With a passion for innovation and a vision for a more powerful & energy-efficient future, my journey in the realm of advanced materials and devices allowed AKHAN to stand at the forefront of cutting-edge thin film diamond technology, promising applications from consumer electronics to aerospace/defense and beyond.
"My “aha” moment occurred in 2004 when, as a junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago, double majoring in physics and engineering, a research paper seized my interest. It was about the role that diamond could play as an electronics material — vastly uncharted territory at the time. I recognized then that diamond technology could spark a seismic change in the electronics industry and I knew I wanted to play a role in making diamond semiconductor a reality."
Adam Khan, an innovative leader in the field of lab-grown diamond technologies, stands as the Founder Emeritus of AKHAN Semiconductor, Inc. His pioneering work in this field began at the young age of 19 as an electrical engineering and physics student, leading to the invention of the groundbreaking Miraj Diamond® Platform. Khan's extensive contributions to the field include authoring over 30 issued patents and several peer-reviewed technical publications, as well as being a recognized speaker on Lab-Grown Diamond Technology, Business, and Clean Technology.
Khan's expertise and research have earned him numerous accolades and recognitions. He has been honored as a Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient (Energy & Industry), a testament to his exceptional achievements in the industry. He has served as a speaker and expert witness to a variety of Federal bodies, including the U.S. House Space, Science, & Technology Committee and the U.S. Department of Energy. Adam's work was recognized and individually honored by the United States Congress in the 114th Congressional Records & Proceedings. Additionally, he was featured as a modern-day Nikola Tesla in the 2016 international documentary film ‘Tesla’s Children,’ highlighting his significant impact in technology and innovation.
Under Khan's leadership, AKHAN Semiconductor specialized in developing lab-grown diamonds for various commercial applications, including consumer electronics like phones and smartwatches, as well as military, aerospace, and automotive uses. The company's Miraj Diamond Glass and Miraj Diamond Optics technologies are notable for their mechanical, optical, and thermal properties, setting new standards in the industry.
His journey reflects a deep commitment to innovation, excellence, and leadership in the lab-grown diamond technology and clean technology sectors, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field of advanced diamond materials.
Adam Khan, a visionary in the realm of diamond technology, founded AKHAN Semiconductor, Inc in late 2012 as a solo entrepreneur. His journey in this field began during his undergraduate years at the University of Illinois Chicago, where apart from being an electrical engineering and physics student, he also served as research assistant to Professor Dirk K. Morr in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics. It was here that he initiated his pioneering work which eventually led to the creation of the Miraj Diamond® Platform. In 2010, he furthered his research at the Stanford University Nanofabrication Facility, developing pioneering diamond semiconductor doping and device approaches and processes. In 2012, Khan's work with Argonne National Laboratory led to the development of the Miraj Diamond® Platform, combining Argonne's low-temperature diamond deposition technology with AKHAN’s efficient n-type doping process. This collaboration earned Khan and his esteemed collaborator, Dr. Anirudha Sumant, the prestigious R&D 100 award, often referred to as the "Oscars of Innovation"-- amongst other accolades and awards.
Under Khan's leadership, AKHAN Semiconductor experienced substantial growth and development. He successfully raised over $5 million in pre-series A funding, followed by co-raising $20 million in Series A financing, showcasing his entrepreneurial prowess and the market's confidence in his vision. This funding was instrumental in establishing and staffing a state-of-the-art facility in Illinois, equipped with an advanced cleanroom, diamond CVD reactors, and other essential support equipment facilities, including wet chemistry, metrology and test labs. The establishment of such a comprehensive facility marked a significant transition for AKHAN from starting as a single-employee company using university and national lab facilities to a global leader in the thin-film diamond industry with robust in-house capabilities.
In collaboration with a leading defense contractor and the US Army Xtech Program, Khan further showcased his expertise by developing a composite 2D-3D diamond and graphene oxide-based coating technology, providing resistance against electromagnetic, kinetic, and laser energy weapons. This coating technology is also characterized by its ultra-hardness, scratch resistance, high thermal conductivity, hydrophobicity, chemical and biological inertness, and high transmittance at critical angles, making it a significant advancement in military aerospace applications. This technology underscores his ability to extend his research into the national security and defense sectors.
Among Khan's key innovations, Miraj Diamond Glass technology has set new benchmarks in the industry. This technology, known for its enhanced hardness and extreme mechanical (scratch and wear resistance) properties, has use in various applications, including consumer electronics, automotive, and defense industries-- demonstrating Khan's ability to blend scientific research with practical applications.
Throughout his career, Khan has expanded AKHAN’s customer base to include market leaders in various sectors, including aerospace/defense, semiconductor equipment, and consumer electronics. His role in propelling AKHAN Semiconductor from a start-up to a prominent name in the diamond industry exemplifies his leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing technology. Khan's legacy as a diamond technologist and innovator continues to inspire and influence the lab-grown diamond industry.
For a more information on AKHAN, please visit their site using the below link
Infrared optical window, display glass and lens coatings (single layer diamond and multilayer composites)
From first principles, evolved novel contact and fracture mechanics methodologies to characterize new phenomena and benchmark coatings effectiveness in relevant environments
Khan, A.H., Schirmann, E. & Kovi, K.K. Fluorinated graphene oxide, nanocrystalline diamond multilayer thin films for optical and electromagnetic limiting applications. emergent mater. 4, 525–530 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42247-021-00217-2
Khan, A.H., Sumant, A. On Enabling Nanocrystalline Diamond for Device Use: Novel Ion Beam Methodology and the Realization of Shallow N-type Diamond. MRS Online Proceedings Library 1478, 1–7 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1557/opl.2013.192
A.H. Khan, A.V. Sumant, “Surface Properties of Hydrogen Terminated Co-Doped
Nanocrystalline Diamond” International Materials Research Congress (MRS) 2013 [Invited
Talk]
A.H. Khan, A.V. Sumant, "Hydrogen Termination of Phosphorous Co-Doped Nanocrystalline Diamond and its Implication on N-type Doping" International Conference on Small Sciences 2013 [Invited Talk]
A.H. Khan, A.V. Sumant “Towards Achieving Efficient N-type Doping in Nanocrystalline
Diamond”, New Diamond and Nano Carbons Conference (MRS) 2014 [Invited Talk]
A.H. Khan “Thin Film Nanocrystalline Diamond for Optical & Monolithically Integrated Display Applications”, International Conference on Diamond and Carbon Materials 2017
[Invited Talk]
US 11,043,382| US 11,107,684| US 11,605,541| US 11,784,048| US 11,837,472
US 9,741,561| US 10,410,860
US 11,675,110| US 10,254,445| US11,112,539| US 11,675,110
US 10,224,514| US 10,897,028 | US 11,552,276
US 10,725,214
US 8,933,462.
EU 10,760,157
US 11,572,621
US 11,656,404
C2ST/Argonne National Laboratory
Bloomberg Businessweek- The Year Ahead: 2015
CNBC/C-SPAN: US Council on Competitiveness- 30th Annual National Competitiveness Forum
For more updates and announcements, follow the below social channels
Copyright © 2024 Adam Khan Diamond - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy