Engineered Diamond Technologies

Lead Research Organisation: University of Warwick
Department Name: Physics

Abstract

Increasingly conventional materials are not able to meet the performance levels required by new technologies. We need new materials with combinations of extraordinary properties that enable scientists and technologists to achieve the otherwise impossible. Diamond is one such super-material, which can be synthesized with ever-increasing control over the exploitable properties. The synthesis of diamond is currently an area where the UK leads the world. Examples of applications include exploitation of (i) ultra/isotopically pure diamond for quantum, photonic and electronic technologies including diamonds functionalised with ensembles of nitrogen-vacancy defects for magnetic imaging of living cells, magnetic navigation and solid-state masers; (ii) heavily boron-doped diamond for electrochemical sensing (in both hostile and biological environments) and water treatment; (iii) large diamond optical elements for next-generation lasers where diamond is an active intra-cavity element rather than just a window; (iv) polycrystalline diamond for acoustic and for thermal management applications ranging from power electronics to 5G communications.

Seizing the scientific and commercial opportunities of Diamond Science and Technology (DST) and staying ahead of stiff global competition, requires coordinated research at TRL 1-3, capture and protection of UK generated IP and researchers who can tackle multi-disciplinary challenges head-on. The proposed Prosperity Partnership would ensure that the UK's scientific and technological lead in DST is not eroded. The programme of research and collaboration is split into three work-packages (WPs). WP1 focusses on the synthesis, characterisation, and exploitation of perfect diamond in which the maximum exploitable properties are unleashed because deleterious impurities and defects which cause problematic strain are removed. Larger-area single crystal CVD diamond will be grown since diamond's immense potential is limited in many application areas by the small sizes currently available. Functionalised diamond will also be produced where the useful defects have been controllably introduced. WP2 concentrates on the development of processing, functionalisation, and integration technologies for diamond. Growing the diamond is not enough: we have to develop the tool kit that enables processing of diamond into the desired geometrical structure, integration with other materials and suitable packaging that in no way limits performance advantages. WP3 addresses the challenge of quality assurance such that end users know that the packaged material properties meet their requirements, and that the material can be reproducibly produced at a reasonable cost. Also, in WP3 we will produce proof of concept devices that show the potential and seed new product development. The project outcomes will include new materials with improved and tailored properties, new science enabled by enhanced intrinsic properties and the ability to manufacture innovative diamond devices. The significant impacts of the work will be in the new materials and processes demonstrated, increased confidence in others to exploit diamond because we have established a complete diamond supply chain (from production of the material to integration in devices, whilst still retaining the required properties) and the commercialisation of the breakthroughs by partner companies.

The new scientific understanding generated by the research will allow us to create innovative and disruptive technologies: we are focused on maximizing the impact of this research and technology development to the greatest benefit of our society. The deliverables of our research programme address many of the major challenges facing us today and we will, in collaboration with the Centre for Doctoral Training in DST, promote the impact of DST research (and STEM in general) via a number of outreach activities. We will actively embrace, at all levels, equality, diversity and inclusion.

Publications

10 25 50

 
Description Outputs: Development of a prototype packaged BDD disk electrode for use in the academic community. This is a beta-test product which has been sold to university academics in the US, Ireland and UK.
RF demonstrator showcased to quantum sensing and radio/microwave experts at DSTL Porton Down in 09/23. This interaction was used to both gain stakeholder input (i.e., talking to domain experts who can guide us in technology development) and to generate funding in the form of an EPSRC DSTL-sponsored iCASE project, awarded 12/23. A video of the demonstrator was displayed at the "Operating in the Future Electromagnetic Environment" symposium in 11/23. Participation at this event facilitated interactions with new prospective commercial partners (e.g., Nokia Bell Labs).

Outcomes: Packaged BDD laboratory scale electrochemical microreactors developed and under test, these target corrosion assessment of BDD electrodes in advanced electrochemical oxidation applications, dissolved ozone generation and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) electrochemical incineration.

Single crystal diamond membranes provide a platform for many quantum and photonic technologies. Diamond plates produced by mechanical polishing are too thick (>10-50 µm) and applications are limited by sub-surface polishing damage and non-parallel surfaces. Etching can be used to remove damaged near-surface material and further reduce thickness, but implantation, graphitization, overgrowth, and lift-off-etching provides a scalable and direct route to membrane fabrication. Large area (>10mm2) membranes, thinner than 5 µm are routinely produced using our recently patented and commercially viable process. The membrane surfaces are being optimised using a combination of etching and chemical mechanical polishing, and the diamond growth tailored (e.g. high purity, doped with functional defects, with ?-doped layers etc.) to produce a new product family.

Impacts: Low strain high purity diamond plates form the fundamental platform upon which all quantum communication, computing, and low-spin-density diamond sensing technologies are based. Our advances in synthesis and substrate processing have produced plates with a birefringence (indication of strain) ?n<10-6 over a clear aperture ~1 mm2: the understandings gained during this investigation means that the required larger low-strain samples should be manufacturable, leading to new quantum and optical opportunities.

CMP-prepared samples provide better spin lifetimes. Following our previous report of 13C -limited spin lifetimes for NV's implanted into a chemically mechanically polished (CMP) surface, we have subsequently prepared identical samples using surfaces prepared by the existing technology, inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching (ICP-RIE). Preliminary results show that the spin lifetimes for NV's produced in the CMP-prepared samples are significantly better than those where the surfaces have been etched using ICP-RIE. This study indicates that CMP is a scalable processing route to produce state-of-the-art low damage surfaces.
Exploitation Route New products and devices. e.g. Laboratory scale BDD cells for PFAS removal have been developed and have undergone initial testing with colleagues from the University of Surrey who have an international reputation in the PFAS removal area. Methods for PFAS removal are crucially important, electrochemical technology using BDD is one possibility. Working with academic colleagues and end users is vitally important to accelerating assessment, gaining credibility and implementing uptake. Improve capability of diamond detector devices. Development of quantum sensors for magnetic and electric fields.
Sectors Aerospace

Defence and Marine

Electronics

Environment

Manufacturing

including Industrial Biotechology

Other

 
Description Transfer of Diamond Membrane Lift-Off Technology from UW to E6: Single crystal diamond membranes that have a thickness in the sub-micron range are of extreme importance in many applications e.g., as a materials platform for photonics, quantum sensing, N/MEMS etc. A time efficient electrochemical method of lifting off thin diamond films was developed by UW. Significantly higher throughput diamond membrane production is possible with this method.
First Year Of Impact 2022
Sector Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Other
Impact Types Economic

 
Description Development of boron doped diamond based transcutaneous blood gas sensors for improved patient ventilation status monitoring and control, Julie Macpherson, Tania Reed, Medical Research Council Translational Funding
Amount £379,901 (GBP)
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2022 
End 09/2024
 
Description EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account University of Warwick
Amount £36,569 (GBP)
Organisation University of Warwick 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2022 
End 06/2022
 
Description Element Six - Warwick Prosperity Partnership 
Organisation De Beers Group
Department Element Six
Country Luxembourg 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution The programme of research and collaboration is split into three workpackages (WPs). WP1 focusses on the synthesis, characterisation, and exploitation of perfect diamond in which the maximum exploitable properties are unleashed because deleterious impurities and defects which cause problematic strain are removed. Larger-area single crystal CVD diamond will be grown since diamond's immense potential is limited in many application areas by the small sizes currently available. Functionalised diamond will also be produced where the useful defects have been controllably introduced. WP2 concentrates on the development of processing, functionalisation, and integration technologies for diamond. Growing the diamond is not enough: we have to develop the tool kit that enables processing of diamond into the desired geometrical structure, integration with other materials and suitable packaging that in no way limits performance advantages. WP3 addresses the challenge of quality assurance such that end users know that the packaged material properties meet their requirements, and that the material can be reproducibly produced at a reasonable cost. Also, in WP3 we will produce proof of concept devices that show the potential and seed new product development. The project outcomes will include new materials with improved and tailored properties, new science enabled by enhanced intrinsic properties and the ability to manufacture innovative diamond devices. The significant impacts of the work will be in the new materials and processes demonstrated, increased confidence in others to exploit diamond because we have established a complete diamond supply chain (from production of the material to integration in devices, whilst still retaining the required properties) and the commercialisation of the breakthroughs by partner companies.
Collaborator Contribution This Prosperity Partnership between Element Six (E6) and the University of Warwick (UW) seeks to develop the next generation of technologies that are enabled through exploitation of the amazing combination of extraordinary properties that diamond offers. World-leading UK research in Diamond Science and Technology (DST), spearheaded by E6 and UW, has reached a pivotal point. The exciting potential of diamond in many areas has been established and the path to exploitation signposted. Improved perfection and single-crystal size of synthesised diamond materials will enable new science and together with new approaches to processing, functionalisation and integration, will ensure that impactful and innovative technologies emerge. E6 contributes expertise in diamond synthesis, materials processing and packaging and market/exploitation knowldge.
Impact New outputs include publications, patents and demonstrator devices (e.g. diamond electors and micro-electrochemical reactors, quantum diamond microwave/radiofrequency analysers). Multi-disciplinary: Materials, quantum technologies, electrochemistry, optics.
Start Year 2021
 
Description 2022 National Quantum Technologies Showcase 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Diamond based broadband radio and microwave frequency technology demonstrator: A diamond-based, broadband radio- and microwave-frequency demonstrator has been developed within the Prosperity Partnership. This device was demonstrated at the 2022 National Quantum Technologies Showcase where it was presented by Ben Green (UW), Matthew Markham (E6) and Raj Patel (formerly UW and now E6). Significant interest was shown particularly from members of the UK defence community. Follow-up meetings are being scheduled at interested parties' premises. A whitepaper (and subsequent academic paper) on the theoretical limits of such a device is forthcoming.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/events/uk-national-quantum-technologies-showcase-2022/