GovWire

The University of Glasgow is investigating a new process that will allow diamond to be used for the production of high performance and highly resilient electronic devices for use by the defence and space sectors.

With Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE) funding, the University has demonstrated a process that improves the efficiency and stability of diamond when used as a semiconductor. Its applied this technique to produce preliminary diamond electronic devices such as transistors that demonstrate superior performance and stability.

Optimisation of these processes will be undertaken next to maximise device high power/high frequency performance as well as their ability to operate in extreme environmental conditions.

Diamond is a highly attractive material for a range of device, sensor and quantum computational applications. Progress in these fields of research has until now been restricted by the lack of a suitable process to convert diamond from an insulator into a semiconductor as is required for electronic device production.

This work being carried out by the University of Glasgow has demonstrated a new, viable approach to overcome this longstanding challenge which will have direct impact in a range of next generation electronic systems produced in diamond. Future terrestrial and space-based radar and communication systems in particular will stand to benefit from this technology.

Dr David Moran, Lead of the Nano-Electronic Diamond Devices and Systems Group, University of Glasgow says:

Through the support provided by CDE weve managed to take our ideas from preliminary proof of concept through to prototype devices that have finally begun to demonstrate the potential of diamond as a high performance electronic material.

The University of Glasgow was founded in 1451. It comprises more than 6,000 staff and has students in excess of 25,000.

About CDE

CDE funds novel, high-risk, high-potential-benefit research. We work with the broadest possible range of science and technology providers, including academia and small companies, to develop cost-effective capabilities for UK armed forces and national security.

CDE is part of Dstl.

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