Laser-Induced Graphitization of Diamond Bulk: The State of the Art (A Review)

The experimental studies of the laser graphitization of diamond bulk, which have been published in the last decade, are reviewed, and the current problems in this field of research are considered. The techniques of laser microstructuring of diamond crystals, which make it possible to form graphitized microstructures of different shapes in their bulk, are described. The phenomenon of laser-induced graphitization wave and physical regularities of its propagation in diamond bulk are considered. The internal structure of laser-graphitized material and the methods for its study are described. The influence of the processing parameters on the internal structure and conductivity of laser-modified material in diamond bulk is analyzed.