Applications of advanced power and RF electronics, including for 6G wireless components, as well as other emerging applications in life sciences, sensing, thermal management, and quantum computing, are expected to drive the adoption of single-crystal diamond, a material that’s extremely challenging to manufacture but well known for its optical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties.
Through this collaboration, II-VI license Element Six’s intellectual property and equipment necessary to produce high-quality single-crystal diamond, helping to expand its core competency in diamond technology ahead of anticipated market opportunities.
“Element Six has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in single-crystal diamond engineering and growth. Its unique capabilities complement II‑VI’s proprietary polycrystalline diamond, a material we already manufacture at scale,” said Steve Rummel, Sr. VP, Engineered Materials and Laser Optics Business Unit, II‑VI. “This collaboration is consistent with II-VI’s innovation strategy of making early investments in technology platforms that are process- and capital-intensive, and that require time to evolve, mature, and scale, so we can enable our customers’ technology roadmaps.”
“With its diverse global manufacturing footprint, growth markets expertise, and a successful vertically integrated structure, II-VI is one of the largest listed photonics and compound semiconductor companies. These elements make it an ideal partner to accelerate the market adoption of this remarkable material,” explained Dr. Daniel Twitchen, Chief Technologist, Element Six. “Besides future opportunities for electronics, there is also a wide range of near-term applications driving the demand for accessible high-quality single-crystal diamond, including high-power optics, high-durability parts, and high-performance thermal-management systems.”
