India has unveiled its first indigenous Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM) for dynamic magnetic field imaging — a significant advancement in non-destructive magnetic sensing and quantum technology. Developed by the P-Quest Group at IIT Bombay under the National Quantum Mission (NQM) of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the innovation was officially announced at the Emerging Science Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2025).
The announcement was attended by Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay K. Sood, and DST Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar, marking a defining moment for India’s growing quantum research ecosystem.
At the heart of the system lies technology based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond—atomic-scale defects capable of retaining quantum coherence at room temperature. These NV centers are exceptionally sensitive to magnetic, electric, and thermal variations, allowing optical readouts of magnetic fields through optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR).
Led by Professor Kasturi Saha, the QDM offers three-dimensional, nanoscale magnetic field imaging, enabling widefield visualization of dynamic magnetic phenomena similar to an optical microscope. The technology holds vast potential in non-destructive testing (NDT)—particularly in semiconductor inspection, where it can map buried current paths, multilayer circuits, and subsurface defects without physical contact or sample damage.
The innovation addresses one of the most pressing challenges in modern electronics: the inability of traditional diagnostic tools to probe complex 3D chip architectures and cryogenic processors. The QDM provides a quantum-level imaging capability that can detect and reconstruct minute magnetic field variations across integrated circuits, microelectronic systems, and energy storage devices, paving the way for more accurate, contactless diagnostics in manufacturing and materials science.
Aligned with the National Quantum Mission’s vision to build indigenous quantum technologies, Prof. Saha’s team plans to integrate the QDM platform with AI and machine learning-based computational imaging, extending its applications to chip diagnostics, biological imaging, and geological magnetization studies.
The development also marks a national first — with India securing its maiden patent in quantum diamond microscopy, establishing a technological foundation that could propel quantum-enhanced NDT and imaging research globally.
By merging quantum sensing, optical imaging, and AI-driven analytics, IIT Bombay’s innovation places India at the forefront of next-generation non-destructive testing technologies, unlocking new possibilities for high-precision, non-invasive characterization across defence, semiconductor, and energy sectors.
