ASCOT, England, Dec. 20 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Diamond Microwave Devices
(DMD) is a new subsidiary set up by Element Six, a world leader in the
development of Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) diamond technology. This new
company aims to develop novel diamond semiconductor materials and processing
technology that will help create the next generation of high-power, high
temperature semiconductor devices for use in microwave power amplifiers and
transmitters.
At the same time, Element Six (E6) has signed a collaboration agreement
with Filtronic plc to work with DMD and develop this exciting new
technology. Filtronic is a world leader in the design and manufacture of a
broad range of microwave devices, components and subsystems used in
electronic defence, point-to-point communication and cellular handsets.
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, a leader in the development of CVD diamond, can enable wider
exploitation of the advanced engineering properties of this material. For
high power electronics, CVD diamond offers unique properties such as high
breakdown voltage 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. E6 has been involved with
major research and industrial programmes such as the Department of Trade and
Industry sponsored CAPE (Carbon Power Electronics) programme aimed at
overcoming the technical challenges of developing diamond-based electronics
components.
Dr. Richard Lang, General Manager of DMD, has said; "Whilst the technical
challenges are high, a diamond MESFET could revolutionise the design of
future microwave power modules. 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." Mr. Christian Hultner, CEO of
E6, notes, "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."
About Element Six
Element Six is the world leader in the production of all forms of
synthetic diamond for industrial use. Element Six has pioneered the
development of CVD diamond technology since the 1980s, with a world-renowned
research centre at Ascot dedicated to this activity. CVD diamond opens up
many new application areas outside the traditional abrasive uses of synthetic
diamond. Uses of CVD diamond include laser exit windows, cutting tools,
surgical blades, windows for high-power gyrotrons, heat-spreaders for
electronic devices as well as active electronic devices.
About Filtronic:
Filtronic is a world leader in the design and manufacture of a broad
range of microwave devices, components and subsystems used in electronic
defence, point-to-point communication and cellular handsets. The company
includes a major GaAs processing facility at its Compound Semiconductor
division in Newton Aycliffe and manufactures custom complex microwave
subsystems at its Defence division in Shipley. The company also designs and
manufactures microwave modules for the point-to-point communications market.
