Filtronic and Diamond Microwave Devices are jointly developing technology for diamond semiconductor materials and processing.
Diamond Microwave Devices is a subsidiary of Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) diamond technology firm Element Six (E6), set up by its owners to look at high-power, high temperature semiconductor devices for use in microwave power amplifiers and transmitters.
“Filtronic and E6 will use their complementary high-technology strengths in materials, semiconductor device processing and circuits to expedite the development of this new microwave technology which has the potential of revolutionising microwave power electronics,” E6.
CVD diamond is used for high power electronics such as voltage breakdown and high temperature operation. “If a practical semiconductor device can be demonstrated, it could have the potential to provide superior microwave power and higher operating temperatures than existing semiconductor devices and technologies,” said E6.
Dr Richard Lang, General Manager of DMD, has said: “There is much work to be done in order to realise a practical device, and we are excited by the opportunity to explore the boundaries of this emerging technology.”
Christian Hultner, CEO of E6, commented: “Diamond has the potential to be the ultimate semiconductor for high-frequency, high-power electronic applications. The establishment of DMD provides greater momentum to our activities in this area and will accelerate the development of practical devices."