Diamond Foundry develops first 200mm single-crystal diamond wafer for chip cooling

First 200mm Single-Crystal Diamond Wafer Achieved

Diamond Foundry, a company specializing in lab-grown diamonds, has announced the production of the world's first 200mm single-crystal diamond (SCD) wafer. This achievement marks a significant step in scaling up the manufacturing of SCD for industrial applications. The 200mm size is comparable to wafers used in established semiconductor fabrication processes.

Addressing AI Chip Thermal Challenges

The primary application for these SCD wafers is in semiconductor cooling, particularly for high-power AI chips that generate substantial heat. Diamonds possess exceptional thermal conductivity, estimated to be at least five times greater than copper, while also maintaining electrical insulating properties. This combination makes SCD an effective material for dissipating heat and preventing hotspots in advanced electronics.

Single-Crystal vs. Polycrystalline Diamonds

Unlike polycrystalline lab-grown diamonds, Diamond Foundry's 200mm SCD wafer is a high-quality single-crystal piece. While more challenging to manufacture, the single-crystal structure is crucial for achieving the material's superior thermal conductivity and electrical insulation, which are essential for its use in semiconductor applications. The company noted that the sample shown is currently unpolished and requires further processing for chipmaker integration.

Future Scaling and Industry Impact

Diamond Foundry projects the possibility of creating D300 SCD wafers, matching the size of wafers used in leading node processes, before 2030. This indicates a potential for further integration into advanced semiconductor manufacturing. The company acknowledged the extensive research and development efforts over decades by its engineers and scientists, as well as the broader scientific community, to overcome the challenges of scaling SCD production.