concentration of impurity gas with respect to methane gas is not lower than 1 mol ppm and not higher than 50 mol %. When gas containing B is employed as impurity gas, a concentration of impurity gas with respect to methane gas is preferably not lower than 100 mol ppm and not higher than 50 mol %. By thus setting a concentration of methane gas and impurity gas to be higher than in a conventional example, a growth surface41of single-crystal diamond layer40has characteristics as shown in (α), (β), and (γ) below.

(α) Growth surface41is a surface that extends in parallel to main surface30aangled off relative to the (110) face by at least 0° and at most 7° and has a finely projecting and recessed structure. The finely projecting and recessed structure of growth surface41is formed by repetition of small faces41aas the (100) face and small surfaces41bas the (111) face that are inclined with respect to main surface30aalong a direction in parallel to main surface30a.

(β) A single-crystal diamond is epitaxially grown on each of small faces41aand41balong a direction of normal to main surface30a.

(γ) Small face41aas the (100) face and small face41bas the (111) face are different from each other in how readily an impurity element is taken thereinto. For example, B is more likely to be taken into small face41abut less likely to be taken into small face41b.

According to the characteristics in (α) and (γ), as shown inFIGS.2to4, regions11aand12adifferent in total concentration of an impurity are observed in observed surface10a. In an example in which B is employed as an impurity, region11arelatively low in total concentration of the impurity corresponds to a region where small face41bhas been grown and region12arelatively high in total concentration of the impurity corresponds to a region where small face41ahas been grown.

According to the characteristics in (β) and (γ), as shown inFIG.8, regions11band12bdifferent in total concentration of the impurity are observed in cross-section10b, and an angle formed between boundary14bbetween regions11band12band the <110> direction is not smaller than 0° and not greater than 7°. Similarly, as shown inFIG.9, regions11cand12cdifferent in total concentration of the impurity are observed in cross-section10c, and an angle formed between boundary14cbetween regions11cand12cand the <110> direction is not smaller than 0° and not greater than 7°.

An area ratio between small faces41aand small faces41bin growth surface41is controlled by varying a concentration of methane gas and impurity gas and a temperature of the substrate. The area ratio between regions11aand12aobserved in observed surface10ais thus controlled as shown inFIGS.4to6.

<Comparison with Single-Crystal Diamond Made by Another Manufacturing Method>

A plurality of sectors different in total concentration of an impurity are observed also in a single-crystal diamond obtained by the conventional high-pressure high-temperature synthesis method. For example, a (111) sector is a sector where a (111) face has been grown and a (100) sector is a sector where a (100) face has been grown. The sectors, however, are much larger in size than regions11aand12aobserved in observed surface10a. Therefore, in a single-crystal diamond obtained by the high-pressure high-temperature synthesis method, in an observed surface in parallel to the (110) face obtained by polishing a surface, none of first line15, second line16, and third line17crosses a boundary between the plurality of sectors at least four times.

When a single-crystal diamond layer is epitaxially grown on the (100) face of the seed substrate with CVD, a single-crystal diamond in which the (100) face has been grown is obtained. Therefore, the single-crystal diamond has a uniform concentration of an impurity over the entire observed surface10a. In other words, regions11aand12adifferent in total concentration of an impurity are not observed in observed surface10aas in the present embodiment.

When a concentration of methane gas or impurity gas in the growth step is lower than in the present embodiment, even a single-crystal diamond epitaxially grown on the (110) face with CVD does not form a thick single crystal. This is because an orientation necessary for growth in the (110) direction is not obtained, a stable growth surface is not obtained, and a diamond becomes polycrystalline.

Stable characteristics are not obtained with a natural diamond because variation in amount of an impurity is significant.

<First Modification>

Single-crystal diamond1in which presence of two types of regions11aand12adifferent in total concentration of an impurity as being mixed over the entire observed surface10aobtained by polishing of main surface10is observed is described above. Presence of two types of regions11aand12adifferent in total concentration of an impurity as being mixed may be observed only in a partial mix area around the center of observed surface10a.

FIG.12is a plan view schematically showing observed surface10ain a single-crystal diamond according to the present first modification. As shown inFIG.12, observed surface10ais divided into a mix area13aaround the center and uniform areas13bto13elocated around mix area13a. In mix area13a, as shown inFIGS.2to4, presence of two types of regions11aand12adifferent in total concentration of an impurity as being mixed is observed. On the other hand, each of uniform areas13bto13eis uniform in impurity concentration. An area of mix area13ais preferably not lower than 10% of the area of observed surface10a, and more preferably not lower than 20%, not lower than 30%, not lower than 50%, or not lower than 80% of the area of observed surface10a. Chipping resistance of single-crystal diamond1can thus be improved.

The single-crystal diamond according to the present first modification is obtained by growing a single-crystal diamond layer also on a side surface of seed substrate30without covering the side surface of seed substrate30with a metal film.

FIG.13is a cross-sectional view of seed substrate30and single-crystal diamond layer40when single-crystal diamond layer40is grown without covering a side surface of seed substrate30with a metal film. A growth surface42of single-crystal diamond layer40directly on main surface30aof seed substrate30has such a projecting and recessed shape that small (100) faces and small (111) faces inclined with respect to main surface30aare repeated along the direction in parallel to main surface30asimilarly to growth surface41shown inFIG.11B. Therefore, in an area40dwhere growth surface42is grown, regions different in total concentration of an impurity are present as being mixed. A growth surface43of single-crystal diamond layer40other than an area directly on main surface30ais flat, although it is inclined with respect to main surface30a. Growth surface43is a (100) face or a (111) face. Therefore, an area40ewhere growth surface43is grown is uniform in concentration of an impurity.

At the main surface of the single-crystal diamond obtained by cutting single-crystal diamond layer40along a plane X1including main surface30aof seed substrate30and a plane X2between main surface30aand growth surface42, area40dwhere growth surface42has been grown and area40ewhere growth surface43has been grown are exposed. Therefore, in observed surface10aobtained by polishing the main surface of the single-crystal diamond, as shown inFIG.12, mix area13awhere two types of regions different in total concentration of an impurity are present as being mixed and uniform areas13bto13euniform in concentration of the impurity are observed. Mix area13acorresponds to the surface of area40dand uniform areas13bto13ecorrespond to the surface of area40e.

<Second Modification>

The growth step may be divided into two stages of a first stage from start of growth until lapse of a prescribed time period and a second stage following the first stage, and introduction of impurity gas may be restricted in the first stage. For example, in the first stage, single-crystal diamond layer40is grown on seed substrate30by introducing hydrogen gas and methane gas or introducing hydrogen gas, methane gas, and carbon dioxide gas. A concentration of methane gas with respect to hydrogen gas is desirably set to 1 to 20 mol %. When carbon dioxide gas is introduced, a concentration of carbon dioxide gas with respect to methane gas is desirably set to 1 to 10 mol %.

In the second stage, a single-crystal diamond layer is grown on seed substrate30by using hydrogen gas, methane gas, and impurity gas. A concentration of methane gas with respect to hydrogen gas is not lower than 1 mol % and not higher than 20 mol % and a concentration of impurity gas with respect to methane gas is not lower than 1 mol ppm and not higher than 50 mol %.

FIG.14is a cross-sectional view showing single-crystal diamond1according to the present second modification. As shown inFIG.14, single-crystal diamond1includes a first layer21having resistivity at room temperature not lower than 106Ωcm and a second layer22having resistivity at room temperature lower than 106Ωcm. First layer21is a single-crystal diamond layer grown in the first stage of the growth step and low in total concentration of an impurity. Therefore, first layer21has resistivity not lower than 106Ωcm. Second layer22is a single-crystal diamond layer grown in the second stage of the growth step and has a total concentration of an impurity not lower than 3 mol ppm. Therefore, second layer22has resistivity lower than 106Ωcm. Since second layer22contains an impurity, observed surface10ais obtained by polishing second layer22. An upper limit value of resistivity of first layer21is not particularly limited and the resistivity is not higher than resistivity that a single-crystal diamond free from an impurity can have. Resistivity of second layer22is dependent on an amount of impurity contained in second layer22. Therefore, resistivity of second layer22is preferably not lower than 1 Ωcm in consideration of lowering in hardness due to the impurity in second layer22.

An angle formed between an interface23between first layer21and second layer22and the (110) face is not smaller than 0° and not greater than 7°. Interface23has a finely projecting and recessed structure conforming to growth surface41shown inFIG.11B. The finely projecting and recessed structure of interface23has an average height not smaller than 1 μm. The average height of the finely projecting and recessed structure is measured in conformity with a mean height Rc under JIS B0601-2001. Interface23can be observed in an SEM image, a CL image, or a Raman image of a cross-section of single-crystal diamond1.

An area22ain second layer22directly on first layer21is formed by growth of growth surface41as shown inFIG.11B. Therefore, area22afalls under a mix area where two types of regions different in total concentration of an impurity are present as being mixed. An area22bwhere the (100) face or the (111) face has been grown is formed on a side surface of first layer21by growing second layer22without covering the side surface of first layer21with a metal film. Area22bfalls under a uniform area uniform in concentration of an impurity.

According to the present second modification, first layer21having resistivity not lower than 106Ωcm is in contact with seed substrate30. Therefore, when conductive layer30bis formed in seed substrate30by implanting carbon ions and first layer21and seed substrate30are separated from each other by electrolytic etching, electric field is concentrated in conductive layer30b. Time required for the separation step of separating first layer21from seed substrate30can thus be reduced.

In the present second modification, the separation step may be performed after the first stage and the second stage of the growth step, or the separation step may be performed after the first stage of the growth step and thereafter the second stage of the growth step may be performed.

<Third Modification>

Single-crystal diamond1in which two types of regions11aand12adifferent in total concentration of an impurity are observed in observed surface10ais described above. Three types of regions different in total concentration of an impurity, however, may be observed in observed surface10a. Each of the three types of regions has an area not smaller than 0.1 μm2. The total concentration of the impurity in a region highest in impurity concentration is preferably higher by at least 30%, at least 50%, at least 100%, at least 300%, or at least 1000% than the total concentration of the impurity in a region second highest in impurity concentration. The total concentration of the impurity in the region second highest in impurity concentration is preferably higher by at least 30%, at least 50%, at least 100%, at least 300%, or at least 1000% than the total concentration of the impurity in a region lowest in impurity concentration.

By adjusting a type of impurity gas and a concentration of methane gas, growth surface41is formed in which third small faces as (113) faces inclined with respect to main surface30aof seed substrate30in addition to small faces41aand41bshown inFIG.11Bare repeated along the direction in parallel to main surface30a. Small face41aas the (100) face, small face41bas the (111) face, and the small face as the (113) face are different from one another in amount of impurity taken thereinto. Consequently, three types of regions different in total concentration of the impurity are observed in observed surface10a.

Examples

Though the present disclosure will be described hereinafter in further detail with reference to Examples, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 1 to 10 represent Examples and single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 11 to 13 represent Comparative Examples.

<Single-Crystal Diamond of Sample No. 1>

A seed substrate having a main surface angled off relative to the (110) face by 2° which was obtained by the high-pressure high-temperature synthesis method was prepared. The seed substrate had a size of 12 mm×6 mm×2 mm. The main surface of the seed substrate was polished with a grindstone in which diamond abrasive grains having an average grain size from 9 to 35 μm were fixed with a metal, and thereafter washed with an acid (aqua regia) and an organic solvent (ethanol). Thereafter, a conductive layer was formed by implanting carbon ions into the main surface of the seed substrate at energy of 3 MeV.

Then, a single-crystal diamond layer having a thickness of 800 μm was grown on the main surface of the seed substrate by using a microwave plasma CVD apparatus. Hydrogen gas, methane gas, and diborane (B2H6) as impurity gas were employed as gas for growth. A flow rate of hydrogen gas was set to 500 sccm and a flow rate of methane gas was set to 25 sccm. In other words, a concentration of methane gas with respect to hydrogen gas was set to 5 mol %. A concentration of impurity gas with respect to methane gas was set to 800 mol ppm. A pressure during growth was set to 50 kPa and a temperature during growth (that is, a temperature of the seed substrate) was set to 830° C.

Finally, a single-crystal diamond of sample No. 1 was made by separating the single-crystal diamond layer from the seed substrate by decomposing and removing the conductive layer of the seed substrate by electrolytic etching.

<Single-Crystal Diamond of Sample No. 2>

A single-crystal diamond of sample No. 2 was made under conditions the same as those for sample No. 1 except that a concentration of impurity gas with respect to methane gas was set to 5000 mol ppm and a temperature during growth was set to 800° C.

<Single-Crystal Diamond of Sample No. 3>

A single-crystal diamond of sample No. 3 was made under conditions the same as those for sample No. 1 except that a concentration of methane gas with respect to hydrogen gas was set to 3 mol % (a flow rate of methane gas was set to 15 sccm), a concentration of impurity gas with respect to methane gas was set to 300 mol ppm, a pressure during growth was set to 10 kPa, and a temperature during growth was set to 1110° C.

<Single-Crystal Diamond of Sample No. 4>

A single-crystal diamond of sample No. 4 was made under conditions the same as those for sample No. 1 except that a concentration of methane gas with respect to hydrogen gas was set to 10 mol % (a flow rate of methane gas was set to 50 sccm), a concentration of impurity gas with respect to methane gas was set to 200 mol ppm, a pressure during growth was set to 55 kPa, and a temperature during growth was set to 1200° C.

<Single-Crystal Diamond of Sample No. 5>

A single-crystal diamond of sample No. 5 was made under conditions the same as those for sample No. 1 except that phosphine (PH3) was employed as impurity gas and a concentration of impurity gas with respect to methane gas was set to 10 mol ppm.

<Single-Crystal Diamond of Sample No. 6>

A single-crystal diamond of sample No. 6 was made under conditions the same as those for sample No. 1 except that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was employed as impurity gas and a concentration of impurity gas with respect to methane gas was set to 10 mol ppm.

<Single-Crystal Diamond of Sample No. 7>

A single-crystal diamond of sample No. 7 was made under conditions the same as those for sample No. 1 except that trimethylaluminum ((CH3)3Al) was employed as impurity gas and a concentration of impurity gas with respect to methane gas was set to 50 mol ppm.

<Single-Crystal Diamond of Sample No. 8>

A single-crystal diamond of sample No. 8 was made under conditions the same as those for sample No. 1 except that diborane (B2H6) and nitrogen (N2) were employed as impurity gas and a concentration of impurity gas with respect to methane gas was set to 1000 mol ppm. A concentration of diborane with respect to methane gas was set to 1000 mol ppm and a concentration of nitrogen with respect to methane gas was set to 20 mol ppm.

<Single-Crystal Diamond of Sample No. 9>

A single-crystal diamond of sample No. 9 was made under conditions the same as those for sample No. 1 except that carbon ions were not implanted into the seed substrate, a concentration of impurity gas with respect to methane gas was set to 2000 mol ppm, a temperature during growth was set to 850° C., and the seed substrate and the single-crystal diamond layer were separated from each other by using laser. Specifically, cutting was performed by irradiating a portion around the interface between the seed substrate and the single-crystal diamond layer with Nd:YAG laser and the cut plane was polished with a grindstone in which diamond abrasive grains having an average grain size from 9 to 35 μm were fixed with a metal.

<Single-Crystal Diamond of Sample No. 10>

A seed substrate having a main surface angled off relative to the (110) face by 2° which was obtained by the high-pressure high-temperature synthesis method was prepared. The seed substrate had a size of 10 mm×5 mm×2 mm. The main surface of the seed substrate was polished with a grindstone in which diamond abrasive grains having an average grain size from 9 to 35 μm were fixed with a metal, and thereafter washed with an acid (aqua regia) and an organic solvent (ethanol). Thereafter, a conductive layer was formed by implanting carbon ions into the main surface of the seed substrate at energy of 3 MeV.

Then, the first layer having a thickness of 300 μm was grown on the main surface of the seed substrate by using a microwave plasma CVD apparatus. Hydrogen gas, methane gas, and carbon dioxide (CO2) gas were employed as gas for growing the first layer. A flow rate of hydrogen gas was set to 500 sccm and a flow rate of methane gas was set to 25 sccm. In other words, a concentration of methane gas with respect to hydrogen gas was set to 5 mol %. A concentration of carbon dioxide gas with respect to methane gas was set to 10 mol %. A pressure during growth of the first layer was set to 12 kPa and a temperature during growth was set to 1200° C.

After the first layer was grown, the first layer was separated from the seed substrate by decomposing and removing the conductive layer of the seed substrate by electrolytic etching. Thereafter, the first layer separated from the seed substrate was washed with an acid (aqua regia) and an organic solvent (ethanol).

Then, the second layer having a thickness of 500 μm was grown on the main surface of the first layer by using the microwave plasma CVD apparatus. Hydrogen gas, methane gas, and diborane (B2H6) as impurity gas were employed as gas for growing the second layer. A flow rate of hydrogen gas was set to 500 sccm and a flow rate of methane gas was set to 25 sccm. In other words, a concentration of methane gas with respect to hydrogen gas was set to 5 mol %. A concentration of impurity gas with respect to methane gas was set to 6000 mol ppm. A pressure during growth of the second layer was set to 50 kPa and a temperature during growth was set to 850° C. The single-crystal diamond of sample No. 10 constituted of the first layer and the second layer was thus made.

<Single-Crystal Diamond of Sample No. 11>

A single-crystal diamond of sample No. 11 was made under conditions the same as those for sample No. 9 except that a concentration of methane gas with respect to hydrogen gas was set to 5 mol %, a concentration of impurity gas with respect to methane gas was set to 2000 mol ppm, a pressure during growth was set to 50 kPa, and a temperature during growth was set to 730° C.

<Single-Crystal Diamond of Sample No. 12>

A type Ib single-crystal diamond made by the known high-pressure high-temperature synthesis method was employed as a single-crystal diamond of sample No. 12.

<Single-Crystal Diamond of Sample No. 13>

A type IIa single-crystal diamond made by the known high-pressure high-temperature synthesis method was employed as a single-crystal diamond of sample No. 13.

Table 1 below shows a list of conditions for making single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 1 to 13.

TABLE 1CH4Impurity GasConcentrationConcentrationPressureTemperatureIonH2FlowCH4Flow(with respect(with respectDuringDuringSynthesisImplantationImpurityRateRateto H2)to CH4)GrowthGrowthNo.MethodEnergyGas(sccm)(sccm)(mol %)(mol ppm)(kPa)(° C.)1CVD3MeVB2H6500255800508302CVD3MeVB2H65002555000508003CVD3MeVB2H65001533001011104CVD3MeVB2H650050102005512005CVD3MeVPH350025510508306CVD3MeVH2S50025510508307CVD500keV(CH3)3Al50025550508308CVD500keVB2H6, N25002551000508309CVDNoneB2H650025520005085010CVD3MeVB2H650025560005085011CVDNoneB2H650025520005073012HPHT————————13HPHT————————
<Evaluation>

The single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 1 to 8 were made through the separation step by electrolytic etching. The single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 3 to 7 were lower in concentration of impurity gas used in the growth step than the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 1, 2, and 8. Therefore, the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 3 to 7 were higher in resistivity (electrical resistivity) than the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 1, 2, and 8. Thus, in electrolytic etching in making the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 3 to 7, electric field tends to be concentrated in the conductive layer of the seed substrate. Consequently, time required for the separation step in making the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 3 to 7 was not longer than 40% of time required for the separation step in making the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 1, 2, and 8.

In the single-crystal diamond of sample No. 10, the first layer grown without introducing impurity gas was separated from the seed substrate by electrolytic etching. The first layer had resistivity of 107Ωcm. Therefore, time required for separating the first layer from the seed substrate by electrolytic etching was further shorter than time required for the separation step in making the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 3 to 7. The second layer of the single-crystal diamond of sample No. 10 had resistivity of 5 Ωcm.

The single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 1 to 11 were each made of a single crystal grown on the main surface angled off relative to the (110) face by 2° of the seed substrate. Therefore, by polishing the main surface of each of the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 1 to 11, the observed surface in parallel to the (110) face having surface roughness Ra of 5 μm could readily be exposed. The observed surface of the single-crystal diamond of sample No. 10 was exposed by polishing the surface of the second layer. The observed surface in parallel to the (110) face having surface roughness Ra of 5 μm, of each of the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 12 and 13 were also exposed by polishing the surface thereof.

An SEM image of the observed surface of each of the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 1 to 13 was obtained and observed. Specifically, whether or not two or three types of regions different in total concentration of the impurity were observed in the observed surface was checked. When two or three types of regions different in total concentration of the impurity were observed in the observed surface, a ratio of an area of the mix area where two or three types of regions different in total concentration of the impurity were present as being mixed in the observed surface was determined. Furthermore, a maximum number of times of crossing by each of the first line, the second line, and the third line with the boundary between the two or three types of regions different in total concentration of the impurity in the observed surface was determined.

In the observed surface of each of the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 1 to 13, a concentration of the impurity was measured by nano SIMS. Specifically, when two or three types of regions different in total concentration of the impurity were observed in the observed surface, a total concentration of the impurity in each region was determined. Furthermore, a total average value of an impurity concentration (a total concentration of a single impurity or a plurality of impurities) in each of the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 1 to 13 was calculated.

Table 2 shows a result of measurement for regions different in total concentration of the impurity observed in the observed surface and a result of measurement of the total concentration of the impurity.

TABLE 2Regions Different in Impurity ConcentrationArea Ratio (High-The Maximum Number ofConcentrationImpurity Concentration (mol ppm)Times of Crossing by FirstRegion:Low-High-Low-to Third Lines withRatio of MixConcentrationConcentrationConcentrationTotalNo.PresenceBoundary (Times)Area (%)Region)RegionRegionAverage1Yes3001003:25102804202Yes1002080:13400200033003Yes3001001:12501902204Yes4001003:2150901205Yes10001005:14.51.34.06Yes2001003:23.90.852.77Yes3001003:24.61.13.28Yes10010015:17003506709Yes40010020:117001100167010Yes1002090:145002800448011Yes30—17101412No00———113Yes20—1103070

As shown in Table 2, in the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 1 to 10, two types of regions different in total concentration of the impurity were observed in the observed surface. Furthermore, each of the first to third lines in the observed surface crossed the boundary between the two types of regions different in total concentration of the impurity at least two hundred times. In the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 1 to 10, the mix area where two types of regions different in total concentration of the impurity were present as being mixed was observed.

In the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 1 and 3 to 9, the mix area occupied the entire observed surface. In contrast, in the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 2 and 10, the mix area occupied 20% of the observed surface.

Though two types of regions different in total concentration of the impurity were observed in the observed surface in the single-crystal diamond of sample No. 11, the maximum number of times of crossing by the first to third lines with the boundary between the two types of regions different in total concentration of the impurity was three. This is because growth was in a (110) orientation due to the low temperature and the concentration of the impurity was uniform.

In the single-crystal diamond of sample No. 12, the concentration of the impurity was uniform in the entire observed surface and a region different in total concentration of the impurity was not observed. Nitrogen was contained as the impurity in the single-crystal diamond of sample No. 12.

In the single-crystal diamond of sample No. 13, a (100) sector and a (111) sector were observed in the observed surface as regions different in total concentration of the impurity. Each of the first to third lines in the observed surface, however, crossed the boundary between the sectors only two times and no mix area where regions different in total concentration of the impurity were present as being mixed was observed. Nitrogen was contained as the impurity in the single-crystal diamond of sample No. 13.

A Knoop hardness of each of the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 1 to 13 was measured in the observed surface with a longer diagonal of a Knoop indentation being in parallel to the <001> direction. A test load in measuring a Knoop hardness was set to 4.9 N.

An X-ray topographic image of each of the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 1 to 13 was obtained and a direction of dislocation was checked. A Raman scattering spectrum in excitation at 512 nm, of each of the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 1 to 4, 8 to 10, and 13 for which diborane was employed as impurity gas was determined. The obtained Raman scattering spectrum was subjected to background processing such that background of the peak of a Raman shift from 1310 to 1340 cm−1was zero. In the Raman scattering spectrum subjected to the background processing, a ratio (I1/I2) between absolute intensity I1 of the peak of a Raman shift from 850 to 950 cm−1and absolute intensity I2 of the peak of the Raman shift from 1310 to 1340 cm−1was calculated.FIG.15shows measured Raman scattering spectra of the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 2, 4, and 8.

Each of the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 1 to 13 was worked into a shape of a cutter cutting edge and used for cutting of a work material (a workpiece), and chipping resistance was evaluated. RF4080R manufactured by Sumitomo Electric Hardmetal Corporation was employed as a cutter and SNEW1204 ADFR-WS manufactured by Sumitomo Electric Hardmetal Corporation was employed as a wiper insert. NV5000 manufactured by DMG Mori Co., Ltd. was employed as a lathe. Conditions such as a cutting speed of 2000 m/min., a depth of cut of 0.05 mm, and a feed rate of 0.05 mm/edge were set, and chipping in the cutter cutting edge not smaller than 5 μm after cutting by 30 km of workpieces formed of an aluminum material A5052 was counted. A smaller number of chipping counts indicates higher chipping resistance.

Table 3 shows a direction of dislocation, a Knoop hardness, an intensity ratio (I1/I2) of Raman scattering, and a result of chipping count.

TABLE 3KnoopIntensity Ratio ofChippingDirection ofHardnessRaman ScatteringCountNo.Dislocation(GPa)(I1/I2*1) (%)(Count)1<110>926002<110>9314003<110>903004<110>962005<110>98—06<110>96—07<110>99—08<110>906009<110>9190010<110>89130011<110> and <001>10120412<001>94—513<001>110—11*1I1 represents absolute intensity of the peak of 850 to 950 cm−1and I2 represents absolute intensity of the peak of 1310 to 1340 cm−1.

As shown in Table 3, chipping count of the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 1 to 10 was 0, whereas chipping count of the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos 11 to 13 was four or more. It can thus be seen that the single-crystal diamonds of samples Nos. 1 to 10 are excellent in chipping resistance.

Though the embodiment and the examples of the present disclosure have been described as above, combination of features in each embodiment and example described above as appropriate or various modification is also originally intended.

It should be understood that the embodiment and the examples disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims rather than the embodiment and the examples above and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1single-crystal diamond;10,30amain surface;10aobserved surface;10b,10ccross-section;10mcenter of gravity;11a,11b,11c,12a,12b,12cregion;13a,14amix area;13b,13euniform area;14a,14b,14cboundary;15first line;16second line;17third line;21first layer;22second layer;23interface;30seed substrate;30bconductive layer,40single-crystal diamond layer;40d,40earea;41,42,43growth surface;41a,41bsmall face; N Knoop indentation; n1diagonal