Diamonds and Quantum Technology

• Context (TH): The Customs Department’s restrictions on diamond imports are hindering India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM), an initiative to advance quantum technologies.

Quantum Technology

• Quantum technology is a field of science and engineering that utilises the principles of quantum mechanics (fundamental theory describing nature at the atomic and subatomic scales).
• It is used to develop superior quantum computers, sensors, encryption systems, etc.

Use of Diamond in Quantum Technology

• Diamonds normally consist of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal structure called diamond cubic.
• However, the atomic structure of some diamonds sometimes has two missing carbon atoms (defects). They are substituted by a nitrogen atom and a ‘hole’. This is called a ‘nitrogen-vacancy’ centre.
• These ‘centres’ are very sensitive to the slightest variations in magnetic fields
• An electron at such a centre can be individually tweaked and made to behave like a qubit.

Qubits

• Quantum computers use qubits (quantum bits) as the basic unit of information.
• Binary bits can represent either 0 or 1, but qubits can exist in a superposition of states, meaning they can represent both 0 and 1 simultaneously. This allows qubits to carry more information.
• This property also allows quantum computers to perform multiple calculations parallelly.

Lab Grown Diamonds Over Natural Diamonds

• Quantum scientists prefer lab-grown diamonds over natural diamonds because:
  • Controlled Defects: Lab-grown diamonds can be engineered with nitrogen-vacancy centres, offering precise and tailored properties for quantum applications.
  • Scalability and Reliability: Lab-grown diamond production scales predictably, ensuring reliable supply for research and development, unlike natural diamond mining.
  • Ethical and Environmental Impact: Lab-grown diamonds are more ethical and environmentally friendly than mined diamonds, promoting sustainable practices in R&D.

Issue in India

• Indian diamantaires are not yet equipped to make diamonds with quantum-research-ready ‘defects.’
• The diamonds with the appropriate defects have to be imported from Europe or the US.
• However, research facilities cannot import these diamonds as they are not classified as gemologists according to India’s customs laws.
• They have to buy it from the import and export companies in India that are licensed to import diamonds.
• This increases the cost and hinders the R&D of quantum technology in India.