As international PCB makers flock to India, molecular spectroscopy is within the highlight. From how it’s powering smarter failure evaluation and materials ID in electronics to its rising demand, Dr Atul Lavand of Thermo Fisher Scientific tells every thing to EFY’s Yashasvini Razdan.
Q. How is molecular spectroscopy used within the semiconductor and electronics trade?
A. In electronics, our major focus is on analysis and improvement (R&D) groups, notably these concerned in printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing. Molecular spectroscopy performs a vital function in PCB manufacturing, particularly in failure evaluation. If a PCB fails, our Fourier rework infrared (FTIR) microscope can map and analyse particular areas of the board. The FTIR gentle is directed onto the recognized area, producing a spectrum. This spectrum is then matched with a reference library to establish the fabric chargeable for the failure. As soon as recognized, producers can refine their processes to forestall related points sooner or later.
We provided our FTIR microscopes to main electronics producers, the place they’re getting used for PCB failure evaluation.
Q. Are there different spectroscopy methods or gadgets utilized in molecular spectroscopy?
A. Sure, other than FTIR spectroscopy, we even have Raman spectroscopy and Raman microscopy. Each methods complement one another—FTIR is most popular for figuring out natural practical teams, whereas Raman spectroscopy is extra fitted to inorganic practical teams.
Molecular spectroscopy is relevant to all kinds of PCBs. Each time failure evaluation is required, the FTIR microscope can be utilized to establish the fabric inflicting the difficulty.
Q. How does molecular spectroscopy work in analysing a number of layers of coatings in PCBs?
A. The method is simple. When a failure happens, the PCB is positioned beneath the FTIR microscope. The precise space chargeable for the failure is mapped, and FTIR gentle is directed onto it. The sunshine interacts with the fabric, and the response is detected utilizing a mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) detector. The ensuing spectrum is in contrast with a worldwide reference library to establish the fabric. As soon as recognized, producers can hint their supply within the manufacturing course of and make needed changes to forestall defects.
Q. What if there are any contaminants or residue in between the coatings?
A. Sure, molecular spectroscopy can detect that as effectively. If any residue or contaminant is current, spectroscopy can establish its particular spectral signature. This helps producers hint the contamination supply, whether or not from packaging or the manufacturing course of, and take corrective measures.
Q. India has a restricted variety of PCB producers, with most corporations specializing in meeting. What sort of demand do you see for molecular spectroscopy on this house?
A. You might be proper; PCB manufacturing continues to be rising in India. Nevertheless, a number of overseas corporations are establishing PCB manufacturing items resulting from beneficial authorities insurance policies. These corporations are our principal targets. Additionally, with proposals to arrange OSAT (outsourced semiconductor meeting and check) amenities in India, the semiconductor trade is anticipated to develop. This can possible improve demand for molecular spectroscopy in India.
Q. Are you immediately approaching PCB producers, or do you’re employed with giant authentic gear producers (OEMs) within the electronics trade?
A. We primarily work with giant OEMs that manufacture their merchandise in-house.
Q. Who’s your goal buyer inside these corporations—R&D, gross sales, or procurement groups?
A. Our principal interactions are with R&D groups, as they’re chargeable for failure evaluation and course of enhancements. We offer our clients with a return on funding (ROI) calculation, demonstrating how the instrument may help get well prices inside a 12 months by stopping failures and enhancing manufacturing effectivity.
Q. Does synthetic intelligence (AI) play any function in molecular spectroscopy?
A. AI is anticipated to play a major function within the coming years, notably in software program for spectral interpretation. Thermo Fisher is engaged on AI-powered software program in molecular spectroscopy, which can be obtainable quickly.
Q. Any new improvements or product releases in line to deal with the competitors?
A. We constantly improve each {hardware} and software program. Our newest product, the RaptIR Plus microscope, is designed to satisfy evolving market calls for. Our concentrate on innovation and offering end-to-end options from pre-sales to post-sales help differentiates us. We offer each service and utility help to our clients.
Sooner or later, we’re working in the direction of a single-point contact mannequin for electronics clients, simplifying entry to our options throughout R&D, high quality management, and high quality assurance divisions.
Q. Do you solely cater to the biggies, reminiscent of Foxconn or MSMEs and startups? How can the latter join with you?
A. We’ve a buyer help excellence centre in Bengaluru, primarily for biopharmaceuticals, and one in Mumbai, catering to each pharmaceutical and electronics industries. Clients can go to our Mumbai lab or ship samples for evaluation. We help each startups and academia by way of our utility help lab, offering pattern evaluation and outcome interpretation. For MSMEs and startups, we’ve a variety of FTIR options, from benchtop fashions to high-end devices.
Q. What’s the minimal order amount (MOQ) for buying your devices?
A. There isn’t a MOQ; clients can buy a single or a number of items primarily based on their necessities.
Q. What function do channel companions play in your online business?
A. Channel companions contribute considerably to steer technology and buyer help.
Q. What hiring traits is the corporate following?
A. We primarily rent professionals but additionally practice freshers. Our service crew hires engineers, whereas our utility help centre prefers PhDs.
