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Principal Investigator (PI)

Prof. Kasturi Saha,
IIT Bombay

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Prof. Kasturi Saha min01

This Technical Group is advancing NV-centre diamond-based quantum sensing and microscopy systems, a platform that combines room-temperature operation, optical readout, and scalability. NV-centres in diamond are uniquely suited for portable, high-resolution sensing that can transform applications in healthcare, semiconductors, materials science, and strategic sectors.

As the lead PI spearheading Qmet Tech, Prof. Kasturi Saha integrates fundamental research with the National Quantum Mission’s goal of building deployable, industry-ready quantum sensing technologies. This group forms one of the core pillars of India’s quantum sensing ecosystem.

Member Principal Investigators (MPIs)

TG 3 01 Prof. Siddharth Tallur min01
IIT Bombay
Prof. Siddharth Tallur
TG 3 02 Prof. Veeresh Deshpande min01
IIT Bombay
Prof. Veeresh Deshpande
TG 3 03 Prof. Rahul Singh min01
IIT Bombay
Prof. Rahul Singh
TG 3 01 Prof. Ambarish Ghosh
IISC
Prof. Ambarish Ghosh
TG 3 02 Prof. Vini Gautam
IISC
Prof. Vini Gautam
TG 3 01 Prof. Pratap Raychaudhuri min 1
TIFR, Mumbai
Prof. Pratap Raychaudhuri
TG 3 01 Prof. M S Ramachandra Rao min 1
IIT Madras
Prof. M S Ramachandra Rao
TG 3 02 Dr. Vidya Praveen Bhallamudi min 1
IIT Madras
Dr. Vidya Praveen Bhallamudi
TG 3 03 Prof. Sudharsanan Srinivasan min 1
IIT Madras
Prof. Sudharsanan Srinivasan
TG 3 01 Dr. Tanmoy Basu min
TCG Crest
Dr. Tanmoy Basu
TG 3 01 Prof. Phani Kumar Peddibhotla min
IISER Bhopal
Prof. Phani Kumar Peddibhotla

Objectives

Advancing quantum sensing through nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond with room-temperature spin coherence and optical control.

Enhancing NV-based magnetic field sensing by improving sensitivity, spatial resolution, and signal-to-noise ratio across multiple configurations.

Exploring adaptive optics imaging, new microscopy modalities for microfluidics, scanning magnetometry, and nanodiamond-based sensing.

Addressing fabrication, characterization, and diamond sample development challenges to strengthen research capabilities.

Developing teaching aids for workforce training and establishing national infrastructure for fabrication and standardization.

Applications

Healthcare

Early disease detection, non-invasive diagnostics, microfluidics monitoring

Semiconductors

3D chip imaging, nanoscale defect detection, device validation

Environment & Energy

Trace contaminant detection, nanoscale mapping of energy devices

Defense & Space

GPS-free navigation, magnetic anomaly detection for surveillance

Quantum Ecosystem

Benchmarking and calibration of quantum devices

The NV-Center Technical Group develops sensors based on diamond quantum defects, linking research outcomes to industries such as healthcare, semiconductors, defense, and energy.

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Industry Targets

01 Healthcare Biotech

Healthcare & Biotech

Diagnostic device manufacturers, hospitals, biotech startups

02 Semiconductors Electronics

Semiconductors & Electronics

Chip fabs, testing and validation facilities

Technical Group 3

Defense & Aerospace

DRDO, ISRO, and strategic labs

04 Industrial Metrology

Industrial Metrology

Calibration and testing organizations

05 Environmental Monitoring

Environmental Monitoring

Startups and agencies working in sustainability and renewable energy

Goals

Short-Term (1–3 years)

Build prototypes of NV microscopes; establish diamond fabrication/testing infrastructure.

Mid-Term (3–6 years)

Create portable NV sensors; set national benchmarks; enable industry transfer.

Long-Term (6–10 years)

Scale production of diamond sensors; position India as a global leader in NV-based sensing.

Short-Term (1–3 years)
Mid-Term (3–6 years)
Long-Term (6–10 years)

Build prototypes of NV microscopes; establish diamond fabrication/testing infrastructure.

Create portable NV sensors; set national benchmarks; enable industry transfer.

Scale production of diamond sensors; position India as a global leader in NV-based sensing.

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Asset 3555

Opportunities

Research

Interdisciplinary exploration in physics, biology, and materials

Industry

Access to indigenous NV technologies, reducing import reliance

Startups

Deep-tech ventures in biomedical and semiconductor diagnostics

National Ecosystem

Infrastructure for training, standards, and commercialization

Global Leadership

Position India as a partner in worldwide NV research

Socio-Economic / National Impact

  • Affordable diagnostics and accessible healthcare.
  • Stronger semiconductor industry with improved reliability.
  • Strategic autonomy in sensing and navigation.
  • Creation of a skilled workforce in NV-based quantum sensing.
  • Contributions to India’s ambition of global quantum leadership.
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