Redefining Optical and Computational Chip Manufacturing: An interview with Prof. Tapajyoti Das Gupta, IISc, Bengaluru

In an era of technological advancements rapidly transforming industries, one of the objectives of the Bengaluru Science and Technology (BeST) Cluster is to support collaborations that will pursue research on futuristic areas that can drive economic growth through innovations. One such activity is its association with the Center for Promotion of Additive Manufacturing: Optical Computation Chips (CPAM:OCC), a Center of Excellence (CoE) funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeiTY), Govt. of India hosted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) . With a strong focus on affordability, precision, and industry collaboration, the center is positioning itself as a pioneer in both academic research and market-ready solutions in cutting-edge optics-based technologies. BeST aids this mission by enabling strategic cross-disciplinary partnerships and industry collaborations.

In an interview with Prof. Tapajyoti DAS GUPTA , Assistant Professor at IISc, leading this CoE, we explore the center’s unique mission, pioneering technological advancements, and long-term vision to make a substantial global impact.

Q. Can you give us an overview of CPAM: OCC (Center for Promotion of Additive Manufacturing: Optical Computation Chips)?

CPAM: OCC, a Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeiTY), Govt. of India-funded initiative, is focused on promoting additive manufacturing with a specific emphasis on fabricating and designing optical computational chips, primarily using polymers. Our mission is to develop cost-effective, innovative technologies, including semiconductor and additive manufacturing machines and to train manpower. These machines are capable of printing at a resolution of 200 nanometers. Globally, CPAM is the first center to create machines with such high precision, and we’ve already developed a prototype of a tabletop machine, which is ready for further development.

Q. Could you tell us about the academic journey that led you to this center?

I joined IISc in 2020. Our lab is motivated to find affordable methods for fabricating photonic and electronic structures. While our lab was involved in multiple projects, including fabricating large-area nanostructures via nano-imprinting, we wanted to move away from the cleanroom fabrication process and develop a more accessible, cost-effective alternative. This motivation led us to propose the formation of the center, where we leverage additive manufacturing to create large-scale photonic structures.

Q. What core technologies does the center focus on, and how do they impact industries or other fields? Could you elaborate on some specific applications?

Our primary focus is on additive manufacturing and nano-imprinting, particularly in the field of meta-surfaces. One of the key areas we are exploring is photonic architecture to build computational devices that do not rely on traditional electronic integrated circuits (ICs). Another significant application is in meta-lenses or flat lenses. Meta-lenses, made of metamaterials, are artificially engineered materials that can manipulate light by controlling its phase, amplitude, and polarization. These lenses are much smaller and flatter than the conventional bulky lenses. They can also be used in smartphones. Companies like Apple have already begun using meta-lenses in collaboration with start-ups in the U.S. Meta-lenses eliminate spherical aberrations and are more efficient in terms of light throughput, making them an alternative to traditional photographic lenses.

Q. How does the center work towards translating research into market-ready solutions?

We’re actively collaborating with industry partners. Companies can approach us with specific problems, and we develop tailored solutions for them. This model of industry-academia collaboration is crucial for translating our research into market-ready technologies.

Q. What is the long-term vision of CPAM? Where do you see the center in the next decade?

Our center is built on three main pillars: machine building, manpower training, and the design and fabrication of nanostructures. In the next decade, we aim to play a pivotal role in India’s optics and semiconductor industries. As the only center in India capable of providing solutions for building lithographic machines, CPAM is set to lead in this space as these industries continue to grow.

Q. Can you shed some light on the major funders supporting the center?

Currently, CPAM is supported by MeitY, which funds our machine-building capacity. We’re also in discussions with other companies and organizations like SECL[2]? for additional funding, particularly for software development.

Q. What are some of the industries that CPAM is actively engaged with?

We are in discussions with companies such as Ansys for design collaborations and SECL for other projects. We’re also starting a collaboration with KLA in the meta-lens domain.

Q. How is CPAM positioning itself on the global stage? Are there any international partnerships or collaborations?

Yes, we have ongoing academic collaborations with institutions like Cambridge and the University of Notre Dame. We’re also exploring collaborations with international foundries to advance our meta-lens fabrication processes.

Q. What are some of the biggest challenges CPAM faces?

Our biggest challenge is securing more funding and fostering greater industry collaboration. This is not just a challenge for CPAM but for academia across India. While we have the technical capabilities and fabrication facilities, we need industries to partner with us to drive innovation and production to the global stage.

Q. What kind of long-term impact do you see CPAM having on society? Economic and environmental?

Economically, our machines are more affordable compared to foreign-made equipment, which costs around 6-7 crores. Our technology, offering higher resolution and larger printing areas, will be available for around 2-3 crores. Environmentally, we’re opting for polymers over traditional materials like silicon, which require significant water usage. Our single machine replaces multiple cleanroom machines, which consume both power and water. Our machine is energy-efficient.

Q. How does CPAM align with national missions or initiatives?

CPAM contributes to India’s additive manufacturing mission, supported by MeitY. We also align with the National Quantum Mission and the Semiconductor Mission, driving advancements in these critical fields.

CPAM:OCC is well on its way to transforming industries like photonics, electronics, and semiconductors. Through strategic collaborations with both national and international partners, CPAM is not only advancing cutting-edge research but also ensuring that these innovations reach the market as viable, eco-friendly solutions.

Written by Jalak Mehta, Edited by Nidhya Nadarajan Joghee, Project Manager, BeST Cluster