Diamonds, renowned as the toughest natural substance on Earth, might not be as enduring as commonly believed. Surprisingly, diamonds can evaporate when subjected to intense light.

Recent advancements using ultraviolet lasers have enabled the breakdown of diamonds at the atomic level, presenting profound implications for quantum computers and other diamond-based technologies.

This groundbreaking discovery emerged during the development of diamond lasers at the Photonics Research Center at Macquarie University in Australia, led by Associate Professor Richard Mildren.

In these devices, the laser beam permeates the diamond, essentially serving as the engine in the system. However, Mildren and his team encountered a challenge: the diamond laser ceased to function after a period of operation.

A thorough examination revealed that the diamond facets had eroded over time, ultimately disrupting the optical path of the laser beam. In the quest to comprehend this phenomenon, the researchers unearthed that the ultraviolet laser possessed the capability to strip individual diamond atoms.

Mildren highlighted that modifying individual atoms had previously been achievable using micro-level needles with sharp tips, but this technique was limited to materials with loosely connected atoms. Through the use of lasers, the researchers successfully manipulated individual carbon atoms in diamonds, which are known for their robust molecular bonds.

While lasers are renowned for their precision in cutting and drilling on small scales, their resolution at the atomic level has traditionally been considered suboptimal. Mildren emphasized the potential transformative impact of improving laser resolution at the atomic level, envisioning applications in future nanoscale devices like data storage, quantum computers, and nanosensors.

The choice of a UV laser in their experiments was deliberate. The process generates minimal heat, ensuring that the laser can execute tiny, precise cuts without thermal limitations. Mildren and his colleagues achieved the manipulation of atoms to create molecular-sized structures, measuring approximately 10-20 nanometers in diameter, within diamonds.

Despite these strides, Mildren acknowledged uncertainties about the exact mechanisms of this new technique. The team is actively engaged in unraveling the intricacies of the process and exploring its feasibility for application to other materials.

Intriguingly, Mildren pointed out that diamonds exhibit an evaporation process so gradual that it typically escapes direct observation. Even under the influence of powerful ultraviolet light, such as intense sunlight or exposure to UV tanning lamps, the observable loss of diamond mass would take an astonishing 10 billion years. This revelation not only sheds light on the prolonged stability of diamonds but also contributes valuable insights for future research endeavors.