Novel Solid-State Laser Design Based on Synthetic Diamond From Element Six Opens up New Ap...(/p A vital property of the diamond sup...),Health

A vital property of the diamond supplied by Element Six is that it exhibits ultra-low birefringence. Birefringence is when the speed of light in a medium varies if the polarisation of the light changes and this has to be carefully controlled in a laser cavity in order to make the laser work well. Dr. Kemp says, "The ultra-low birefringence single crystal CVD diamond that E6 produces is a real step forward for all photonics applications of diamond, particularly laser applications. It allows us to exploit the exceptional properties of diamond without compromising other aspects of the laser's performance."

Element Six is to supply the research team with high quality single crystal CVD diamond for the duration of the project. The Institute of Photonics has a good working relationship with Element Six. The organisations have previously worked together on the government supported MIDDI project under which has led to the ability to carry out precision etching of single crystal diamond micro-optics, for example.

About Element Six

Element Six is the world's leading supplier of high quality supermaterials used throughout manufacturing industry for a wide range of applications. It is the frontrunner in the development of synthetic diamond and novel engineering materials that are being used in industrial applications that span, for example optical, mechanical, thermal, electronic, automotive, telecommunications and medical industries. With a turnover of more than US$500m and almost 4,000 employees, Element Six has established production and processing plants in China, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, South Africa, Ukraine and the UK supported by a global distribution network.

About the Institute of Photonics

The Institute of Photonics, established in 1995, is a commercially-oriented research unit, part of the University of Strathclyde. Its key objective is to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial applications and development i
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