Extended defects in diamond: The interstitial platelet

The structure and properties of the {001} planar platelet in diamond are investigated using ab initio theory. We find that a carbonaceous model, based on a layer of self-interstitials, satisfies the requirements of transmission electron microscopy, infrared absorption data, and energetic considerations. The energetics of self-interstitial production during nitrogen aggregation are considered. It is found that the growth mechanism of the platelet involves a thermally activated release of vacancies from platelets. The role of vacant sites and platelet nitrogen are also investigated and it is shown that these defects embedded within the platelet could account for the observed optical activity.