Photoluminescence of silicon‐vacancy defects in nanodiamonds of different chondrites. (13th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shiryaev, A. A.; Fisenko, A. V.; Semjonova, L. F.; Khomich, A. A.; Vlasov, I. I.
• Is Part Of: Meteoritics & planetary science. Volume 50:Number 6(2015:Jun.)
• Page Start: 1005
• Page End: 1012
• Publication Date: 2015-05-13
• Subjects: Meteorites -- Periodicals; Planetology -- Periodicals; 523.4
• DOI: 10.1111/maps.12450
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1086-9379

Abstract

Abstract: Photoluminescence spectra show that silicon impurity is present in lattice of some nanodiamond grains (ND) of various chondrites as a silicon‐vacancy (SiV) defect. The relative intensity of the SiV band in the diamond‐rich separates depends on chemical composition of meteorites and on size of ND grains. The strongest signal is found for the size separates enriched in small grains; thus, confirming our earlier conclusion that the SiV defects preferentially reside in the smallest (≤2 nm) grains. The difference in relative intensities of the SiV luminescence in the diamond‐rich separates of individual meteorites are due to variable conditions of thermal metamorphism of their parent bodies and/or uneven sampling of nanodiamond populations. Annealing of separates in air eliminates surface sp 2 ‐carbon; consequently, the SiV luminescence is enhanced. Strong and well‐defined luminescence and absorption of the SiV defect is a promising feature to locate cold (<250 °C) nanodiamonds in space.