Electron spin resonance characterization of a divacancy-related centre in CVD diamond

The electron spin resonance characterization of an undocumented paramagneti c centre in chemical vapour deposited diamond is reported. Successful fitti ng of the powder pattern-like spectrum characterized the originating defect as an S = 1 centre of spectroscopic splitting factor g = 2.003 86 +/- 0.00 0 05. The zero-field splitting parameters were determined as D = 358 +/- 1 G and E = 0 +/- 2 G at 294 K. Two hyperfine spectra were resolved, one ascr ibed to four equivalent C sites. Various suggestions as to the microscopic nature of the defect are explored. The centre is suggested to be an impurit y stabilized divacancy-like defect.