Nickel defect centers in diamond

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Abstract
Of all the first series transition metals, nickel in diamond gives strong optical features characteristic of the charge state of the defect. A multiplet structure for each of these charged states is deduced from results of cluster model calculations and shown to be consistent with experiment. The various defects found to date fall into a pattern centered on the neutrally charged form of the defect. This neutral form has completely filled energy levels and is therefore weakly bonded to the lattice. This could explain why only charged forms of the defect are apparently observed. It is also suggested that while interstitial nickel will have a transition-metal character, a substitutional nickel center will display characteristics not unlike a positively charged vacancy.