In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-Bombay) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have embarked on a mission to develop India’s first Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager. This innovative project aims to achieve new heights in semiconductor chip examination, significantly reducing chip failures and increasing the energy efficiency of electronic devices.

Harnessing Quantum Technology

Over the next two years, a team of experts from TCS will collaborate with Dr. Kasturi Saha, Associate Professor in IIT-Bombay’s Department of Electrical Engineering, to develop a state-of-the-art quantum imaging platform within the PQuest Lab. This platform is set to revolutionize quality control processes for semiconductor chips, enhancing their reliability, safety, and energy efficiency.

The Brainpower Behind Modern Devices

Semiconductor chips are integral to the functionality of all modern electronic devices. These chips act as the brains of various technologies, enabling smart and efficient operations across diverse sectors, including communications, computing, healthcare, military systems, transportation, and clean energy. The advanced Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager will elevate the standard of semiconductor manufacturing, ensuring superior product performance and durability.

Advancing Through Collaboration

Dr. Kasturi Saha expressed her excitement about the collaboration, noting that the PQuest group at IIT-Bombay was thrilled to partner with TCS on developing a quantum imaging platform for non-destructive chip examination. She highlighted that by leveraging their expertise in quantum sensing, they aimed to drive innovation across sectors such as electronics and healthcare, and propel India forward with groundbreaking technologies aligned with the National Quantum Mission’s Quantum Sensing and Metrology vertical.

Aligning with National Goals

This collaboration aligns perfectly with the National Quantum Mission, an initiative by the Government of India aimed at positioning the nation as a global leader in quantum technology. Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT-Bombay, highlighted the institute’s commitment to translating research and innovation into impactful technologies through industry collaborations. 

Cutting-Edge Applications

As semiconductor chips continue to shrink, traditional sensing methods struggle to detect anomalies with the required precision. The Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager addresses this challenge by imaging magnetic fields to provide non-invasive and non-destructive mapping of semiconductor chips. This innovative approach is comparable to how MRI technology is used in hospitals.

The imager utilizes defects in a diamond’s structure, known as Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers, along with specialized hardware and software to detect and characterize anomalies in semiconductor chips. Its diagnostic capabilities will significantly impact failure analysis, device development, and optimization processes.

Broader Implications and Applications

The Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager can identify chip defects such as current leakages and visualize three-dimensional charge flow in multi-layer chips, marking a significant advancement in semiconductor imaging. Its applications extend beyond microelectronics to biological and geological imaging, and fine-scale magnetic field imaging, among others.

A Legacy of Collaboration

This project builds upon the long-standing partnership between TCS and IIT-Bombay, which dates back to the 1990s. Over the years, the collaboration has included joint research projects, collaborative education programs, internships, and faculty development initiatives. IIT-Bombay was the first institute to join TCS’ Co-Innovation Network, a platform that fosters industry-academia collaboration for innovative solutions.

The development of the Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager by IIT-Bombay and TCS signifies a major leap forward in semiconductor technology. By merging their expertise, these institutions are set to revolutionize the quality control of semiconductor chips, driving advancements in multiple sectors and contributing to India's leadership in quantum technology. This initiative not only promises to enhance the efficiency and reliability of electronic devices but also sets the stage for future innovations in quantum sensing and imaging.