| Description | Between 1946 and 1948 Simon undertook theoretical work on the conversion of graphite to diamond (under the influence of neutron bombardment). Following on from this, Simon suggested to Sir Ernest Oppenheimer that the diamond industry should not be without scientific backup.
This suggestion resulted in the funding by Oppenheimer (through Industrial Distributors) of areas of Solid State research in the UK. The project was instigated by Simon following Industrial Distributors request for Simon to aid their research into new 'abrasives' formed by the neutron bombardment of diamonds. Simon instead suggested Industrial Distributors instead fund areas of Solid State research in the UK, to build up relations which could later be used for more direct research into areas of interest for Industrial Distributors.
Later, Simon suggested RW Ditchburn of Reading University to the Oppenheimers to carry out research into diamond colouration. |