C2ST Speakeasy with Adam Khan

A Diamond Age of Microelectronics at Geek Bar Chicago’s SCIENCE! Tuesday

In modern electronics, speed, durability, and the ability to withstand heat are important properties. Diamonds, when used as a semiconductor, possess not only these characteristics, but have material properties such ultra-hardness, complete transparency to visible light, ultra-high thermal conductivity, ultrafast power and frequency handling and switching.

Come hear from Adam Khan of AKHAN Semiconductor, as he explains why we are poised on a diamond age of microelectronics, why the time is right for the use of diamonds in both electronics and other industrial applications, and what his company is doing to help make this technology a reality.

Since just after World War II, U.S. and global researchers have attempted to evolve diamond’s use beyond simple gem. Sixty years after the first successful attempt to synthesize, or “grow” a synthetic diamond, capabilities have expanded dramatically: From successfully growing the perfect diamond gem to creating an ultrathin nanodiamond, the area of diamond technology has taken off.

With the demands of modern electronics performance and design ever-increasing, what role does diamond have to play alongside such advanced materials as sapphire and graphene? How does diamond stand to impact end-use applications such as wearable electronics, broadband communication, and electric vehicles?

Khan’s company not only works on microelectronics, but AKHAN Semiconductor works on optical windows, which are widely utilized in industrial, military and defense, and aerospace applications. The windows are normally comprised of optically flat, transparent optical material (sapphire, fused silica, quartz) which allows for light transmittance across the visible spectrum and infrared.  The window is intended to separate, seal and protect components such as infrared lasers. By integrating diamond with the existing materials, the glass can be used in hydrophobic and other harsh environments, and provide greater scratch resistance. This technology can be incorporated into thermal imaging and night vision cameras, missile domes, underwater sensors, scratch-proof lenses, airplanes and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles which have advanced reconnaissance systems.

Adam Khan is founder and chief executive of AKHAN Semiconductor. Khan studied physics and electrical engineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago before pursuing research at the graduate level at Stanford University’s Stanford Nanofabrication Facility (SNF). Khan is co-inventor of the Miraj Diamond™ Platform, the world’s first CMOS Compatible N-type Diamond Materials & Devices. He was named by R&D magazine to the 2013 R&D 100; won the 2013 Midwest Innovation Summit (MW CleanTech Open); was named a 2014 Forbes 30 under 30 (Energy & Industry); and Bloomberg’s ‘The Year Ahead: 2015’ honoree. Khan has been featured on PBS’ WTTW11 ‘Chicago Tonight,’ Fox Chicago’s ‘Good Day Chicago,’ CBS San Francisco’s ‘The Valley Girl Show,’Semiconductor Today, and ElectroIQ. He will be featured in an upcoming documentary, Tesla’s Children.

Details: Tuesday, October 20, 7 pm to 9 pm, Geek Bar Beta, 1941 W. North Ave., Chicago.Free. Registration is strongly encouraged. To register, visit https://www.c2st.org/event/2015/09/c2st-speakeasy-adam-khanRegistration does not ensure a seat, so please arrive early. Great food and drink available for purchase. Geek Bar Beta is open to all, including those 21-and-under, if accompanied by an adult, before 9 pm, or if a special events such as this runs later. Please refer to Geek Bar’s age policy for details.

This program is presented in partnership with Geek Bar Chicago. For more information, contact Andrea Poet at apoet@c2st.org or 312-567-5795.