GREAT LAKES CRYSTAL TECHNOLOGIES INC — Department of Energy STTR Phase II: 12a

Description

High scientific impact applications at synchrotron and free-electron laser (FEL) x-ray sources require improved x-ray optical elements. With high repetition-rate x-ray FELs and near diffraction-limited storage rings x-ray sources due to come on line in the near future, there will be even greater demand for their availability. Current x-ray optical elements based on legacy materials like silicon cannot stand up to these increasingly stringent beam line conditions. Great Lakes Crystal Technologies (GLCT), in partnership with Michigan State University (MSU), is applying their patented and proprietary advanced diamond crystal growth and fabrication technology to develop the first source of large diffraction grade diamond crystals which will overcome the performance and reliability limitations of silicon and other legacy materials in advanced x- ray diffraction applications. GLCT and MSU employed state of the art microwave chemical vapor deposition technology together with novel crystal size enlargement technology to demonstrate proof of concept for both their seed replication technology and crystal enlargement technology, paving the way for success in Phase II to create a source of large diffraction grade diamond crystals. GLCT and MSU will combine best practices to create a set of prototype large diffraction grade diamond crystals along with a roadmap for further improvements and manufacturing cost reduction. Advancements at MSU in crystal quality characterization will enable a rapidly paced materials development effort. Advanced x-ray beam lines at DOE facilities and worldwide will be able to move down their technology roadmaps and plans to continue to perform high scientific impact applications at synchrotron and free-electron laser (FEL) x-ray sources.