In 2011, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in Japan faced a crisis due to the failure of its cooling systems following a devastating earthquake and tsunami. The resulting meltdown led to the spread of highly radioactive material, making it one of the worst nuclear disasters in history. Today, more than a decade later, the cleanup efforts are still ongoing, with the Japanese government recently initiating a test to remove radioactive debris from the plant and its surroundings as part of the decommissioning process set to finish by 2051.
A pioneering startup called Ookuma Diamond Device (ODD) from Japan has been actively involved in this cleanup process. ODD has developed diamond chips that are utilized in the removal of radioactive debris through diamond-chip-powered amplifiers. The company has raised approximately $27 million to establish the world’s first diamond semiconductor manufacturing facility in Ookuma, Fukushima, with plans to start construction in January 2025 and have it operational by Summer 2026.
The use of diamond chips, as opposed to traditional silicon-based semiconductors, offers several advantages. Diamond is a wide-bandgap semiconductor material, known for its superior power conversion efficiency and exceptional thermal management capabilities. These qualities make diamond semiconductors ideal for applications in high-temperature and radiation-intensive environments, such as nuclear power plants, where silicon-based chips would not be suitable.
Unlike silicon-based chips, diamond semiconductors do not have a circuit structure, making them function more like powerful control devices than simple electricity sources. The successful prototyping of diamond semiconductor amplifiers operating under extreme conditions has showcased the potential of this innovative technology.
According to Yuhei Nagai, CFO of Ookuma Diamond Device, diamond semiconductors offer superior material properties compared to traditional silicon-based chips, enabling enhanced power conversion efficiency and improved thermal management. The market for diamond materials used in chips is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, reaching $10 billion by 2032.
ODD’s focus on developing pure diamond semiconductors distinguishes it from other companies working on similar technologies. The startup’s founders, Dr. Junichi Kaneko and Dr. Hitoshi Umezawa, have dedicated over two decades to researching diamond chips and have made significant strides in the field. ODD’s expertise spans from substrate to packaging, allowing for the world’s first prototype of a diamond semiconductor amplifier.
The recent funding round led by Globis Capital partners has brought ODD’s total raised capital to around $45 million since its inception. The startup is actively engaging with potential customers in various industries, including nuclear power plants, aerospace, and telecommunications. ODD’s innovative approach to using diamond chips for cleanup efforts at Fukushima Daiichi and other applications underscores the importance of advanced semiconductor technologies in addressing complex challenges.
