News: Microelectronics
21 May 2024
Diamond Quanta emerges from stealth mode with lab-grown diamond technology
After being founded in January by Adam Khan, Diamond Quanta of Palo Alto, CA, USA has announced its official launch out of stealth mode, aiming to capitalize on the properties of diamond to deliver advanced solutions in power electronics and quantum photonic devices.
Khan’s work in diamond technology spans advances across a spectrum of applications. He was previously founder, chairman & CEO of AKHAN Semiconductor, innovating lab-grown diamond for a range of applications. In advanced diamond materials synthesis, he has contributed to breakthroughs in doped polycrystalline diamond research, and spearheaded design and fabrication techniques for a range of optics, photonic and semiconductor component applications. Joining Khan at Diamond Quanta is Tae Sung Kim Ph.D., who will lead photonics and fab engineering efforts.
Diamond Quanta claims to have achieved a breakthrough in lab-grown diamond fabrication with its ‘Unified Diamond Framework’, which facilitates true substituent doping. This innovative technique is said to seamlessly integrate new elements into the diamond's structure, imparting novel properties without disrupting its crystalline integrity. As a result, diamond — traditionally known for its insulating properties — is transformed into a high-performance semiconductor capable of supporting both negative (n-type) and positive (p-type) charge carriers.
This level of mobility is indicative of a very clean, well-ordered diamond lattice, and effective passivation of scattering centers due to the successful implementation of co-doping strategies that mitigate defect impacts on carrier transport.
Moreover, the doping process refines the existing diamond structure by amending dislocations, enhancing the material’s conductivity. These advances are said to not only preserve but enhance the diamond structure, avoiding common pitfalls like significant lattice distortion or the introduction of trap states that typically decrease mobility. Consequently, this makes the diamond not just an excellent semiconductor material but a more stable and efficient one, it is claimed, capable of outperforming other materials traditionally used in high-power and high-temperature environments.
The exceptional thermal conductivity and high electrical breakdown strength of these advanced diamond semiconductors make them suitable for deployment in environments where high power density and extreme temperatures are prevalent. From the demanding operational conditions of aerospace engineering and automotive industries to the rigorous power requirements of AI data centers and high-performance consumer electronics, the firm’s diamond technology offers what is claimed to be unparalleled resilience and efficiency. As industries such as aerospace and automotive increasingly rely on advanced materials to enhance the performance and safety of their applications, Diamond Quanta says that its diamond semiconductors can be applied to these sectors. Simultaneously, in AI data centers, where managing thermal loads while maintaining high computational throughput is crucial, the technology provides a robust solution that aligns with the industry’s vision for durable and energy-efficient ‘chips for AI’. Diamond Quanta reckons that these capabilities ensure that its diamond-based systems are not only positioned to meet the existing demands of high-power applications but are also scalable for the future needs of technology across various critical sectors.
“Industries like electronics, automotive, aerospace, energy and more have been looking for a semiconductor technology that can handle the growing strains that come with the evolving needs of their technological expansion,” says founder & CEO Adam Khan. “Our technology does not simply offer an alternative material to industries looking for semiconductor efficiency improvements; we are introducing a brand-new material that is set to redefine the standards of performance, durability and efficiency,” he claims.
Diamond Quanta’s background is characterized by transforming theoretical models into tangible technologies. The firm has filed patent applications for and made technical journal submissions related to its advanced diamond power and photonic semiconductor technology, which introduces a new diamond material that improves upon the efficiency and durability capabilities of lab-grown diamonds in semiconductor applications. Diamond Quanta has also submitted to numerous technical journals, with publication expected this summer.
