TCS partners with IIT Bombay to create India’s first semiconductor chip imaging tool

Indian technology giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-Bombay) to develop India’s first quantum diamond microchip imager.

The innovative sensing tool aims to bring a new level of precision to the examination of semiconductor chips, which are crucial components in all modern electronic devices.

The joint project will be developed over the next two years with the collaboration of TCS experts and Dr. Kasturi Saha, an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT-Bombay.

Addressing the limitations of traditional sensing methods

The quantum diamond microchip imager is designed to address the limitations of traditional sensing methods, which struggle to detect anomalies as semiconductor chips continue to shrink in size.

This new tool will be capable of imaging magnetic fields, allowing for non-invasive and non-destructive mapping of semiconductor chips, similar to an MRI in a hospital setting.

The capability is expected to reduce chip failures and enhance the energy efficiency of electronic devices, which is vital for industries such as communications, computing, healthcare, military systems, and clean energy.

The technical aspects

The core technology of the quantum diamond microchip imager leverages the defects in a diamond’s structure, known as Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers.

These defects, combined with advanced hardware and software, enable the detection and characterization of anomalies in semiconductor chips.

TCS highlighted that this development is crucial as traditional methods lack the necessary precision for the increasingly complex semiconductor landscape.

Leadership comments

The project brings together TCS and IIT-Bombay, with significant contributions from Dr. Kasturi Saha and the PQuest Lab's quantum imaging platform.

Dr. Kasturi Saha, Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT-Bombay, said, "PQuest group at IIT Bombay is excited to collaborate with TCS on developing a quantum imaging platform for the non-destructive 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 aligned with National Quantum Mission's Quantum Sensing and Metrology vertical."

Dr Harrick Vin, Chief Technology Officer, TCS, said, “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. Our collaboration with IIT Bombay is perfectly aligned with the National Quantum Mission's Quantum Sensing and Metrology vertical. 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.”

Aligning with the National Quantum Mission

The collaboration between TCS and IIT-Bombay is aligned with the National Quantum Mission – an initiative by the government of India to position the nation as a global quantum technology leader.

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.