Which term describes the seed used to initiate HPHT growth?

Which term describes the seed used to initiate HPHT growth?

• A. Seed crystal
• B. Catalyst particle
• C. Gas molecule
• D. Solvent droplet

Answer: (A)

Seed crystal is the term used because HPHT diamond growth starts with a small diamond seed that provides the lattice template for carbon to deposit and grow a larger crystal around it. The seed sets the crystal orientation and allows carbon atoms to precipitate in an orderly, epitaxial manner from the carbon source via the metal solvent/catalyst. A catalyst particle is part of the growth medium but doesn’t initiate the crystal itself; gas molecules and solvent droplets are components of the process, not the seed that starts growth.

Seed crystal is the term used because HPHT diamond growth starts with a small diamond seed that provides the lattice template for carbon to deposit and grow a larger crystal around it. The seed sets the crystal orientation and allows carbon atoms to precipitate in an orderly, epitaxial manner from the carbon source via the metal solvent/catalyst. A catalyst particle is part of the growth medium but doesn’t initiate the crystal itself; gas molecules and solvent droplets are components of the process, not the seed that starts growth.