Awards & Recognition
Diamond Quanta
Following his impactful tenure at AKHAN, Adam founded Diamond Quanta to push the boundaries of diamond semiconductor technology further. Diamond Quanta specializes in the defect engineering and manufacturing-minded development of diamond systems to achieve advanced doping techniques, pioneering the development of both n-type and p-type synthetic diamond materials. This innovation enables exceptional semiconductor performance, surpassing traditional materials and unlocking new possibilities in high-power and high-temperature applications. Diamond Quanta's mission is to lead the next evolution in semiconductor technology, driving progress in fields ranging from AI computing to automotive electronics.
Diamond Based Physics Research Interests
Advanced Diamond Materials Synthesis
Diamond Semiconductor Device Design & Fabrication
Diamond Semiconductor Device Design & Fabrication
Diamond Semiconductor Device Design & Fabrication
Diamond Semiconductor Device Design & Fabrication
Diamond Semiconductor Device Design & Fabrication
Diamond Thin-Film Optics & Photonics
Diamond Thin-Film Optics & Photonics
Diamond Thin-Film Optics & Photonics
Infrared optical window, display glass and lens coatings (single layer diamond and multilayer composites)
Diamond Thin-Film Mechanics
Diamond Thin-Film Optics & Photonics
Diamond Thin-Film Optics & Photonics
From first principles, evolved novel contact and fracture mechanics methodologies to characterize new phenomena and benchmark coatings effectiveness in relevant environments
Publications & Invited Talks
Emergent Materials
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
Cambridge University Press (MRS)
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
International Materials Research Congress (IMRC)
A.H. Khan, A.V. Sumant, “Surface Properties of Hydrogen Terminated Co-Doped
Nanocrystalline Diamond” International Materials Research Congress (MRS) 2013 [Invited
Talk]
International Conference on Small Sciences (ICSS)
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]
New Diamond and Nano Carbons (NDNC) conference
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]
International Conference on Diamond and Carbon Materials
A.H. Khan “Thin Film Nanocrystalline Diamond for Optical & Monolithically Integrated Display Applications”, International Conference on Diamond and Carbon Materials 2017
[Invited Talk]
Founding AKHAN
From First Principles
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.
Learn More
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