Generation and growth of sp3-bonded domains by visible photon irradiation of graphite

We theoretically study possible domain type collective structural changes with interlayer sigma bonds and periodic buckling patterns, induced by visible photon irradiation onto graphite. The adiabatic potential-energy surface relevant to the generation and growth of this domain in the multidimensional local distortion coordinates of carbons is clarified by means of the semiempirical Brenner theory. The electronic states at various local minima in this adiabatic potential surface are also calculated, in a good agreement with the observed scanning tunneling microscopy image. We will show that the first diaphite domain can be generated by a few visible photons, and grow up to become various nanosized domains by successive photoexcitations.