Photoelectrodeposition of copper on boron-doped diamond films: applicationto conductive pattern formation on diamond. The photographic diamond surface phenomenon

The photoelectrodeposition of copper on semiconducting B-doped diamond film s was investigated. There were clear morphology differences between photoel ectrodeposited and electrodeposited copper. Photoelectrodeposition proceede d by a uniform two-dimensional growth process, whereas electrodeposition in volved isolated random deposition. By applying this effect we have succeede d in forming a conductive copper pattern on semiconducting B-doped diamond with the aid of a photo-mask. Interestingly, it was further found that chan ges occurring on the diamond surface during photoelectrochemical polarizati on in the absence of copper in solution facilitate subsequent copper electr odeposition in the dark, possibly due to the formation of subsurface hydrog en. We refer to this as the 'photographic diamond surface phenomenon'. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.