Researchers Score Next-generation Semiconductor

In searching for the next great semiconductor, researchers may have found a candidate nearer at hand than they expected. Diamond crystals dissipate heat much more rapidly than other materials can, allowing manufacturers to avoid relying on heat sinks and other encumbrances to keep devices from overheating. Single diamond crystals doped with boron conduct electricity much better than previous techniques that relied on multiple crystals stuck together. Also, multiple crystals contain irregularities between them and require coating with boron and heating to 1,450° C. In contrast, single crystals require heating only to 800° C. Challenges remain, including reducing the cost of the process and finding ways to increase or work more easily with the size of the existing diamond crystal.

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