EuQlid Inc., a pioneering startup in the quantum technology space, has officially launched with a significant investment of $3 million aimed at revolutionizing semiconductor analysis. The funding was provided by notable venture capital firms QDNL and Quantonation, both of which specialize in emerging quantum technologies.
The semiconductor manufacturing process entails extensive testing to ensure chip designs are free from flaws before mass production can commence. Any potential hardware inefficiencies, such as short circuits, can lead to excessive heat and impact the chip’s performance, often resulting in lengthy diagnosis times due to the complexity of modern chip layers.
Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, EuQlid is addressing these challenges with its innovative quantum diamond microscope, known as the Qu-MRI. This advanced device leverages synthetic diamonds containing nitrogen-vacancy centers—created by Element Six, a De Beers PLC subsidiary—to inspect chip circuitry non-destructively. This capability is crucial, as traditional inspection methods often render chips unusable during testing.
The Qu-MRI functions by detecting subtle changes in magnetic fields generated by the chips, allowing engineers to pinpoint design flaws more efficiently. Capable of measurements with a resolution of one micron, the system can map the magnitude and direction of a chip’s magnetic fields, informing engineers about potential issues that could affect performance.
To enhance analysis speed, EuQlid pairs the Qu-MRI with an artificial intelligence application that swiftly transforms raw magnetic data into visual magnetic field maps, significantly reducing the analysis time. Unlike traditional inspection tools that require vacuum or ultra-cold environments, the Qu-MRI’s operational flexibility allows for simpler setups and diverse applications.
Beyond processing chips, the Qu-MRI can also be utilized for inspecting various computer components, including interconnects and memory chips. Its potential extends into other sectors, such as automotive, where it can be employed to examine the internal structures of vehicle batteries.
“Our mission is clear,” stated co-founder and CEO Sanjive Agarwala. “We aspire to make quantum precision readily available, addressing core metrology and inspection challenges, thereby facilitating advancements in the semiconductor and battery industries.”
