Analysis of Natural Diamonds by Rutherford Backscattering

Abstract

The method of Rutherford backscattering (RBS) of ⁴He ions is used to detect impurities in the surface region of natural diamond crystals. In order to decrease the influence of luminescence from the surface of diamond, the recording of scattered ions is performed by an annular detector, which decreases the statistical error and improves the measurement accuracy. The limit of impurity detection is 10¹⁴ at/cm² for light impurities and 10¹² at/cm² for heavy impurities.