Diamond firm claims Schottky diode breakthrough

19 October 2005 News

A diamond-based Schottky-barrier diode (SBD) capable of operating at 1700 V and >10 A/cm² has been fabricated by Element Six (E6). Element Six, formerly named DeBeers Industrial Diamonds, made the diode in collaboration with power electronics specialist Dynex Semiconductors and the Cambridge University Engineering Department.

The Schottky diode was fabricated from single crystal diamond made by chemical vapour deposition (CVD). Diamond, with its extreme physical properties, is now proving its potential as a leading wide bandgap semiconductor for use in high power electronics. The intrinsic theoretical performance of diamond, coupled with this latest device, suggest that diamond could become an important component in power conversion devices capable of operating at voltages in excess of 10 000 V and at higher temperatures than other semiconductor materials.

According to Element Six, diamond technology could compete with devices based on wide-bandgap compound materials such as SiC and GaN. High voltage devices, as required for a range of advanced applications including traction motor control and power distribution, will need higher performance materials; and diamond has by far the best material characteristics, it says.

E6 managing director Christian Hultner, said, "Making this Schottky diode is a tribute to the skills of our research team and another exciting proof that the dawn of diamond electronics is rapidly becoming a reality and that our considerable investment in this area is about to pay dividends. This Schottky diode, along with other electronic component breakthroughs we are making in the semiconductor market, is stimulating awareness of diamond as a new engineering material with vast potential. Schottky diodes will be the first of many new electronic products."

E6 is a leading producer of synthetic diamond for industrial use. It has processing and manufacturing facilities in Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands, South Africa and the UK. In addition it operates the Diamond Research Laboratory in South Africa as well as numerous sales and distribution offices worldwide.

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