Thinking about Diamond

Abstract

ABSTRACTDiamond is valued mainly as a symbol of power and value (the girl's best friend) and as a solution to many materials processing problems (the engineer's best friend). The 1950s saw both striking developments in diamond synthesis and the beginnings of the rise of silicon as the semiconductor of choice. Since then, silicon has transformed the world. Diamond has reinforced its known roles, and found niches that exploit its special qualities. It is also one of the carbon materials that, in combination, have a variety of superb properties. Could there be bigger opportunities for diamond, more than mere niches, arising from the major social needs: the life sciences, the information technologies, energy, and perhaps others. I attempt to identify areas that might develop formidably.