Indian scientists develop microscope capable of visualising magnetic fields

India has developed its first indigenous Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM) – an instrument capable of visualising magnetic fields with exceptional precision. The news was reported by IANS, a partner of TV BRICS.

Unlike conventional microscopes, it not only reveals the structure of objects but also their invisible magnetic properties in 3D. The device allows researchers to examine objects without opening them, TV BRICS reported.

The technology is based on the use of a synthetic diamond containing special defects known as nitrogen-vacancy centres. These centres act as ultra-sensitive sensors: when exposed to laser light, they change their luminescence depending on the surrounding magnetic field. The microscope converts these forces (magnetic fields) into colourful images.

Potential applications of the microscope include the analysis of microchips and biological samples. For instance, it can identify defects in electronic components without causing damage or detect the activity of nerve cells. In the future, this could contribute to the development of more reliable electronics and the study of brain disorders.

The project is being implemented by scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay as part of the National Quantum Mission supported by the Government of India. The device has already been patented, and researchers are now working on integrating it with artificial intelligence to automate data analysis.