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Recent Advances in Diamond Science and Technology

Journal Contribution - Journal Editorial

With great pleasure we present this Topical Section of Physica status solidi (a) showcasing an exciting research in the field of diamond science and technology. Diamond is an attractive material not only for basic science but also for innovative technical applications such as quantum technologies, energy transformation and storage, biomedical imaging and treatment. As pointed out by the establishment of a flagship program by the EU, quantum technologies are one of the major future research directions. Diamond can take centre stage in this field due to its unique properties and the existence of colour centres such as the NV, the SiV and other group 4 vacancy centres. These not only can be used as sensors for magnetic and electric fields but also for quantum information technology. However, progress in this field relies of substantial advances in the production of highly controlled diamond materials using chemical vapour deposition (CVD) or high pressure high temperature (HPHT) with low defect density. Besides, the development of diamond based devices for high-power applications requires the ultimate control of the materials properties as well. Another important direction of diamond research is the synthesis and application of functional diamond nanoparticles for biomedical and other life science applications. Highly specific luminescence labels as well as vehicles for drug delivery are being developed while working on the prevention of non-specific interactions with biological matter. Electrochemical and photo-chemical applications of various forms of diamond have equally entered the stage as the unique properties of diamond enable unprecedented chemistry on its surface using direct photochem-ical reduction or the electrochemical formation of useful chemical building blocks. All of this needs to be accompanied by in-depth materials characterization and the development of technologies for the deterministic structuring of diamond at the nano or even atomic scale. The 25 th anniversary edition of the SBDD workshop featured all the mentioned aspects of diamond research. Held in March 2020 in Hasselt (Belgium), it eventually happened to be the last on-site conference of the diamond community before the pandemic situation prevented personal meetings for scientific exchange and interaction. This special issue reflects the broad variety of aspects from all areas of diamond research including growth, characterization and applications that have been discussed in Hasselt. We are pleased to highlight the Feature Article number 2000614 by Sébastien Pezzagna and colleagues on the charge assisted engineering of colour centres. In this feature article, the authors emphasise the importance of a deterministic formation of colour centres in diamond and discuss the necessity of a full understanding of the underlying principles of defect generation for not only spatial control but also with regard to defects and impurities. They look at different approaches to charge vacancies, pin the Fermi level etc., and finally discuss parameters for an optimal formation of colour centres in different diamond substrates. Together with other progress in the addressing of individual centres and the coupling to nuclear spins, they conclude, that a diamond based quantum computer is within a reach. We hope that this Feature Article and the other articles of this special issue will keep the discussion of current research topics in the field of diamond vibrant and will inspire research to come, both in the field of diamond but also in neighbouring areas. Würzburg and Hasselt, February 2021.
Journal: PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI A-APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE
ISSN: 1862-6300
Issue: 5
Volume: 218
Publication year:2021
Accessibility:Closed