What are the main achievements by Orbray and Element Six?

Establishment of 3-inch single-crystal diamond production, initiation of 4-inch development, and final-stage mass production prep for 2-inch wafers.

Why is single-crystal diamond suitable for next-gen semiconductors?

It offers superior thermal conductivity, breakdown voltage, and carrier mobility, enabling stable operation under high voltage and temperature.

What is the step-flow growth method?

A technique that tilts the substrate to create uniform atomic steps, enabling lateral crystal growth for high-quality, large-diameter wafers.

Where is the 2-inch wafer mass production taking place?

At Element Six’s manufacturing facility in Gresham, Oregon, USA, now in final preparation stages.

What impact is expected from the societal implementation of this technology?

Reduced power loss and more compact, efficient devices, accelerating applications in EVs and renewable energy systems.

World-Class Achievement in Single-Crystal Diamond Wafers for Next-Generation Semiconductors

Published Jun 17, 2026 6:00 PM ・ Updated Jun 17, 2026 9:35 AM ・ 15 min read ・ Source: PR TIMES

Orbray and Element Six have established production technology for 3-inch single-crystal diamond crystals and initiated development of 4-inch crystals. Mass production preparation for 2-inch wafers has reached its final stage at Element Six's U.S. facility.

Single-crystal diamond wafers — from left: 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches

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Orbray Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Adachi-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Riyako Namiki; hereinafter "Orbray") and Element Six (Headquarters: London, UK; CEO: Siobhán Duffy) have established production technology for 3-inch single-crystal diamond crystals. Furthermore, they have initiated development of 4-inch crystals compatible with existing semiconductor manufacturing lines. Additionally, mass production preparation for 2-inch single-crystal diamond wafers has reached its final stage at Element Six’s manufacturing facility in Gresham, Oregon, USA.

Large-diameter wafers of 3 and 4 inches are expected to enhance the mass producibility of diamond semiconductor devices. Under the strategic partnership with Element Six, efforts are being advanced simultaneously toward larger diameters, higher quality, and lower costs, aiming for practical application as next-generation semiconductor materials.

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Orbray and Element Six hereby announce the establishment of production technology for 3-inch crystals toward the practical application of diamond semiconductors, as well as the initiation of development for 4-inch crystals for further scaling. We also report that mass production preparation for 2-inch wafers has reached its final stage.

Background

Amid intensifying international competition in semiconductors, the development and establishment of supply systems for next-generation semiconductors have become critical challenges for nations worldwide. In this context, mass production technology for wide bandgap semiconductor wafers is key to practical implementation. Among these, single-crystal diamond is attracting global attention as the ultimate semiconductor material.

In September 2021, Orbray announced the development of a 2-inch single-crystal diamond wafer (product name: KENZAN Diamond™) using its proprietary step-flow growth method.

In June 2024, Orbray, possessing manufacturing technology for large-diameter single-crystal diamond wafers, and Element Six, possessing mass production technology and facilities for high-quality diamond wafers, entered into a strategic partnership to enhance diamond manufacturing technology through cross-licensing of necessary intellectual property. The current announcement marks the first significant achievement of this joint development.

Achievement ①: Establishment of Production Technology for 3-Inch Single-Crystal Diamond Crystals

By further advancing the step-flow growth technology, we have established production technology for 3-inch (76.2 mm) single-crystal diamond crystals—the largest scale in the world.

Larger diameters are expected to increase the number of chips obtainable from a single wafer, contributing to reduced mass production costs for diamond semiconductor devices.

We are currently advancing the development of polishing technologies and preparing for productization.

Achievement ②: Initiation of Development for 4-Inch Single-Crystal Diamond Crystals

We have initiated development of 4-inch (100 mm) single-crystal diamond crystals, a turning point toward the practical application of diamond semiconductors.

Realization of 4-inch wafers will enable compatibility with existing semiconductor manufacturing lines, accelerating the societal implementation of diamond semiconductor devices.

Achievement ③: Mass Production Preparation for 2-Inch Single-Crystal Diamond Wafers Reaches Final Stage

For 2-inch (50.8 mm) single-crystal diamond wafers, mass production preparation has reached its final stage at Element Six’s manufacturing facility in Gresham, Oregon, USA.

We are accelerating productization for prototyping and evaluation by device manufacturers and research institutions, as well as for supply in thermal management applications.

Future Outlook

Orbray will continue joint development with Element Six, simultaneously advancing the scaling, quality enhancement, and cost reduction of single-crystal diamond wafers, contributing to the practical application of diamond semiconductors.

KENZAN Diamond™ Product Information

https://orbray.com/product/jewel/material/diamond.html

Single-Crystal Diamond Wafer

A diamond wafer used as a substrate for semiconductor and quantum devices, where the entire crystal structure has a uniform atomic arrangement without grain boundaries. Diamond is superior in thermal conductivity, breakdown voltage, carrier mobility, and radiation resistance, making it a promising next-generation semiconductor material.

Wide Bandgap Semiconductor

A general term for semiconductor materials with a larger bandgap than silicon. These materials excel in high-voltage, high-temperature, and high-frequency performance, contributing to reduced power loss and device miniaturization, and are thus attracting attention as next-generation semiconductor materials. Representative examples include SiC (silicon carbide), GaN (gallium nitride), and diamond.

Step-Flow Growth

A mechanism in which the substrate surface is tilted several degrees from the crystallographic orientation, creating uniformly spaced atomic steps on the surface, allowing the diamond crystal to grow laterally along the step flow. This mechanism relaxes film stress, enabling the fabrication of high-quality, large-diameter diamond wafers.

【Overview of Orbray Co., Ltd. (Orbray, formerly Adamant Namiki Precision Jewel Co., Ltd.)】

Headquarters: 3-8-22 Nitta, Adachi-ku, Tokyo

Established: August 28, 1953

Capital: 100 million JPY

Employees: 1,350 (domestic, as of January 1, 2026); 2,300 (consolidated, as of January 1, 2026)

Founded in 1939, starting with jewel bearings for electric meters. The company leverages core gemstone processing technologies (cutting, grinding, polishing), continuously integrating advanced technologies to manufacture and sell precision jewel components, optical communication components, small DC motors, medical devices, and more.

URL: https://orbray.com/

【Overview of Element Six】

Headquarters: London, UK

A member of the De Beers Group, Element Six is a global leader in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced synthetic diamond material solutions.

With major manufacturing sites in the U.S., UK, Ireland, Germany, and South Africa, the company operates globally. For over 70 years, Element Six has leveraged the exceptional properties of synthetic diamond to pioneer new possibilities in photonics, acoustics, power transmission, water treatment, thermal management, and sensors.

Its advanced material solutions are used across diverse industries, including manufacturing in automotive and consumer electronics, cutting and drilling in oil and gas, and components for mining, road construction, building, and agriculture.

URL: https://www.e6.com

【Inquiries】

Orbray Co., Ltd. Diamond Business Headquarters

TEL: 03-3919-0101

Contact Form: https://orbray.com/product/jewel/dia-contact.html

Element Six

Element Six Press Office: Gabriella.Sciarrone@e6.com

FACT BOX

Source: PR TIMES
Category: Partnership
Products / services: KENZAN Diamond™