In the ever-evolving landscape of emerging tech, lab-grown diamonds may have just emerged as an unexpected hero, paving the way for new innovations. The convergence of scientific advancements and the unique properties of lab-grown diamonds is reshaping industries, from jewelry to tech.

Rapaport, a leading provider of independent diamond and jewelry industry news, claims that lab-grown diamonds cultivated through advanced methods like chemical vapor deposition (CVD) are at the forefront of technological progress. These diamonds, with precise control over defects in their lattice structure, offer opportunities in quantum-grade computers and secure communications. Elements like nitrogen-vacancy centers in lab-grown diamonds are being explored for applications in telecommunications, medical diagnostics and far beyond.

To get to the bottom of what this craze means for the lab-grown diamond industry, I chatted with George Prout, the president of Surreal Diamond by JB Bhanderi, the world’s largest CVD grower of diamonds. I learned from George that JB Bhanderi has the leading design for growers worldwide, even outside of their company. Conveniently, he had just written a column for Southern Jewelry News. Here’s what he had to say in his column for SJN: “Demand for lab-grown diamonds is going to skyrocket, at rates far more rapid than the growing community can match, as the trillion-dollar semiconductor business turns its sights on lab [diamonds] as the primary substrate for chip production,” said Prout. “Given how quickly American consumers have adopted lab-grown diamonds even with the knowledge that prices are falling, how do you think consumers will respond when lab-grown diamond prices start rising due to crazy levels of chip-induced demand?” It seems that early adopters in tech will also be met with an insurgence of price once other companies rush to adopt this technology.

Check out this video from Surreal Diamond, the world’s largest grower of CVD Diamonds based in Surat, India on how diamonds are grown:

Lab-Grown Diamonds in Computing:

In November 2023, Diamond Foundry achieved a significant milestone by producing the world’s first 100mm single-crystal diamond wafer. However, the significance far exceeds carat weight; it’s about harnessing high thermal loads. According to the Wall Street Journal, Diamond Foundry is utilizing heteroepitaxy technology to create single-crystal diamonds with unparalleled thermal conductivity. As microchips become more powerful, heat generation becomes the most limiting factor. Lab-grown diamonds, with their exceptional thermal performance, are proving to be a game-changer in the world of computing. Diamond Foundry’s tests on high-end Nvidia GPUs using lab-grown diamond wafers showed three times the performance compared to standard materials.

Lab-Grown Diamonds in Transportation:

Diamond Foundry’s foray into electric car technology is equally impressive. Leveraging diamond wafer technology, they developed an electric car inverter that not only drastically reduces size but also enhances power efficiency, surpassing the standards set forth by Tesla’s Model 3. The extreme thermal performance and electrical insulation of diamond wafers open up new possibilities in power electronics.

Other Diamond-Based Devices:

Companies like Opsydia are harnessing the extreme material properties of lab-grown diamonds for precision laser processes. Three-dimensional arrays of electronic circuits carved into diamonds enable applications in chemical analysis, providing durability and resistance to harsh environments.

Diamond Battery Technology:

Lab-grown diamonds are also making strides in sustainable technologies. San Francisco-based NDB aims to redefine batteries with their Nano Diamond Battery, generating electricity from radioactive decay. By trapping remnants of nuclear waste inside lab-grown diamonds, NDB’s innovative approach promises uninterrupted energy, independent of climate conditions. NDB can be found being used by organizations like The University of Cambridge or Airbus.

Conclusion:

As of now, India is in the lead as the top producer of lab-grown diamonds. According to Business Insider India, the Indian government recognizes the potential of lab-grown diamonds, projecting the global market to reach $5 billion by 2025. With applications ranging from jewelry to computer chips and 5G networks, lab-grown diamonds offer versatility in extreme environments. The government’s investment in research and development, exemplified by a grant to IIT-Madras, aims to boost indigenous production and reduce import dependency. India’s focus on developing indigenous technology for lab-grown diamonds aims to reduce import dependence, allowing the nation to stand on its own in this rapidly evolving industry. 

Lab-grown diamonds, once confined to jewelry and industrial applications, are now driving technological advancements across various sectors. Whether it’s enhancing the efficiency of microchips, revolutionizing batteries, or contributing to the economic growth of nations, these diamonds are proving to be gaining traction in the realm of emerging technologies.