The CHIME Center

Sensing in Extreme Environments with Diamond (SEED)

SEED focuses on developing highly resilient diamond-based sensors and electronics components for harsh environments where conventional materials often fail. Sensors and electronics used in space, for example, sometimes need to withstand bombardment by potentially problematic particles, such as high-energy ions. Those used inside nuclear or fusion reactors and rocket thrusters need to tolerate high-energy particles, radiation and immense heat, without breaking down. Diamond’s exceptional hardness and thermal conductivity make it a promising candidate for these conditions. One part of SEED’s research will look at ways to make transistors — a key component of all electronics — using diamond instead of silicon, the traditionally used material. Another will explore the use of diamond for handling very high-power loads. 

Principal Investigator: Alastair Stacey