The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay announced a strategic partnership with IT services giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to develop India's first Quantum Diamond microchip imager. This advanced sensing tool will be used to test the quality of semiconductor chips. 

The new sensing tool, which will be constructed at IIT Bombay's PQuest Lab by TCS experts over the next two years, aims to reduce the chances of chip failures and enhance the efficiency of electronic devices. By enabling better quality control of semiconductor chips, the tool will improve product reliability, safety, and energy efficiency in electrical devices. 

"The PQuest group at IIT Bombay is excited to collaborate with TCS on developing a quantum imaging platform for the nondestructive examination of chips, leveraging our extensive expertise in quantum sensing to drive innovation. By working together, we aim to transform various sectors, including electronics and healthcare, and propel India forward through groundbreaking technologies and products," said Dr. Kasturi Saha, Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Bombay. 

This collaboration between TCS and IIT Bombay aligns with the National Quantum Mission, an initiative by the government aimed at positioning the nation as a global leader in quantum technology. 

An indigenous Quantum Diamond microchip imager that integrates quantum diamond microscopy with AI/ML-powered software imaging will help India leap ahead in the quantum revolution. "The Second Quantum Revolution is progressing at an unprecedented speed, making it imperative to pool our resources and expertise to build cutting-edge capabilities in sensing, computing, and communication technologies," said Harrick Vin, Chief Technology Officer at TCS. 

As semiconductors continue to shrink in size, traditional sensing methods lack the precision and capabilities to detect anomalies in the chips. 

The Quantum Diamond microchip imager utilises defects in a diamond's structure, known as Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centres, along with specialised hardware and software for detecting and characterising anomalies in semiconductor chips. 

The Quantum Diamond microchip imager will have wide applications in microelectronics, biological and geological imaging, and fine-scale imaging of magnetic fields, among others. 

Image Source: Communications Today