A research team from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has developed a groundbreaking method to produce ultrathin, ultra-flexible diamond membranes on a large scale.
This innovation could pave the way for advanced electronic, photonic, and quantum devices.
The study, led by Professor Zhiqin Chu from the Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering and Professor Yuan Lin from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, was published in Nature.
The new method, called edge-exposed exfoliation, allows for the rapid production of flexible diamond membranes.
Unlike traditional methods that are slow, expensive, and limited in size, this technique is highly efficient and scalable.
Incredibly, it can create a two-inch diamond wafer in just 10 seconds, making it much faster and more practical for mass production.
Diamonds are known for their strength, thermal conductivity, and optical clarity, making them highly valuable in science and engineering.
They are the hardest natural material, can conduct heat better than any other material, and are transparent to light across a wide range of wavelengths.
These qualities make diamonds ideal for high-power electronics, photonic devices, and heat spreaders in processors, lasers, and electric vehicles.
However, diamonds are also rigid and hard to work with, which has made it difficult to produce ultrathin, flexible membranes for advanced applications—until now.
The new diamond membranes are compatible with existing semiconductor manufacturing technologies. This means they can be used to create a wide range of devices, from flexible and wearable electronics to high-precision optical and quantum technologies.
The ultraflat surfaces of these diamond membranes are perfect for micromanufacturing, while their flexibility opens up new possibilities for cutting-edge applications. The researchers see potential in fields like electronics, photonics, mechanics, acoustics, and quantum technologies.
“We aim to bring this groundbreaking technology to market and set a new standard in the semiconductor industry,” said Professor Chu. “Our diamond membranes can revolutionize various fields and accelerate the arrival of the diamond era.”
This breakthrough could help commercialize diamond technology, making it more accessible for industries worldwide. With this innovation, diamonds may soon play a major role in next-generation technology, from wearable devices to high-performance processors.
Source: University of Hong Kong.
