American researchers have discovered a new characteristic in boron doped diamond - the plasmon effect. This may make biomedical and quantum optical devices more efficient and capable of processing information in ways that traditional technologies cannot achieve. The related paper was published on the 13th in the journal Nature Communications.

 

Diamond is becoming a key material in high-power electronic devices and next-generation quantum optical technology. By doping with impurities such as boron, scientists can adjust the properties of diamond to give it conductivity similar to that of metals.

 

 

 

Because diamond is a transparent crystal structure composed of carbon atoms, when a small amount of boron is added, boron has one less electron than carbon, which can form periodic electron "holes" in the material, thereby increasing its conductivity. Diamond remains transparent and has a blue hue. Boron doped diamond also has chemical inertness and biocompatibility, making it suitable for medical imaging, high-sensitivity biochips, and molecular sensors.