Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and IIT-Bombay have joined forces to pioneer India's inaugural quantum diamond microchip imager, a groundbreaking sensing apparatus designed for semiconductor chip analysis. The forthcoming tool endeavors to revolutionize precision in semiconductor chip inspection, minimize chip malfunctions, and enhance the energy efficiency of electronic devices, according to a collaborative announcement. As part of this collaboration, TCS specialists will collaborate with Dr. Kasturi Saha, Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT-Bombay, to spearhead the development of this innovative tool over the ensuing two years.

Semiconductor chips serve as the central processing units in contemporary electronic gadgets, playing a pivotal role in various sectors including telecommunications, computing, healthcare, defense systems, transportation, and sustainable energy. According to TCS, as semiconductor technology advances and chip sizes decrease, conventional sensing techniques are unable to provide the required accuracy and functionalities for detecting chip abnormalities. In an effort to address this challenge, TCS plans to introduce the Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager, which will possess the capability to image magnetic fields. This innovative tool will enable non-intrusive and non-destructive mapping of semiconductor chips, facilitating improved chip analysis and performance evaluation.

The microchip imager will leverage defects within a diamond's structure, specifically Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers, in conjunction with additional hardware and software components to identify and assess irregularities in semiconductor chips. Concurrently, the central government has initiated a National Quantum Mission aimed at establishing the country as a frontrunner in quantum technology on a global scale.

Union Minister for Communications, Electronics, and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, stated earlier this year that India would witness the launch of its first indigenous semiconductor chip by the end of 2024. Professor Saha said, "By working together, we aim to transform various sectors, including electronics and healthcare, and propel India forward through ground-breaking technologies and products aligned with National Quantum Mission's Quantum Sensing and Metrology vertical".

Dr. Harrick Vin, Chief Technology Officer at TCS, emphasized the rapid advancement of the Second Quantum Revolution, highlighting the necessity of combining resources and expertise to develop state-of-the-art capabilities in sensing, computing, and communication technologies. "We firmly believe this initiative will have a transformative impact on various industries and society, with applications ranging from electronics to healthcare and beyond. By working together, we can drive innovation and create a brighter future for all", said the CTO.