IIT Bombay, TCS to develop India's first quantum diamond microchip imager

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have teamed up to develop India’s first quantum diamond microchip imager. The project aims to create a quantum imaging platform for the non-destructive examination of semiconductor chips, enhancing quality control, reliability, safety, and energy efficiency in electronic devices.

TCS experts will collaborate with Kasturi Saha from IIT Bombay's electrical engineering department over the next two years to develop this platform in the PQuest lab. This partnership builds on the longstanding relationship between TCS and IIT Bombay, which includes joint research, collaborative education programmes, and internships since the 1990s.

IIT Bombay, TCS collaboration

Expressing her excitement about the collaboration between IIT Bombay and TCS, Kasturi Saha, associate professor from IIT Bombay, said, "With this collaboration, we aim to transform various sectors, including electronics and healthcare, under India's quantum mission."

Harrick Vin, chief technology officer of TCS, stated, "This collaboration aligns with the national quantum mission's quantum sensing and metrology vertical. Together, TCS and IIT Bombay will drive innovation and create a brighter future for India."

Shireesh Kedare, director of IIT Bombay, added, "IIT Bombay is always open to collaborations with industries to foster innovation and research, propelling India forward in technology."

Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager

The quantum diamond microchip imager is an advanced sensing tool that integrates quantum diamond microscopy with artificial intelligence and machine learning powered software to enhance the precision of semiconductor chip examinations. This non-invasive imager can map magnetic fields using Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centres in diamonds, much like an MRI for chips, improving chip reliability and efficiency.

It also offers benefits for failure analysis, device development, and optimization processes, with wide applications in microelectronics, biological, geological, and fine-scale magnetic field imaging.