In a groundbreaking collaboration, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-Bombay), to pioneer the development of India’s inaugural Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager. This state-of-the-art sensing tool promises to revolutionize semiconductor chip examination, reduce chip failures, and enhance the energy efficiency of electronic devices.

Over the next two years, TCS experts will collaborate with Dr. Kasturi Saha, Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT-Bombay, to spearhead the development of this quantum imaging platform within the PQuest Lab. This platform aims to elevate the quality control standards of semiconductor chips, thus bolstering product reliability, safety, and energy efficiency across various electrical devices.

Semiconductor chips serve as the cornerstone of modern electronic devices, driving efficiency and intelligence across industries such as communications, computing, healthcare, military systems, transportation, clean energy, and more. By integrating quantum diamond microscopy with AI/ML-powered software imaging, the Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager promises a paradigm shift in chip examination methodologies.

Dr. Kasturi Saha expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "The PQuest group at IIT Bombay is thrilled to collaborate with TCS in developing a quantum imaging platform for non-destructive chip examination. Leveraging our extensive expertise in quantum sensing, we aim to drive innovation across sectors, including electronics and healthcare, thereby advancing India's technological landscape in alignment with the National Quantum Mission's objectives."

Dr. Harrick Vin, Chief Technology Officer at TCS, emphasized the transformative potential of the collaboration, stating, "Our partnership with IIT Bombay underscores our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation. By aligning with the National Quantum Mission, we aim to drive transformative change across industries, from electronics to healthcare."

The Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager is poised to address the limitations of traditional sensing methods, offering advanced capabilities to detect anomalies in semiconductor chips. Its non-invasive and non-destructive imaging approach, akin to MRI technology, enables precise mapping of chip structures, facilitating comprehensive failure analysis, device development, and optimization processes.

Prof Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, underscored the institute's dedication to fostering industry collaborations for technological advancement, stating, "IIT Bombay is delighted to collaborate with TCS in developing a quantum imaging platform for chip examination. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to translating research into impactful solutions, thus propelling India's technological prowess."

The Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager not only promises to revolutionize semiconductor imaging but also holds vast potential for applications in microelectronics, biological and geological imaging, and fine-scale magnetic field imaging.