Amazon.com Inc. is collaborating with a division of the De Beers Group to produce synthetic diamonds in the hopes that the development of unique gems will transform computer networks.
The Center for Quantum Networking at Amazon Web Services, a department looking for cutting-edge methods to transmit data safely over greater distances, will collaborate with De Beers’ Element Six division on this project.
Unlike today’s fibre-optic networks, quantum networking transmits data using subatomic matter. The diamonds would be a component of something that enables data to move further without degrading.
“We want to make these networks for AWS,” said Antia Lamas-Linares, who runs the Center for Quantum Networking. She estimates the technology will be in use within “years rather than decades.”
A significant portion of the world’s computing and data storage is handled by Amazon, so it wants to remain abreast of any technological developments that could give it an advantage over competitors Microsoft Corp. and Google, a division of Alphabet Inc.
Quantum networking would need a huge number of parts, including specialised diamonds, to be widely used. A facility recently established by Element Six in Oregon is equipped to manufacture up to 2 million of these components annually using a process known as chemical vapour deposition.
Carbon exists in solid shape as a diamond. It is the hardest and most thermally conductive natural substance because of its crystal structure. Additionally, a small number of naturally occurring impurities, like nitrogen ions, give diamonds their colour.
According to Amazon experts, such hardware will be required to link computers that use the same technology, enabling networks of quantum computers—long the stuff of science fiction—to become a reality.
