Method for manufacturing diamond tool intermediate and method for determining single crystal diamond

Abstract

A single crystal diamond having a first facet perpendicular to a specific crystal orientation is prepared. The single crystal diamond is fixed to a support based on the first facet. An X-ray image of the single crystal diamond is captured by associating the crystal orientation of the single crystal diamond with the X-ray irradiation direction by associating the support to which the single crystal diamond is fixed. The positions of inclusions contained in the single crystal diamond are determined based on the X-ray image. A determination is made as to whether the shape of a diamond tool intermediate free of inclusions in an inclusion exclusion region can be extracted from the single crystal diamond. The shape of the diamond tool intermediate free of inclusions in the inclusion exclusion region is extracted from the single crystal diamond.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate and a method for determining single crystal diamond. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 (US Patent No. 7,755,072) describes a method for measuring the position of inclusions in natural diamonds for jewelry.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent No. 7,755,072 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate body according to the present disclosure includes the following steps. A single crystal diamond having a first facet that is a plane perpendicular to a specific crystal orientation is prepared. The single crystal diamond is fixed to a support based on the first facet. An X-ray image of the single crystal diamond is captured by associating the crystal orientation of the single crystal diamond with the X-ray irradiation direction by associating the support to which the single crystal diamond is fixed with the X-ray irradiation direction. The position of inclusions contained in the single crystal diamond is determined based on the X-ray image. Based on a predetermined shape of the diamond tool intermediate body associating the crystal orientation of the diamond with the outer shape, in which an inclusion exclusion region is defined in part or all of the shape, the X-ray image, and the position of the inclusions contained in the single crystal diamond determined in the fourth step, a determination is made as to whether a shape of the diamond tool intermediate body free of inclusions in the inclusion exclusion region can be extracted from the single crystal diamond. The shape of the diamond tool intermediate body having no inclusions in the inclusion exclusion region is extracted from the single crystal diamond based on the determination result of the fifth step.

[0007] The single crystal diamond identification method disclosed herein comprises the following steps. A single crystal diamond having a first facet perpendicular to a specific crystal orientation is prepared. Based on the first facet, the single crystal diamond is fixed to a support in a manner that maintains the relationship between the crystal orientation of the single crystal diamond and the posture of the support. By fixing the single crystal diamond to the support and associating the support with the X-ray irradiation direction, an X-ray image of the single crystal diamond is captured, in which the crystal orientation of the single crystal diamond and the X-ray irradiation direction are associated. Based on the X-ray image, the position of inclusions contained in the single crystal diamond is determined within the single crystal diamond. Whether the shape of the diamond tool intermediate containing no inclusions in the inclusion exclusion area can be extracted from the single crystal diamond is determined based on a predetermined shape of the diamond tool intermediate obtained by associating the diamond crystal orientation and the outer shape, or a predetermined shape of the diamond tool intermediate obtained by associating the diamond crystal orientation and the outer shape, and consisting of the inclusion exclusion area and the inclusion permission area, an X-ray image of the single crystal diamond obtained by associating the crystal orientation of the single crystal diamond and the irradiation direction of the X-ray, and the position of the inclusions associated with the X-ray image of the single crystal diamond. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a schematic plan view showing the structure of an X-ray CT apparatus used in the method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate body according to the present embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a side view schematically showing the structure of the X-ray device.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a flowchart schematically showing a method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate according to this embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view showing the process of capturing an X-ray image of single-crystal diamond.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an X-ray image of single-crystal diamond.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing a three-dimensional reconstructed image of the surface shape of a single-crystal diamond.

[0014] Figure 7 Schematic diagram showing a three-dimensional reconstructed image of inclusions in single crystal diamond.

[0015] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of an image showing candidate shapes of a diamond tool intermediate.

[0016] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a composite image.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a schematic perspective view showing the process of extracting a diamond tool intermediate from single crystal diamond.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a flowchart schematically showing a method for determining single crystal diamond according to this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a composite image of single crystal diamond of Samples 1 to 30.

[0020] Figure 13 Schematic diagrams showing the shapes of diamond tool intermediates extracted from single crystal diamonds of Samples 1 to 30.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a composite image of single crystal diamond of Samples 31 to 60.

[0022] Figure 15 Schematic diagrams showing the shapes of diamond tool intermediates extracted from single crystal diamonds of Samples 31 to 60. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] [Problems to be Solved by the Present Disclosure]

[0024] One method for inspecting inclusions in single-crystal diamond is visual inspection using an optical microscope. Using an optical microscope, the inspector confirms the location and size of the inclusions within the single-crystal diamond and determines whether a block of a predetermined shape can be extracted from the single-crystal diamond, essentially free of inclusions. This block of predetermined shape is used as a diamond tool intermediate.

[0025] However, due to the extremely high refractive index of diamond, virtual images of inclusions within a single-crystal diamond appear on the surface of the diamond. In the case of multiple inclusions, the virtual images appear complex. Therefore, accurately determining the location of inclusions within a single-crystal diamond is extremely difficult.

[0026] In order to reliably obtain a block of a predetermined shape from a single-crystal diamond (in principle) without internal inclusions, inspectors often make a safe bet. Consequently, even when a single-crystal diamond block of the predetermined shape can be obtained, inspectors may still judge it as defective.

[0027] According to the method of Patent Document 1, the location of inclusions in single-crystal diamonds can be determined. Patent Document 1 targets natural diamonds for jewelry. However, the aesthetic appearance and size of diamonds for jewelry are prioritized. In addition, natural diamonds for jewelry are ultimately processed into shapes with multiple cutting surfaces, such as brilliant cuts, but these cutting surfaces have nothing to do with the crystal orientation of the single-crystal diamond. Therefore, in the case of natural diamonds for jewelry, the evaluation of the rough stone (determination of the presence and location of inclusions) is conducted from the perspective of "whether it is possible to extract as much as possible without containing inclusions inside, regardless of the crystal orientation of the diamond." In addition, natural diamonds generally do not have facets.

[0028] On the other hand, when single crystal diamond (generally artificial diamond) is used for applications such as tools and optical components, it may be necessary to extract the shape and crystal orientation of the single crystal diamond in combination depending on the application.

[0029] Furthermore, depending on such industrial applications, there may be cases where a certain portion of the internal region of the extracted diamond cannot contain inclusions, but other portions may contain inclusions to a certain extent.

[0030] For example, in the case of tool applications, the relationship between the diamond crystal orientation and the tool's cutting edge shape is considered to affect the hardness and toughness of the cutting edge, and thus the tool life. Furthermore, it is also considered that inclusions in the area near the cutting edge (a portion prone to chipping) may affect tool life, while inclusions in the tool's base (a portion slightly away from the cutting edge) may not affect tool life, even if they are present to a certain extent.

[0031] Therefore, the method of Patent Document 1 is not only difficult to determine the required plane orientation in a single crystal diamond tool, but also cannot cut out a desired shape or a maximum shape corresponding to the required plane orientation for the tool in a short period of time. As a result, the yield of the diamond tool intermediate cannot be improved.

[0032] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate and a method for identifying single crystal diamond that can improve the yield.

[0033] [Effects of the Present Disclosure]

[0034] According to the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate and a method for identifying single crystal diamond that can improve the yield can be provided.

[0035] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

[0036] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0037] (1) The method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate according to the present disclosure comprises the following steps. A single crystal diamond having a first facet which is a plane perpendicular to a specific crystal orientation is prepared. The single crystal diamond is fixed to a support based on the first facet. An X-ray image of the single crystal diamond after the crystal orientation of the single crystal diamond and the X-ray irradiation direction are associated with each other is captured by associating the support to which the single crystal diamond is fixed with the irradiation direction of the X-rays. The position of the inclusions contained in the single crystal diamond in the single crystal diamond is determined based on the X-ray image. Based on the shape of the diamond tool intermediate after the crystal orientation and the outer shape of the diamond are associated with each other and the shape in which the inclusion exclusion area is set in part or all of the shape, the X-ray image, and the position of the inclusions contained in the single crystal diamond in the single crystal diamond determined in the fourth step, it is determined whether the shape of the diamond tool intermediate without the inclusions in the inclusion exclusion area can be extracted from the single crystal diamond. The shape of the diamond tool intermediate body having no inclusions in the inclusion exclusion region is extracted from the single crystal diamond based on the determination result of the fifth step.

[0038] According to the method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate 41 according to (1) above, the position of the inclusion 30 is determined based on the X-ray image 20. Therefore, the position of the inclusion 30 can be determined with high accuracy compared to the case of using an optical microscope or the method of Patent Document 1. The candidate shape 31 of the diamond tool intermediate 41 extracted from the single crystal diamond 10 is determined based on the X-ray image 20. Therefore, the candidate shape 31 of the diamond tool intermediate 41 can be determined with high accuracy compared to the case of using an optical microscope or the method of Patent Document 1. As a result, an intermediate can be obtained with high accuracy in which the crystal orientation and shape are associated and no inclusions are contained in the inclusion exclusion region. As a result, the yield of the diamond tool intermediate 41 can be improved.

[0039] (2) According to the method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate according to (1) above, in the third step, a plurality of X-ray images can be obtained by repeatedly rotating the single crystal diamond by a predetermined angle in a plane parallel to the first facet and taking X-ray images. In the fourth step, the position of the inclusions contained in the single crystal diamond in the single crystal diamond can be determined based on the plurality of X-ray images. Thus, the X-ray image 20 is taken with the first facet 11 as the reference plane. Therefore, a three-dimensional reconstructed image 24 of the single crystal diamond 10 can be obtained with the first facet 11 as the reference plane. If the three-dimensional reconstructed image 24 is produced with the non-facet portion as the reference plane, it is difficult to determine the facet orientation. By using the facet as the reference plane, it becomes easy to determine the face orientation in the plane other than the reference plane.

[0040] (3) According to the method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate body according to (1) or (2) above, a plurality of pre-set diamond tool intermediate body shapes in which the crystal orientation and the outer shape of the diamond are correlated can be prepared. In the fifth step, a determination can be made as to whether a diamond tool intermediate shape free of inclusions in the inclusion exclusion region can be extracted from the single crystal diamond for each of the plurality of prepared diamond tool intermediate body shapes.

[0041] (4) According to the method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate body according to (3) above, a priority order can be pre-set for the shapes of the plurality of prepared diamond tool intermediate bodies. If, in the fifth step, two or more of the shapes of the plurality of prepared diamond tool intermediate bodies are determined to be shapes capable of extracting a diamond tool intermediate body free of inclusions in the inclusion exclusion region from a single crystal diamond, in the sixth step, the shape having the highest priority order among the two or more shapes determined to be shapes capable of extracting a diamond tool intermediate body free of inclusions in the inclusion exclusion region from a single crystal diamond can be extracted.

[0042] (5) According to the method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate according to any one of (1) to (4) above, the single crystal diamond may have a second facet different from the first facet. The diamond tool intermediate may have a second facet. Thus, compared with a case where the diamond tool intermediate 41 is extracted from the single crystal diamond 10 in a manner where the diamond tool intermediate 41 does not have the second facet 12, the processing time can be shortened. In addition, the physical properties such as hardness of the single crystal diamond 10 vary depending on the face orientation. By setting the second facet 12 to a specific face orientation, a diamond tool intermediate 41 having desired characteristics can be obtained.

[0043] (6) The method for determining a single crystal diamond according to the present disclosure comprises the following steps. A single crystal diamond having a first facet that is a plane perpendicular to a specific crystal orientation is prepared. Based on the first facet, the single crystal diamond is fixed to a support in a manner that can maintain the relationship between the crystal orientation of the single crystal diamond and the posture of the support. By fixing the single crystal diamond to the support and associating the support with the irradiation direction of the X-ray, an X-ray image of the single crystal diamond in which the crystal orientation of the single crystal diamond and the irradiation direction of the X-ray are associated is captured. Based on the X-ray image, the position of the inclusions contained in the single crystal diamond in the single crystal diamond is determined. Whether the shape of the diamond tool intermediate containing no inclusions in the inclusion exclusion area can be extracted from the single crystal diamond is determined based on a predetermined shape of the diamond tool intermediate obtained by associating the diamond crystal orientation and the outer shape, or a predetermined shape of the diamond tool intermediate obtained by associating the diamond crystal orientation and the outer shape, and consisting of the inclusion exclusion area and the inclusion permission area, an X-ray image of the single crystal diamond obtained by associating the crystal orientation of the single crystal diamond and the irradiation direction of the X-ray, and the position of the inclusions associated with the X-ray image of the single crystal diamond.

[0044] (7) According to the single crystal diamond determination method described in (6), a plurality of pre-set diamond tool intermediate shapes in which the crystal orientation and the outer shape of the diamond are correlated can be prepared. In the fifth step, a determination can be made as to whether a diamond tool intermediate shape free of inclusions in the inclusion exclusion region can be extracted from the single crystal diamond for each of the plurality of prepared diamond tool intermediate shapes.

[0045] (8) According to the single crystal diamond determination method according to (7) above, a priority order can be set in advance for the shapes of a plurality of prepared diamond tool intermediates.

[0046] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure]

[0047] Next, refer to the attached Figure 1 The details of the embodiments of the present invention are described below. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are marked with the same figure marks, and the description is not repeated. In the crystallographic description of this specification, individual orientations are represented by [], collective orientations are represented by <>, individual planes are represented by (), and collective planes are represented by {}. A negative crystallographic index is usually expressed by adding "-" (bar) to the number, but in this specification, a negative crystallographic index is expressed by adding a negative figure mark before the number.

[0048] First, the structure of an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus used in the method for manufacturing the diamond tool intermediate body 41 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0049] Figure 1 1 is a schematic top view showing the structure of an X-ray CT apparatus 100 used in the method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate body 41 according to this embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the X-ray CT apparatus 100 mainly comprises an X-ray apparatus 1, a control PC (Personal Computer) 21, and an analysis PC 22. The X-ray apparatus 1 mainly comprises an X-ray generating tube 4, an X-ray detector 5, a sample tray 6, a pair of guide rails 8, a pair of movable parts 9, a connecting part 23, an arm 7, and a rotating holder 3. The X-ray generating tube 4 emits X-rays. The X-ray detector 5 is positioned opposite the X-ray source. The X-ray detector 5 is, for example, a camera. The rotating holder 3 is positioned between the X-ray generating tube 4 and the X-ray detector 5.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, in a plan view, a pair of guide rails 8 are arranged parallel to each other. In a plan view, the sample trays 6 are arranged, for example, in pairs between the guide rails 8. A pair of movable parts 9 are respectively mounted on each of the pair of guide rails 8. The connecting portion 23 connects one side of the pair of movable parts 9 and the other side of the pair of movable parts 9. The pair of movable parts 9 can each be moved along the extension direction (first direction A) of the guide rails 8. The extension direction (second direction B) of the connecting portion 23 is substantially parallel to the direction from the X-ray generating tube 4 to the X-ray detector 5. The arm 7 is mounted on the connecting portion 23. The arm 7 can be moved along the second direction B.

[0051] The sample trays 6 are configured to hold measurement samples. The number of sample trays 6 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, four. Each of the four sample trays 6 can hold, for example, 100 or more and 150 or less measurement samples. The arm 7 can grasp the measurement samples placed on the sample trays 6. While the arm 7 grasps the measurement samples, the pair of movable portions 9 move along the respective guide rails 8. The arm 7 can transport the measurement samples to the rotating holder 3.

[0052] The control PC 21 controls the operation of the X-ray device 1. For example, the control PC 21 controls the on / off switching of the X-ray generating tube 4. For example, the control PC 21 controls the operation of the arm 7. The analysis PC 22 analyzes the X-ray image 20 of the measurement sample acquired by the X-ray detector 5. Details of the analysis method will be described later.

[0053] Figure 21 is a side view schematic diagram showing the structure of the X-ray device 1. The diameter of the X-ray generating tube 4 is, for example, 100 mm. The distance D between the X-ray generating tube 4 and the X-ray detector 5 is variable. The distance D between the X-ray generating tube 4 and the X-ray detector 5 is, for example, not less than 200 mm and not more than 350 mm. Figure 2 As shown, the rotation holder 3 can rotate around a rotation axis C. In a side view, the rotation axis C may be perpendicular to the first direction A and the second direction B respectively.

[0054] Next, a method for manufacturing the diamond tool intermediate body 41 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0055] Figure 3 1 is a flow chart showing an outline of a method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate body 41 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the manufacturing method of the diamond tool intermediate 41 involved in this embodiment mainly includes: a first step (S10) of preparing a single crystal diamond; a second step (S20) of fixing the single crystal diamond to a support; a third step (S30) of taking an X-ray image of the single crystal diamond; a fourth step (S40) of determining the position of the inclusion based on the X-ray image; a fifth step (S50) of determining whether the shape of the diamond tool intermediate can be extracted; and a sixth step (S60) of extracting the shape of the diamond tool intermediate from the single crystal diamond. In addition, the tool to which the diamond tool intermediate 41 is applied is, for example, a die. The tool can be, for example, a cutting tool, a grinding tool, a polishing tool, a punching tool, etc.

[0056] First, a first step (S10) of preparing single-crystal diamond is performed. Single-crystal diamond 10 is not natural diamond, but rather artificially synthesized. Single-crystal diamond 10 is synthesized by pressurizing a capsule containing, for example, raw carbon and a metal solvent at high temperature using an ultra-high pressure and high temperature press. The synthesis pressure is, for example, 5 GPa or higher, and the synthesis temperature is, for example, 1300°C or higher.

[0057] The synthetic single-crystal diamond 10 has facets. From another perspective, the facets are exposed in the synthetic single-crystal diamond 10. The shape of the facets can be any polygonal shape without any particular limitation. The shape of the facets is, for example, a triangle, a quadrilateral, a hexagon, an octagon, or a polygon other than these. It can be a quadrilateral. The number of facets can be one or more without any particular limitation. The number of facets can be two or more, six or more, or twelve or more. A facet is a plane perpendicular to a specific crystal orientation. Facets are, for example, {100} planes, {110} planes, {111} planes, etc. In addition, natural diamonds generally do not have facets.

[0058] Next, a second step (S20) of fixing the single crystal diamond to the support is performed. Figure 2 As shown, single crystal diamond 10 has, for example, a first facet 11, a second facet 12, and a third facet 13. Third facet 13 is located on the opposite side of first facet 11. Second facet 12 may be inclined relative to third facet 13. In the second step of fixing single crystal diamond 10 to support 2, single crystal diamond 10 is fixed to support 2 at first facet 11. First facet 11 may be fixed to support surface 26 of support 2 using, for example, an adhesive. First facet 11 is substantially parallel to support surface 26 of support 2.

[0059] As described above, based on the first facet, the single crystal diamond 10 is fixed to the support 2. The single crystal diamond 10 is fixed to the support 2 so that the relationship between the crystal orientation of the single crystal diamond 10 and the posture of the support 2 can be maintained.

[0060] Next, a third step ( S30 ) of capturing an X-ray image of the single crystal diamond is performed. Figure 4 1 is a perspective view showing the process of taking an X-ray image 20 of a single crystal diamond 10. First, the arm 7 grasps the support 2 placed on the sample tray 6. The single crystal diamond 10 is placed on the support 2. Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of supports 2 are arranged on a sample tray 6. Single crystal diamonds 10 having different shapes and sizes are arranged on each of the plurality of supports 2. An arm 7 selects one support 2 from among the plurality of supports 2.

[0061] Next, the arm 7 places the support 2 carrying the single crystal diamond 10 in front of the X-ray generating tube 4 (step 1). Figure 2 As shown, the support body 2 is mounted on the rotating holder 3. The shape of the support body 2 is, for example, a cylinder. The support body 2 is made of, for example, acrylic resin. The diameter of the support body 2 is, for example, 8 mm. The axial length of the support body 2 is, for example, not less than 70 mm and not more than 80 mm. The single crystal diamond 10 placed on the support body 2 is arranged between the X-ray generating tube 4 and the X-ray detector 5. In the height direction of the support body 2, the single crystal diamond 10 is arranged to intersect the central axis E of the X-ray generating tube 4. X-rays are irradiated from the X-ray generating tube 4 toward the single crystal diamond 10. The X-rays that have passed through the single crystal diamond 10 are detected by the X-ray detector 5. Thus, an X-ray image 20 of the single crystal diamond 10 is captured.

[0062] An X-ray image 20 of a single-crystal diamond 10 is captured while the single-crystal diamond 10 is fixed to a support 2. The rotating holder 3 rotates about a rotation axis C. By rotating the support 2, the single-crystal diamond 10 fixed to the support 2 is rotated. The single-crystal diamond 10 rotates about a straight line perpendicular to the first facet 11. From another perspective, the single-crystal diamond 10 rotates within a plane parallel to the first facet 11. The support 2 to which the single-crystal diamond 10 is fixed is associated with the irradiation direction of the X-rays. For example, the support surface 26 of the support 2 is configured to be parallel to the irradiation direction of the X-rays. By associating the support 2 with the irradiation direction of the X-rays, the crystal orientation of the single-crystal diamond 10 is associated with the irradiation direction of the X-rays. As described above, the X-ray image 20 of the single-crystal diamond 10 is captured while the single-crystal diamond 10 is rotated within a plane parallel to the first facet 11. The single-crystal diamond 10 is rotated, for example, 360° around a line perpendicular to the first facet 11. For example, one X-ray image 20 is captured for every 1° of rotation. This allows for the acquisition of multiple X-ray images 20 captured from different directions. As a result, the three-dimensional shape of the single-crystal diamond 10 can be determined. As described above, multiple X-ray images 20 are acquired by repeatedly rotating the single-crystal diamond 10 by a predetermined angle within a plane parallel to the first facet 11 and capturing the X-ray images 20.

[0063] In the above description, the support 2 is rotated while the X-ray generating tube 4 and the X-ray detector 5 are stationary. However, the process of capturing the X-ray image 20 of the single-crystal diamond 10 is not limited to this method. For example, the X-ray generating tube 4 and the X-ray detector 5 can be rotated while the support 2 is stationary to capture the X-ray image 20 of the single-crystal diamond 10. The direction in which the X-ray image 20 is captured is not limited to the direction parallel to the first facet 11. For example, X-ray images 20 can be captured in the X direction parallel to the first facet 11, in the Y direction parallel to the first facet 11 and parallel to the X direction, and in the Z direction parallel to both the X and Y directions. The number of X-ray images 20 captured is not particularly limited, as long as it is two or more. By reducing the number of X-ray images 20 captured, the measurement time can be shortened.

[0064] After the X-ray image 20 has been captured, the single crystal diamond 10 is removed from the rotating holder 3 and moved to another location (step 2). Next, the support 2 carrying another single crystal diamond 10 is attached to the rotating holder 3 (step 3). Next, an X-ray image 20 of the single crystal diamond 10 is captured. In this manner, multiple X-ray images 20 of the single crystal diamond 10 are captured. The time required to capture one X-ray image 20 of the single crystal diamond 10 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, approximately 2 to 4 minutes. In other words, 15 to 30 X-ray images 20 of the single crystal diamond 10 can be captured in one hour.

[0065] As described above, by fixing the single crystal diamond 10 to the support 2 and associating the support 2 to which the single crystal diamond 10 is fixed with the irradiation direction of the X-rays, an X-ray image 20 of the single crystal diamond 10 is captured in which the crystal orientation of the single crystal diamond 10 and the irradiation direction of the X-rays are associated.

[0066] Next, a fourth step ( S40 ) is performed to identify the position of the inclusion based on the X-ray image. Figure 5 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an X-ray image 20 of a single crystal diamond 10. Figure 5 As shown, single crystal diamond 10 contains inclusions 30. Inclusions 30 are, for example, metal solvents that were absorbed into single crystal diamond 10 during its artificial synthesis. Specifically, inclusions 30 include Co (cobalt), Ni (nickel), Fe (iron), and the like. Inclusions 30 are a general term for foreign matter (unconverted carbon raw material, metal solvents, etc.) and defects (such as dislocations and cracks) within single crystal diamond 10. The second facet 12 can be hexagonal in shape. The first and third facets 11 and 13 can each be quadrilateral in shape.

[0067] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a three-dimensional reconstructed image 24 showing the surface shape of a single crystal diamond 10. Based on the acquired X-ray image 20 of the single crystal diamond 10, a three-dimensional reconstructed image 24 of the single crystal diamond 10 is produced. The three-dimensional reconstructed image 24 is produced using image analysis software installed on the analysis PC 22. Figure 6 As shown, the lateral width, height, volume, etc. of the single-crystal diamond 10 can be measured using the three-dimensional reconstructed image 24 representing the surface shape of the single-crystal diamond 10 .

[0068] In the present embodiment, a three-dimensional reconstructed image 24 representing the surface shape of the single-crystal diamond 10 is produced based on the acquired X-ray image 20 of the single-crystal diamond 10. However, for example, in the second step (S20) of fixing the single-crystal diamond to the support, other means (for example, an optical three-dimensional shape measuring device, etc.) can be used to obtain "the shape of the single-crystal diamond 10 and the positional relationship between the single-crystal diamond 10 and the support 2" at the time when the single-crystal diamond 10 is fixed to the support 2, and this can be used as the three-dimensional reconstructed image 24 representing the surface shape of the single-crystal diamond 10.

[0069] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a three-dimensional reconstructed image 24 of an inclusion 30 in a single crystal diamond 10. Figure 7 In the image 20, only the inclusions 30 of the single crystal diamond 10 are shown. By using the three-dimensional reconstructed image 24 showing the inclusions 30 of the single crystal diamond 10, the position of the inclusions 30 of the single crystal diamond 10 is determined. That is, the position of the inclusions 30 is determined based on the X-ray image 20. The position of the inclusions 30 contained in the single crystal diamond 10 can be determined based on multiple X-ray images 20. Specifically, the three-dimensional position coordinates of the inclusions 30 are determined. The reference plane for the three-dimensional position coordinates is, for example, the first facet 11. By using the three-dimensional reconstructed image 24 of the single crystal diamond 10, in addition to the position information of the inclusions 30, information such as the volume and number of the inclusions 30 is also obtained. As described above, the position of the inclusions 30 contained in the single crystal diamond 10 is determined based on the X-ray image 20.

[0070] Next, a fifth step ( S50 ) is performed to determine whether the shape of the diamond tool intermediate body can be extracted. Figure 8 3 is a schematic diagram showing an image of a candidate shape 31 of a diamond tool intermediate body 41 . Figure 8 The candidate shape 31 shown is the shape of the intermediate body for the die. Figure 8 As shown, the image of the candidate shape 31 is a three-dimensional image. The analysis PC 22 stores multiple images of the candidate shape 31. A desired candidate image is selected from the multiple candidate shapes 31. The shape of the candidate image is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a cylindrical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The candidate shape 31 is the shape of the diamond tool intermediate 41 that is pre-set by associating the diamond crystal orientation and the outer shape. Multiple pre-set shapes of the diamond tool intermediate 41 that are pre-set by associating the diamond crystal orientation and the outer shape can be prepared. A priority order can be pre-set for the shapes of the multiple prepared diamond tool intermediates. For example, the shape with the first priority order can be set to a cylindrical shape, and the shape with the second priority order can be set to a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0071] Figure 9The figure is a schematic diagram showing an example of a composite image. The composite image combines an image of the single crystal diamond 10, an image of the inclusion 30, and an image of the candidate shape 31 of the diamond tool intermediate 41. For example, the image of the candidate shape 31 of the diamond tool intermediate 41 is compared with the image of the single crystal diamond 10 and the image of the inclusion 30. For example, the two images are matched so that the surface of the image of the candidate shape 31 coincides with the surface of the image of the single crystal diamond 10. Based on the composite image, it is determined whether the candidate shape 31 contains the inclusion 30. If the candidate shape 31 contains the inclusion 30, the degree of inclusion 30 can be determined. Next, an image of another candidate shape 31 is selected. This image is compared with the image of the single crystal diamond 10 and the image of the inclusion 30. Based on the composite image, it is determined whether the candidate shape 31 contains the inclusion 30. The above process is repeated. In this way, the optimal candidate shape 31 for the single crystal diamond 10 to be measured is determined.

[0072] One of the criteria for determining the optimal candidate shape 31 is whether the candidate shape 31 contains inclusions 30. When there are candidate shapes 31 that contain inclusions 30 and candidate shapes 31 that do not contain inclusions 30, for example, the candidate shape 31 that does not contain inclusions 30 is selected. When all candidate shapes 31 contain inclusions 30, for example, the candidate shape 31 whose volume of inclusions 30 is smaller than the volume of the candidate shape 31 is selected. As described above, the candidate shape 31 of the diamond tool intermediate body 41 extracted from the single crystal diamond 10 is determined based on the X-ray image 20. That is, in the process of determining whether the candidate shape 31 of the diamond tool intermediate body 41 extracted from the single crystal diamond 10 can be extracted based on the X-ray image 20, it can be determined whether the candidate shape 31 can be extracted so that the candidate shape 31 does not contain inclusions 30.

[0073] The method for determining the candidate shape 31 is not limited to the above method. The candidate shape 31 may have an inclusion exclusion region 51 and an inclusion permission region 52. The inclusion exclusion region 51 is a region where inclusions 30 cannot enter. The inclusion permission region 52 is a region where inclusions 30 can enter. In the case where the candidate shape 31 is composed of the inclusion exclusion region 51 and the inclusion permission region 52, the candidate shape 31 may be determined in such a manner that the inclusion exclusion region 51 does not contain inclusions 30 and the inclusion permission region 52 of the candidate shape 31 contains inclusions 30 (see Figure 14Alternatively, as another determination method, the candidate shape 31 may be determined as if the inclusion exclusion region 51 of the candidate shape 31 does not contain the inclusion 30, regardless of whether the inclusion allowance region 52 of the candidate shape 31 contains the inclusion 30. For each of the shapes of a plurality of prepared diamond tool intermediates 41, it may be determined whether the shape of the diamond tool intermediate 41 that does not contain the inclusion 30 in the inclusion exclusion region 51 can be extracted from the single crystal diamond 10.

[0074] As described above, based on the previously set shape of the diamond tool intermediate 41, which correlates the crystal orientation and shape of the diamond, and in which the inclusion exclusion region 51 is defined in part or the entirety of the shape, the X-ray image 20, and the positions of the inclusions 30 contained in the single crystal diamond 10, a determination is made as to whether the shape of the diamond tool intermediate 41, which does not contain the inclusions 30 in the inclusion exclusion region 51, can be extracted from the single crystal diamond 10. If the inclusion exclusion region 51 is defined in part of the shape, the part of the shape becomes the inclusion exclusion region 51, and the remaining part of the shape becomes the inclusion acceptance region 52. If the inclusion exclusion region 51 is defined in the entire shape, the entire shape becomes the inclusion exclusion region 51. In other words, the shape does not contain the inclusion acceptance region 52.

[0075] From another perspective, whether the shape of the diamond tool intermediate body 41 without the inclusion 30 in the inclusion exclusion region 51 can be extracted from the single crystal diamond is determined based on a predetermined shape of the diamond tool intermediate body 41 after the crystal orientation and outer shape of the diamond are correlated, or a predetermined shape of the diamond tool intermediate body 41 after the crystal orientation and outer shape of the diamond are correlated, and the shape is composed of the inclusion exclusion region 51 and the inclusion allowance region 52, an X-ray image 20 of the single crystal diamond 10 after the crystal orientation of the single crystal diamond 10 is correlated with the irradiation direction of the X-rays, and the position of the inclusion 30 correlated with the X-ray image 20 of the single crystal diamond 10.

[0076] Next, a sixth step ( S60 ) is performed to extract the shape of the diamond tool intermediate body from the single crystal diamond. Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the process of extracting a diamond tool intermediate 41 from a single crystal diamond 10. According to the candidate shape 31 of the diamond tool intermediate 41 determined by the above process, the diamond tool intermediate 41 is cut from the single crystal diamond 10. For example, the single crystal diamond 10 is cut by laser. Figure 10As shown, the single crystal diamond 10 is divided into the shape of the diamond tool intermediate body 41 and the remaining portion 42. Thus, the shape of the diamond tool intermediate body 41 is extracted from the single crystal diamond 10.

[0077] In the sixth step (S60) of extracting the shape of the diamond tool intermediate body from the single crystal diamond, the diamond tool intermediate body 41 may be cut so as to include the facets possessed by the single crystal diamond 10. Figure 10 As shown, the diamond tool intermediate body 41 may have, for example, a second facet 12. From another perspective, the second facet 12 is exposed on the surface of the diamond tool intermediate body 41. As another embodiment, the diamond tool intermediate body 41 may have, for example, a first facet 11 or a third facet 13. From another perspective, the first facet 11 or the third facet 13 is exposed on the surface of the diamond tool intermediate body 41.

[0078] As described above, based on the determination result of the fifth step (S50) of determining whether the shape of the diamond tool intermediate body can be extracted, the shape of the diamond tool intermediate body 41 that does not contain the inclusions 30 in the inclusion exclusion region 51 is extracted from the single crystal diamond 10. Furthermore, if two or more shapes among the plurality of prepared diamond tool intermediate body 41 shapes are determined in the fifth step (S50) to be shapes that do not contain the inclusions 30 in the inclusion exclusion region 51 that can be extracted from the single crystal diamond 10, then in the sixth step (S60), the shape with the highest priority among the two or more shapes determined to be shapes that do not contain the inclusions 30 in the inclusion exclusion region 51 that can be extracted from the single crystal diamond 10 can be extracted.

[0079] Figure 11 FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing an outline of the method for determining single crystal diamond according to the present embodiment. Figure 11 As shown, the single crystal diamond identification method according to this embodiment mainly includes: a first step (S10) of preparing a single crystal diamond; a second step (S20) of fixing the single crystal diamond to a support; a third step (S30) of capturing an X-ray image of the single crystal diamond; a fourth step (S40) of determining the position of inclusions based on the X-ray image; and a fifth step (S50) of determining whether the shape of the diamond tool intermediate can be extracted. The contents of the first step (S10) to the fifth step (S50) are as described above.

[0080] Next, the effects of the manufacturing method of the diamond tool intermediate body 41 and the method for determining single crystal diamond according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0081] According to the method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate body 41 and the method for determining single crystal diamond according to this embodiment, the position of the inclusion 30 is determined based on the X-ray image 20. Therefore, the position of the inclusion 30 can be determined with higher accuracy compared to the case of using an optical microscope or the method of Patent Document 1. A candidate shape 31 of the diamond tool intermediate body 41 extracted from the single crystal diamond 10 is determined based on the X-ray image 20. Therefore, the candidate shape 31 of the diamond tool intermediate body 41 can be determined with higher accuracy compared to the case of using an optical microscope or the method of Patent Document 1. Thus, an intermediate body can be obtained with higher accuracy in which the crystal orientation and shape are correlated and the inclusion exclusion region contains no inclusions. As a result, the yield of the diamond tool intermediate body 41 can be improved.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate and the method for determining single-crystal diamond according to this embodiment, in the third step, multiple X-ray images can be obtained by repeatedly rotating the single-crystal diamond by a predetermined angle within a plane parallel to the first facet and capturing X-ray images. In the fourth step, the positions of inclusions contained in the single-crystal diamond can be determined based on the multiple X-ray images. Thus, X-ray image 20 is captured using first facet 11 as a reference plane. Therefore, a three-dimensional reconstructed image 24 of single-crystal diamond 10 can be obtained using first facet 11 as a reference plane. If the three-dimensional reconstructed image 24 is produced using a non-facet portion as a reference plane, it is difficult to determine the facet's plane orientation. Using the facet as a reference plane makes it easier to determine the plane orientation of surfaces other than the reference plane.

[0083] Furthermore, according to the method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate body 41 according to this embodiment, the single crystal diamond 10 can have a second facet 12 that is different from the first facet 11. The diamond tool intermediate body 41 can have the second facet 12. This shortens processing time compared to extracting the diamond tool intermediate body 41 from the single crystal diamond 10 without the second facet 12. Furthermore, the physical properties of the single crystal diamond 10, such as hardness, vary depending on its plane orientation. By setting the second facet 12 to a specific plane orientation, a diamond tool intermediate body 41 having desired properties can be obtained.

[0084] The above description includes the following features.

[0085] (Note 1)

[0086] A diamond tool intermediate is manufactured by the following steps:

[0087] a first step of preparing a single crystal diamond having a first facet which is a plane perpendicular to a specific crystal orientation;

[0088] a second step of fixing the single crystal diamond to a support based on the first facet;

[0089] a third step of correlating the support to which the single crystal diamond is fixed with an X-ray irradiation direction, thereby capturing an X-ray image of the single crystal diamond in which the crystal orientation of the single crystal diamond and the X-ray irradiation direction are correlated;

[0090] a fourth step of determining a position of an inclusion contained in the single crystal diamond based on the X-ray image;

[0091] a fifth step of determining whether the shape of the diamond tool intermediate free of the inclusions in the inclusion exclusion region can be extracted from the single crystal diamond based on a predetermined shape of the diamond tool intermediate in which the crystal orientation and the outer shape of the diamond are correlated and in which an inclusion exclusion region is defined in part or all of the shape, the X-ray image, and the positions of the inclusions in the single crystal diamond determined in the fourth step; and

[0092] A sixth step is to extract the shape of the diamond tool intermediate body that does not contain the inclusions in the inclusion exclusion region from the single crystal diamond based on the determination result of the fifth step.

[0093] Example 1

[0094] (Sample Preparation)

[0095] Prepare raw single crystal diamonds 10 of samples 1 to 30. The single crystal diamonds 10 of samples 1 to 30 are artificially synthesized and have a mass of 0.29 carats or more and less than 50 carats. The raw diamonds are tetradecahedrons consisting of facets (100) and (111). Select one of the facets (100) of the raw diamond and secure it to a support 2.

[0096] (Judgment method)

[0097] First, a conventional visual inspection using an optical microscope and a ruler was performed to determine whether a candidate shape 31 of a substantially cylindrical raw material (diamond tool intermediate 41) with a main surface orientation of (111) could be extracted from the single crystal diamond 10. As a criterion for determination, an area within the candidate shape 31 determined to have no inclusions 30 within a region of 1.2 mm in diameter and 1.0 mm in thickness was defined as a candidate shape A. Similarly, an area within the region of 1.0 mm in diameter and 1.2 mm in thickness was defined as a candidate shape B.

[0098] Next, use Figure 1 The X-ray CT apparatus 100 shown and the method described above determine whether or not the candidate shape 31 can be extracted from the single crystal diamond 10 of samples 1 to 30. Figure 12 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a composite image of the single crystal diamond 10 of samples 1 to 30. In this composite image, an image of the single crystal diamond 10, an image of the inclusion 30, and an image of the candidate shape 31 of the diamond tool intermediate 41 are composited. Figure 12 As shown, the image of the candidate shape 31 is overlapped with the image of the single crystal diamond 10 so that the rounded side surface, which is the main surface of the cylinder, coincides with the (111) facet (second facet 12) of the single crystal diamond 10. Next, it is determined whether the candidate shape 31 contains the inclusion 30. If the candidate shape 31 contains the inclusion 30, the sample is determined to be unqualified. If the candidate shape 31 does not contain the inclusion 30, the sample is determined to be qualified.

[0099] Next, after the determination by the X-ray CT apparatus, the diamond tool intermediate body 41 is extracted by using a known laser processing method and a grinding method. Figure 13 Schematic diagram showing the shape of the diamond tool intermediate 41 extracted from the single crystal diamond 10 of samples 1 to 30. The diamond tool intermediate 41 is a tool intermediate that can be used, for example, for die products. In the diamond tool intermediate 41, the upper and lower surfaces parallel to the main plane orientation (111) are ground, and the presence or absence of inclusions is determined by an optical microscope and a ruler without being affected by the virtual image. First, a roughly cylindrical raw material that will become the diamond tool intermediate 41 is cut into a shape with a diameter of 1.2 mm and a thickness of 1.2 mm. After grinding, determine whether there are inclusions in the candidate B shape. Further, after grinding to the thickness of the candidate A shape, determine whether there are inclusions in the candidate A shape.

[0100] (Judgment result)

[0101] [Table 1]

[0102]

[0103] Table 1 shows the results of Comparative Example 1 (visual inspection) for single crystal diamonds 10 of Samples 1 to 30, the results of Examples, and the results of extraction of diamond tool intermediates 41. In Table 1, "OK" indicates a passing result, and "NG" indicates a failing result. As shown in Example 1 in Table 1, the pass / fail results of the X-ray CT scan are completely consistent with the pass / fail results of the extraction of diamond tool intermediates 41.

[0104] On the other hand, as shown in Comparative Example 1 in Table 1, in visual inspection using an optical microscope, a conventional technique, for candidate A shapes, 2 out of 24 that passed were rejected after extraction, while conversely, 4 out of 6 that failed were rejected after extraction. Similarly, for candidate B shapes, 2 out of 17 that passed were rejected after visual inspection, while 6 out of 13 that failed were rejected.

[0105] From these results, it can be seen that according to the method disclosed in the present invention, a plurality of candidate shapes of diamond tool intermediates can be determined with higher accuracy than in the conventional art.

[0106] Example 2

[0107] (Sample Preparation)

[0108] Prepare raw single crystal diamonds 10 of samples 31 to 60. The single crystal diamonds 10 of samples 31 to 60 are artificially synthesized and have a mass of 0.40 carats or more and less than 0.60 carats. The raw diamonds are tetradecahedrons consisting of facets (100) and (111). Select one of the facets (100) of the raw diamond and secure it to the support 2.

[0109] (Judgment method)

[0110] First, a conventional visual inspection using an optical microscope and a ruler was performed to determine whether a candidate shape 31, a roughly cylindrical raw material with a main plane orientation of (111), could be extracted from the single crystal diamond 10. The dimensions of the candidate shape 31 were 1.6 mm in diameter and 1.6 mm in thickness. The criteria for determining inclusions 30 were to define a region within a cylindrical region of 1.3 mm in diameter and 1.6 mm in thickness within the candidate shape 31 as a candidate C shape. Similarly, a region within a cylindrical region of 1.5 mm in diameter and 1.6 mm in thickness within the candidate shape 31 as a candidate D shape.

[0111] Next, use Figure 1 The X-ray CT apparatus 100 shown and the method described above determine whether or not the candidate shape 31 can be extracted from the single crystal diamond 10 of the samples 31 to 60 . Figure 14Schematic diagram showing an example of a composite image of the single crystal diamond 10 of samples 31 to 60. In this composite image, an image of the single crystal diamond 10, an image of the inclusion 30, and an image of the candidate shape 31 of the diamond tool intermediate 41 are composited. Figure 14 As shown in FIG. 1 , the image of the candidate shape 31 is overlapped with the image of the single crystal diamond 10 so that the rounded side surface, which is the main surface of the cylinder, coincides with the (111) facet (second facet 12) of the single crystal diamond 10. Next, it is determined whether a portion of the candidate shape 31 contains an inclusion 30. If the region of the candidate shape 31 defined as the candidate C shape or the candidate D shape contains the inclusion 30, the sample is determined to be NG. If the region of the candidate shape 31 defined as the candidate C shape or the candidate D shape does not contain the inclusion 30, the sample is determined to be OK.

[0112] Next, after the determination by the X-ray CT apparatus, the diamond tool intermediate body 41 is extracted by using a known laser processing method and a grinding method. Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the shape of a diamond tool intermediate 41 extracted from single crystal diamond 10 of samples 31 to 60. Diamond tool intermediate 41 is a tool intermediate that can be used, for example, for die products. The upper and lower surfaces of diamond tool intermediate 41, parallel to the primary plane orientation (111), were polished. Without being affected by virtual images, the presence of inclusions in the candidate C-shape and candidate D-shape regions was determined using an optical microscope and a ruler.

[0113] (Judgment result)

[0114] [Table 2]

[0115]

[0116] Table 2 shows the visual inspection results of single crystal diamonds 10 for samples 31 to 60, the results of the examples, and the results of the extraction of diamond tool intermediates 41. In Table 2, "OK" indicates a passing result, and "NG" indicates a failing result. As shown in Example 2 of Table 2, the pass / fail inspection results obtained using an X-ray CT scanner are completely consistent with the pass / fail inspection results obtained after the extraction of the diamond tool intermediates 41.

[0117] On the other hand, as shown in Comparative Example 2 in Table 2, in visual inspection using an optical microscope, a conventional technique, 3 out of 25 candidate C shapes that passed were rejected after extraction, while conversely, 1 out of 5 rejected shapes were rejected after extraction. Similarly, for candidate D shapes, 5 out of 19 that passed were rejected after visual inspection, while 4 out of 11 rejected shapes were accepted.

[0118] From these results, it can be seen that according to the method disclosed herein, the positions of impurities in a plurality of candidate shapes of diamond tool intermediate bodies can be determined with higher accuracy than in the conventional art.

[0119] The embodiments and examples disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the embodiments described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0120] Description of Reference Numerals

[0121] 1: X-ray device; 2: support body; 3: rotating holder; 4: X-ray generating tube; 5: X-ray detector; 6: sample tray; 7: arm; 8: guide rail; 9: movable part; 10: single crystal diamond; 11: first facet; 12: second facet; 13: third facet; 20: X-ray image; 21: PC for control; 22: PC for analysis; 23: connecting part; 24: three-dimensional reconstructed image; 26: support surface; 30: inclusion; 31: candidate shape; 41: diamond tool intermediate; 42: remaining part; 51: inclusion exclusion area; 52: inclusion permission area; 100: X-ray CT device; A: first direction; B: second direction; C: rotation axis; D: distance; E: center axis.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate, wherein: The method for manufacturing the diamond tool intermediate comprises: a first step of preparing a single crystal diamond having a first facet which is a plane perpendicular to a specific crystal orientation; a second step of fixing the single crystal diamond to a support based on the first facet; a third step of correlating the support to which the single crystal diamond is fixed with an X-ray irradiation direction, thereby capturing an X-ray image of the single crystal diamond in which the crystal orientation of the single crystal diamond and the X-ray irradiation direction are correlated; a fourth step of determining a position of an inclusion contained in the single crystal diamond based on the X-ray image; a fifth step of determining whether the shape of the diamond tool intermediate free of the inclusions in the inclusion exclusion region can be extracted from the single crystal diamond based on a predetermined shape of the diamond tool intermediate in which the crystal orientation and the outer shape of the diamond are correlated, the shape having the inclusion exclusion region defined in part or all of the shape, the X-ray image, and the position of the inclusions in the single crystal diamond determined in the fourth step; as well as A sixth step is to extract the shape of the diamond tool intermediate body that does not contain the inclusions in the inclusion exclusion region from the single crystal diamond based on the determination result of the fifth step.

2. The method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate according to claim 1, wherein: In the third step, a plurality of X-ray images are acquired by rotating the single crystal diamond by a predetermined angle within a plane parallel to the first facet and capturing the X-ray image a plurality of times. In the fourth step, positions of the inclusions contained in the single crystal diamond are determined based on the plurality of X-ray images.

3. The method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: preparing a plurality of the aforementioned pre-set diamond tool intermediate shapes in which the crystal orientation and the outer shape of the diamond are correlated, In the fifth step, it is determined whether the shape of the diamond tool intermediate body free of the inclusions in the inclusion exclusion region can be extracted from the single crystal diamond for each of the shapes of the plurality of prepared diamond tool intermediate bodies.

4. The method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate according to claim 3, wherein: Presetting a priority order for the shapes of the plurality of prepared diamond tool intermediates, In the fifth step, when two or more shapes among the multiple prepared shapes of the diamond tool intermediate are judged to be shapes of the diamond tool intermediate that does not contain the inclusions in the inclusion exclusion area that can be extracted from the single crystal diamond, in the sixth step, the shape with the highest priority among the two or more shapes judged to be shapes of the diamond tool intermediate that does not contain the inclusions in the inclusion exclusion area that can be extracted from the single crystal diamond is extracted.

5. The method for manufacturing a diamond tool intermediate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The single crystal diamond has a second facet different from the first facet, The diamond tool intermediate has the second facet.

6. A method for determining single crystal diamond, wherein: The single crystal diamond determination method comprises: a first step of preparing a single crystal diamond having a first facet which is a plane perpendicular to a specific crystal orientation; a second step of fixing the single crystal diamond to the support based on the first facet so as to maintain a relationship between the crystal orientation of the single crystal diamond and the posture of the support; a third step of fixing the single crystal diamond to the support and associating the support with an X-ray irradiation direction, thereby capturing an X-ray image of the single crystal diamond in which the crystal orientation of the single crystal diamond and the X-ray irradiation direction are associated; a fourth step of determining a position of an inclusion contained in the single crystal diamond based on the X-ray image; A fifth step, in which a determination is made as to whether the shape of the diamond tool intermediate that does not contain the inclusions in the inclusion exclusion area can be extracted from the single crystal diamond based on a predetermined shape of the diamond tool intermediate obtained by associating the crystal orientation and outer shape of the diamond, the shape consisting entirely of the inclusion exclusion area, or a predetermined shape of the diamond tool intermediate obtained by associating the crystal orientation and outer shape of the diamond, the shape consisting of the inclusion exclusion area and the inclusion permission area, an X-ray image of the single crystal diamond obtained by associating the crystal orientation of the single crystal diamond with the irradiation direction of the X-ray, and the position of the inclusions associated with the X-ray image of the single crystal diamond.

7. The method for determining single crystal diamond according to claim 6, wherein: preparing a plurality of the aforementioned pre-set diamond tool intermediate shapes in which the crystal orientation and the outer shape of the diamond are correlated, In the fifth step, it is determined whether the shape of the diamond tool intermediate body free of the inclusions in the inclusion exclusion region can be extracted from the single crystal diamond for each of the shapes of the plurality of prepared diamond tool intermediate bodies.

8. The method for determining single crystal diamond according to claim 7, wherein: A priority order is preset for the shapes of the plurality of prepared diamond tool intermediates.

Images