Russia to Develop Diamond-Based Optoelectronics with Major Government Investment

The government has granted nearly $11 million to a top nuclear university to pioneer next-generation electronics using synthetic diamonds.

The Russian government has allocated 960 million rubles (nearly $11 million) to the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI to fund research in diamond-based optoelectronics. The grant will be distributed over three years, according to a report by 'Atomic Energy'.

Synthetic diamond offers a unique combination of physical and electronic properties: a wide bandgap, high thermal conductivity, high charge carrier mobility, resistance to extreme temperatures and radiation, as well as chemical inertness, mechanical strength, and transparency across a broad spectral range. These characteristics make it superior to most current semiconductor materials and a highly promising foundation for advanced optoelectronic technologies.

The newly established research center will focus on developing power and microwave electronic components based on synthetic diamonds and conducting research in diamond-based quantum optics. It will also train highly qualified specialists in next-generation electronics and quantum technologies.

The ultimate goal is for Russia to become a global leader in electronic and quantum technologies leveraging the advantages of synthetic diamond.