De Beers, a renowned company known for its natural diamond business, is now turning its attention to the high-tech markets to drive the future of synthetic diamonds. With its synthetic diamond arm, Element Six, De Beers is investing in cutting-edge technologies like quantum computing and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to propel its lab-grown diamond business into new realms of innovation.
The $94 million factory being constructed in Portland, Oregon, signifies De Beers’ commitment to advancing the production of synthetic diamonds for futuristic applications. Scientists around the world are exploring the potential of synthetic diamonds in quantum computing, sensing, and magnetometry, thanks to their unique super-conductive properties and resilience in extreme conditions.
While the commercial success of synthetic diamond semiconductors has been limited in the past due to cost and production challenges, advances in CVD technology are now paving the way for more affordable and high-quality synthetic diamonds. Element Six CEO, Walter Huhn, is optimistic about the expanding business opportunities in laser, thermal, and water applications, as well as the potential applications in quantum computing and sensing markets.
The global synthetic diamond market is on the rise, projected to reach $28.6 billion by 2023, attracting notable players like Russia’s New Diamond Technology, Singapore’s IIa Technologies, and the U.S.-based Diamond Foundry. As CVD technology continues to progress, niche applications like thermal management in semiconductor packaging could lead to wider adoption of synthetic diamonds in various industries.
For consumers looking for ethically sourced and affordable jewelry options, Element Six’s Lightbox line offers synthetic diamonds with polished stones at an accessible price point of $800 per carat. By leveraging CVD technology and aiming for an annual production target of 500,000 rough carats by 2020, De Beers is positioning itself at the forefront of the synthetic diamond market.
The shift towards synthetic diamonds reflects changing preferences in the industry, with natural rough diamond prices on the decline while the costs of synthetic diamond production are decreasing. De Beers’ strategic move to embrace high-tech markets for synthetic diamonds underscores its commitment to exploring new horizons and reshaping the future of the diamond industry.
As technology continues to advance, the potential for synthetic diamonds to revolutionize electronics, sensing technologies, and jewelry remains immense. De Beers’ pioneering efforts in this area are not only shaping the future of the diamond industry but also opening up new possibilities for innovation and growth in the high-tech market.
To learn more about the synthetic diamond market and De Beers’ initiatives, check out these useful links:
Synthetic Diamonds
Diamond Foundry
