The interaction between silver and a boron doped diamond single crysta
l has been characterized by Auger electron spectroscopy, ionization lo
ss spectroscopy, and low energy electron diffraction. Silver depositio
n (equivalent film thickness 3-15 Angstrom) at room temperature result
s in the formation of silver islands. During subsequent thermal anneal
ing, silver islands cluster and finally desorb. In contrast to other m
etals, neither intermixing nor graphitization or carbide formation at
the silver-diamond interface are observed. (C) 1996 American Institute
of Physics.