NRL suggest that the Laboratory should embark on this emerging technology. The potential payback would certainly justify the risk involved.

Another exotic material that made the headlines a few months ago is carbon nitride (C₃N₄). According to predictions, the hardness of β-C₃N₄ should exceed that of diamond and other properties should be similar to those of diamond. Recently, scientists at Harvard University succeeded in synthesizing CN films and demonstrated structural evidence for the formation of β-C₃N₄. There is no question that this material offers exciting prospects for both basic research and engineering applications.

NRL should be in a unique position to pursue work along this line. This may not be feasible immediately, but it should be considered in connection with a long-range plan.