A group of 30 scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has made a groundbreaking proposal to develop angstrom-scale semiconductor chips, which would be smaller than any existing chips currently available worldwide.
Angstrom-scale chips are defined by features measured at the angstrom level, where an angstrom equals one-tenth of a nanometer. This makes them significantly smaller than the current nanometer-scale chips in use today.
The creation of smaller chips is pivotal as they enable faster and more energy-efficient electronic devices. This initiative positions India to potentially emerge as a global leader in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
The proposal emphasizes utilizing 2D materials, particularly ultra-thin substances like graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), rather than relying on traditional silicon.
2D materials offer significant advantages over silicon, as they can support even smaller chip sizes. Their compatibility with angstrom-scale fabrication enables greater miniaturization and may lead to enhanced performance.
At present, semiconductor production is primarily dominated by countries like the US, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, which utilize mainly silicon-based technologies.
The smallest chip size currently available in the market is the 3-nanometer node, which has been developed by companies such as Samsung and MediaTek.
As of now, the Indian government's acceptance of the proposal is still under discussion with the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY). Officials have shown a positive outlook, and talks are ongoing.
The Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) plays a crucial role in this initiative. The team submitted a detailed project report to the PSA in April 2022, with an updated version provided in October 2024. The PSA’s office is actively coordinating with relevant government departments.
If this project succeeds, it would place India at the forefront of next-generation chip design. Furthermore, it could reduce the country’s reliance on foreign nations and create valuable opportunities in manufacturing and research and development.
Q1. What are angstrom-scale semiconductor chips?
Answer: Angstrom-scale chips are semiconductor devices with features measured at the angstrom level, making them significantly smaller than conventional nanometer-scale chips.
Q2. Why is India focusing on 2D materials for chip manufacturing?
Answer: India is focusing on 2D materials like graphene and TMDs because they enable smaller chip sizes and enhance performance compared to traditional silicon.
Q3. What is the role of the Indian government in the chip proposal?
Answer: The Indian government is currently discussing the chip proposal with the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) and is considering its potential for national advancement.
Q4. Who is facilitating the project coordination?
Answer: The Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) is facilitating project coordination with various government departments to support the proposal's implementation.
Q5. How would successful chip development benefit India?
Answer: Successful chip development would position India as a leader in semiconductor technology, reduce dependency on imports, and create high-value manufacturing opportunities.
Question 1: What is the proposed scale for the new semiconductor chips by IISc?
A) Nanometer scale
B) Micrometer scale
C) Angstrom scale
D) Millimeter scale
Correct Answer: C
Question 2: Which materials are being proposed for the new chips instead of silicon?
A) 3D materials
B) Graphene and TMDs
C) Silicon compounds
D) Metal alloys
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the current smallest commercially produced chip size?
A) 5-nanometer
B) 2-nanometer
C) 3-nanometer
D) 10-nanometer
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: Which countries dominate the semiconductor manufacturing industry?
A) China, India, USA
B) USA, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan
C) Germany, France, Brazil
D) Russia, Canada, Australia
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What is the role of the Principal Scientific Adviser in the chip proposal?
A) To fund the project
B) To coordinate with government departments
C) To develop the chips
D) To market the chips
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: What is the significance of angstrom-scale chips for electronic devices?
A) They are cheaper
B) They are faster and more energy-efficient
C) They occupy more space
D) They have no significant impact
Correct Answer: B
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