We are in the age of quantum breakthroughs and scientists are exploring how the unique properties of diamonds can contribute to this field. However, to achieve this quantum dream, diamonds with rare defects are required, which are extremely difficult to find in nature. Fortunately, lab-grown diamonds (LGDs) have emerged as a valuable solution to this problem.

Quite a few startups and research institutions across the world have pivoted in this direction and have made great progress. Recently, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman—taking a cue from these developments—announced a grant to IITs to focus on lab-grown diamonds, alongside reducing the custom duty on the seeds used in lab-grown diamond manufacturing. 

Meanwhile, the science around lab-grown diamonds is not only starting to mature but also play a vital role in the field of quantum computing. 

One only needs to look at the Australian startup Quantum Brilliance, which has been successful in using synthetic diamonds to perform quantum calculations. The company is since on a quest to produce commercial Quantum Accelerators that can be seamlessly integrated into existing computer systems. 

“Diamond is so rigid that, even at room temperature, we have long-lived quantum properties,” said CEO Dr Anfrew Horsley in an interview with Cosmos. 

This is especially important considering diamond-based quantum computing eliminates the need for an expensive cooling system that is required to run them. 

However, an expert that AIM spoke to believes that India is sadly way behind in the diamond-based quantum innovation scene. The only known researcher working on this field in India has been Kasturi Saha, who is currently heading the P-Quest (Photonics and Quantum Enabled Sensing Technology) Lab at IIT-Bombay. Her research group has largely worked around quantum applications in precision metrology, sensing and imaging using NV (nitrogen-vacancy) centres in diamonds. 

On the other hand, Ceremorphic CEO Venkat Mattela seems to believe that it is not too late for quantum. “Anything we do in the quantum space—be it research or building some prototypes—will give us a leg up when quantum becomes mainstream and there are some more years to that,” he told AIM. 

In this light, the INR 420 crore grant announced for IIT-Madras to set up a National Centre for lab-grown diamonds will bring more research and development over the next five years in areas of technology related to diamond seeds in the country. It will also reduce India’s dependencies on high-value seeds from Japan and Germany.  

What makes lab-grown diamonds so special? 

The unique carbon lattice structure of diamonds, with its hard-to-find defects, has made it an “ideal solid-state quantum platform” for researchers. Additionally, its ability to preserve quantum states like ‘spin’ for several milliseconds allows scientists to record and use these states for calculations and data storage.

However, one of the major challenges has been finding diamonds with the right properties for quantum measurements. This is where lab-grown diamonds have come as a major boon. The technique provides researchers with the ability to produce diamonds with the desired properties, eliminating the need to wait for naturally-occurring diamonds with the right characteristics.

There are two major advantages of lab-grown diamonds. One is cost-effectiveness since with this technology, researchers can request multiple identical diamonds in order to reduce variance in experiments. Secondly, it also helps researchers in creating the precise defect structure required for each experiment using electron bombardment, without worrying about damaging rare and valuable specimens.

As discussed earlier, while the research is still in the early stages, diamonds are one of the few elements which show abilities to operate even at room temperature. This feature makes it important in the ambition of developing quantum computing devices that can function in real-world environments. 

Quantum in India

Lab-grown diamonds are primarily made using two methods—high pressure high temperature (HPHT) method and chemical vapour deposition (CVD) method. In India, most LGDs are made through CVD although use of both methods are deemed necessary.

But, at the same time, having worked majorly in CVD can prove to be advantageous for India, especially considering that recent advances in this method have found applications in more nuanced purposes, such as thermal cooling solutions, limitless batteries, and quantum-grade computers. 

According to a certain report, the global CVD lab-grown diamonds market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2022 to 2027. 

Simultaneously, the buzz around quantum is only growing in India. The government recently deemed quantum computing to be at the core of growth and expansion in India’s techade. In addition, the US also announced collaboration with Indian Science Agencies to promote research and industry collaboration for quantum technology. 

Previously, there was also an outlay of INR 8000 crore announced as part of the National Mission on Quantum Technology and Applications (NMQTA). However—although announced in 2020—sources claim that the mission hasn’t started yet but may likely kick off this year. Nevertheless, it is considered to be an important step in catalysing thought and rallying the research community in India. 

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