Newswise — UAB and Carnegie Institution scientists have patented a new method to create synthetic diamond gemstones in the lab as good as those found in nature. "Our method, which uses microwave plasma technology, also produces diamonds more quickly," said co-patent holder Yogesh Vohra, Ph.D., physics professor and University Scholar at UAB. "The patent covers both the chemistry and apparatus for growth. This development makes it possible to produce diamonds 100 to 200 times faster than conventional methods, enabling the gemstone industry to grow large diamonds not easily available in nature in a matter of days." Vohra said in addition to retail applications, single crystal diamonds are used in high-pressure research. Possible future applications include high-temperature microelectronic devices.