Thin films deposited by rapidly quenching the energetic carbon species
impinging onto polycrystalline nickel substrates were studied by X-ra
y photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron energy loss spectroscopy
(EELS), and field ion microscopy (FIM). XPS and EELS of the deposited
films, when compared with those recorded for graphite and synthetic di
amond, indicated the growth of diamond like carbon films and amorphic
diamond (a-D) phase. Surface atomic arrangement in the film is observe
d by FIM which magnifies the surface similar to 10(5) to 10(6) times.
Facetting, lack of graphitic ordering, stability of the image inspite
of raising or lowering the voltage about the field evaporation voltage
indicate that the field ion micrograph is that of a-D.