Researchers have developed a new method for doping (integrating elements to change a semiconductor’s properties) single crystals of diamond with boron at relatively low temperatures, without degradation.
Diamonds have properties that could make them ideal semiconductors for power electronics. They can handle high voltages and power, and electrical currents also flow through diamonds quickly, meaning the material would make for energy-efficient devices. And they are thermally conductive, which means diamond-based devices would dissipate heat quickly and easily (no need for bulky, expensive cooling methods). However. diamond’s rigid crystalline structure makes doping difficult.
Diamonds closer to becoming ideal power semiconductors
