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.
Further reading:
Rooibos heads to space
News
A South African scientific initiative linking agriculture and space research has officially launched today with the Rooibos in Space programme at Parklands College’s Innovation Centre in Cape Town.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: Local can be international
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Welcome to the July 2026 issue of
Dataweek. As you can see from this introduction,
Dataweek’s regular editor, Peter Howells, is on extended leave and I am filling the void in his editor’s column – hopefully without being too boring.
Read more...
Landis+Gyr EMEA introduces new company name: EYKON
News
EYKON is the new company name of Landis+Gyr EMEA, formerly part of the Landis+Gyr Group. The company supports electricity, gas, water and thermal utilities in managing increasingly complex networks, improving operational efficiency and enabling more sustainable use of resources.
Read more...
Yamaha Robotics will show visitors to EFX
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services News
Yamaha Robotics will show visitors to EFX 2026, the Expo for Electronics Manufacturing, in Stuttgart from 6-8 October 2026, how advanced surface-mount automation helps companies grow their business and increase productivity.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: The art of measuring the truth
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
All electronic measurements are a lie. The trick is making the lie as small as possible.
Read more...
TSE has relocated
News
The Technology Station in Electronics (TSE) has entered a new chapter with its relocation from the CSIR campus to TUT-owned building at Ditsela Place in Hatfield.
Read more...
Innovative MyLegrand app
RS South Africa
News
Legrand SA is set to launch the MyLegrand mobile application, a digital platform designed to strengthen engagement across its professional network.
Read more...
Kulani Energy acquires critical assets from Optipower
News
Kulani Energy preserves engineering, procurement, and construction capability and positions a wholly women-owned firm at the forefront of South Africa’s grid expansion.
Read more...
From Cape Town to Johannesburg
News
Würth Elektronik South Africa has taken a significant step forward with its recent relocation from Cape Town to Johannesburg, marking a new phase of growth and ambition for the company.
Read more...
Lesley Havenga: Building partnerships for Africa’s electronics future
Editor's Choice News
As Würth Electronik expands its footprint across South Africa and the broader sub-Saharan region, Havenga’s blend of manufacturing expertise, supply chain knowledge, and people-centred leadership appears well suited to the task.
Read more...
printer friendly version