Diamonds grown 100 times faster via plasma microwaves.(MATERIALS SCIENCE/R & D)

A microwave plasma method for growing synthetic diamond gemstones as perfect as those found in nature has reportedly been developed by the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Carnegie Institution, Washington, D.C. The technology is based on microwave plasma, which makes it possible to produce gemstones 100 to 200 times faster than conventional methods. Nitrogen in the growth process results in a yellow diamond that is then heated under high pressure to produce a light yellow or nearly colorless crystal. Currently, Prof. Yogesh Vohra and doctoral student Paul Baker are ...