Technology and Indians are inseparable now as technological advancement has made an increase in the use of semiconductors around us. Our need has grown so much on it that India spends more money on the import of semiconductors than on oil. In spite of this India stands nowhere in the world in either manufacturing and research of semiconductors. which was revealed by Prof Vikram Kumar, emeritus professor in physics at IIT Delhi.
Prof Kumar, while speaking at the inauguration at international symposium on semiconductors materials and device hosted by VLSI Design and Nanotechnology Centre of Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) said that
“Labs of five IITs were given funds (about Rs50 crore) for research in semiconductors, but when these institutes wanted more funds for extending the research, the government-sanctioned even less than half of what was demanded. This shows that the field is not a priority.”
A recipient of Shantiswaroop Bhatnagar and Vikram Sarabhai awards, Prof Kumar stated just putting the blame on the government is not enough it is a very complex issue, he further added
“Semiconductor raw materials for industries like silicon wafers are not available in India. Due to various constraints, mainly finance, it is almost impossible to set up semiconductor manufacturing units here. However, with proper policies, countries like Singapore and Taiwan have excelled in semiconductor manufacturing even though they didn’t have the raw material.”
Computers are getting smaller and smaller. Technological growth and research in the semiconductors are making equipment and parts of equipment smaller. For example, a 14-nanometer base can hold much more chips than ever and yet have a huge memory, which was not the case earlier.
“Over 30% material in any equipment is electronic and semiconductors. Gallium nitrite (semiconductor commonly used in light-emitting diodes) has already brought drastic changes in energy consumption. It is going to be the next revolutionary material in the world,” he said.
Organic semiconductors, which are made from carbon-based materials like P3HT, perryline, are also making a dent into the industry. But it has its own applications and it cannot replace inorganic semiconductors or vice versa. Use of organic LED in television and mobile improves the display quality. They are also used in RFIDs. But overall organic semiconductors are slower in response. said, Prof Kumar.
Our education is lagging behind with the developments in science and technology.
“The education standard otherwise is so poor that it is a threat to the country. This affects the employability of students. Autonomy to some extent can help institutes have their own curriculum,” he ended with.