Carbon nitride in its single-crystal phase is predicted to be harder than diamond and to exhibit other exotic properties. To date, it has not been synthesized. The goal of this research is to effect this synthesis through ion implantation of diamond, then to determine optical and mechanical properties of the material which results. Past research has resulted in formed nitrides of silicon, titanium, and boron using this approach. Nitrogen will be implanted into carbon substrates at ion doses ranging from 2E17 to l.8E18 per cm2 and energies from 30 to 20 keV. Following implantation, stoichiometry and crystalline phase will be determined by X-ray diffraction and Auger electron spectroscopy. Subsequent hardness, coefficient of friction, index of refraction, and absorption/transmission/reflection measurements will be made to establish mechanical and optical characteristics.
