The technology age
of terahertz (THz)
frequency is coming, with tremendous features and astonishing applications
in various fields of science. Using THz time domain spectroscopy,
we demonstrate experimentally, for the first time, the fingerprint
absorption peaks and the complex dielectric response trends in a 0.1–3
THz frequency waveband, on intentionally synthesized and processed
chemical vapor deposition polycrystalline and single-crystal diamond
films with systematic quality difference. The two absorption signatures
within the 0.1–3 THz frequency band, in which the atomic vibration
is material-independent, are attributed to the sp2 phonon
vibration modes of as-grown graphitic phases and/or defects. Regarding
the complex dielectric responses of diamond in the THz waveband, the
scattering effect resulting from the extended grain boundaries associated
with concomitant pores (even gaps) (and/or extended crystal cleavage
faults associated with amorphous carbon), as well as intrinsic lattice
absorption resulting from increased sp2 impurities, have
been taken into account. Especially the defect size comparable with
the wavelength is also found to have a significant effect on the loss
at a higher-frequency electromagnetic wave. These findings are expected
to promote not only ultra-sensitive quality diagnosis for diamond
but also verification of an ideal transmission material for THz waveband
applications.