Synthetic diamonds, or cubic zirconia, are man-made diamond-like crystals that possess many of the same properties as natural diamonds. Because of their availability, characteristics and cost effectiveness, they are used in a number of applications that previously employed natural diamonds. These include abrasives, cutting and polishing tools, and use in heat sinks--and more applications are being developed every day. Synthetic diamonds are also used in the jewelry industry, as they are very difficult to distinguish from the real thing.
Industrial Applications
With their unparalleled hardness, synthetic diamonds are used in a variety of industrial capacities, such as machining and cutting. As the hardest known material, synthetic diamonds are used to tip drill bits and saw blades. The dust from synthetic diamonds is used as an abrasive for polishing. Synthetic diamonds are actually preferred over natural diamonds for these purposes because they are easy to produce and have consistent quality.
Consumer Electronics
Synthetic diamonds are also valued for their ability to conduct thermal energy while retarding electrical conductivity. This characteristic is invaluable in electronics applications, where the diamond is used as a heat sink for high power devices such as semiconductor lasers and high power transistors. The diamonds facilitate the dissipation of the immense amount of heat put out by these devices, thus extending the devices' life.
Optical Applications
Synthetic diamonds are hard, chemically inert compounds that can conduct thermal energy without expanding or deforming. This makes a perfect compound for creating a "window" for transmitting infrared or microwave energy. Synthetic diamonds are starting to replace older, less efficient materials in the construction of output windows of CO2 lasers.
Semiconductors
Research is being conducted on the use of synthetic diamonds as semiconductors, because they can be contaminated with impurities such as boron and phosphorus. Diamonds have shown promise in the consumer electronics industry because they have greater resistance to heat breakdown than silicon devices. They are also resistant to chemical and radiation damage.
Jewelry
Of course, synthetic diamonds are used in the marketplace as an alternative to natural diamonds. Synthetic diamonds can be manufactured in a variety of colors. They are visually identical to natural diamonds to the naked eye. Special equipment can be used to detect the differences in crystal formation. Synthetic diamonds offer consumers the same brilliance, hardness and beauty of natural diamonds for a fraction of the cost.
Synthetic Diamonds
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