Micromachining of diamond with a near-field scanning optical microscope

Direct-write laser micromachining of diamond on a submicrometer scale with a near-field scanning optical microscope with an uncoated tapered fiber tip has been demonstrated. Micromachined structures can be imaged in situ immediately after modification of the sample. An early stage of the ablation process, which is believed to be conversion of diamond into graphite, has been visualized.