Diamonds are one of the hardest known substances on our planet. Not only is this crystallized carbon substance worn as diamond jewelry, but because of its unique design, diamonds are used in many industrial applications. Most people know that because of a diamond’s strength that it is often used as a device for drills and other mechanical devices. Diamonds are known to be able to handle high amounts of pressure and temperatures. However, the future of diamonds are being considered for their value in different scientific technology, such as lasers and even the creation of a cleaner energy source; fusion power.

Currently, we use lasers in various fields of science. The most common lasers people are familiar with are the ones used during a surgical a procedure; such as eye surgery. Lasers work by utilizing a specific light wave length which creates a particular color; the most common being red, blue or green. Until recently however our technology with lasers did not produce a high quality laser in the ultraviolet light spectrum. Since diamonds are known for their light refracting attributes and the ability to withstand high temperatures, they have been reviewed for their applications in lasers. Researchers in Austria have introduced the use of diamonds in the “Raman” lasers. Raman lasers currently use silicon to create the laser light. Using silicon though limits the optical and thermal ranges of the light spectrum that can be utilized in creating the lasers light source. Researchers are currently enhancing their technique by introducing diamonds as the material in lasers. Since diamonds are known for their refracted light abilities and offer a higher spectrum of wavelengths, different color laser light, such as yellow light; which is used for surgery should now be able to be utilized in a more efficient manner.

The use of diamonds in the scientific field however is not just limited to laser applications. With an increase awareness of environmental conditions such as global warming, alternative sources of energy are being pursued. Nuclear fusion is one potential source of clean energy that is being reviewed. One of the issues with fusion power though is that the material within the walls of the reactor must be able to withstand high temperatures and other stresses, while not producing any harmful products during the reaction with the reactor itself. Because diamonds are able to withstand high temperatures and conduct heat, the diamond is currently being reviewed to be used in the lining of the divertor. Future research will determine if the diamonds carbon bonds can handle the environment for fusion power. Perhaps one day soon, diamonds will be everyone’s best friend.