This is one of the oldest departments of the institute which has been providing the basic knowledge of physics to innumerable budding engineers who have studied in this institute. Physics means “knowledge of nature", which essentially is a natural science that involves the study of natural laws and its consequences in both microscopic and macroscopic domain. The interest of the department of physics spreads over many interdisciplinary areas of science and the boundaries are not rigidly defined. The department encourages and appreciates new ideas in physics that have relevance to technologies useful for the mankind.
Laboratories & Research
The department currently boosts of severalstate-of the-art research laboratories which provide the infrastructural support for cutting edge multidisciplinary researchwhich is primarily focused on various aspects of synthesis and properties of materials.In recognition of the high quality research in materials conducted by its faculty members, the department has been selected by the MHRD, Govt. of India for the prestigious “Centre of Excellence” grant in 2013 (in partnership with the department of MME of this institute). However, the department encourages other research areas including Exploration of Helium and Geothermal Power, Earthquake Precursory Studies, Nonlinear Systems and Time Series Analysis, Study of chaotic behavior of Electronic circuits and systems and application of chaos in cryptography, Research towards synthesis of nanomaterials for optical sensors, solar cellsetc., Standard model and beyond standard model, B meson decays, boson phenomenology, etc. The research in the above mentioned areas are conducted in the various laboratories which are described in the Facilities section.
Future Research Focus
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Structure, Properties and Applications of Nanomaterials
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Harnessing Green Energy
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Photonics and Optical Sensors
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High Energy Physics (Theory and Phenomenology)
Future Plan for Projected Goals
The various academic programmes run by the department will continue to be updated in tune with today’s science, technology and societal requirements, in order to make them competent with the international standards. Our faculty members are well connected with the rest of the world and it is through the continuous engagement of the faculty members with colleagues/peers in other reputed universities that we plan to ensure that we are always up to date in our curriculum and syllabus. The projected goals will be achieved through collective effort of all faculty members in generating funds, increasing collaboration/interaction with outside world and most importantly working together as a team for the development of the department.
Societal Impact
In the next five years we are going to focus on research subjects such as Nanotechnology, Green Energy, Photonics& Optical Sensors, Smart Materials &Systems, Device Prototyping, High Energy Physics etc. The main strength of the department lies in the field of Nanomaterials research which will be further enhanced through infrastructure and knowledge development. Efforts will be made to link this research with the society by applying the findings in developing products that have direct societal relevance such as solar cells, sensors, detectors, smart systems etc. Apart from the above, there is a plan to install a prototype geothermal power plant at Bakreswar village (within 70 km of NIT Durgapur) which lies in a geothermal area (hot springs). It is hoped that the small power plant will provide green power (electricity) to the small village. The study of Standard model and beyond standard model in high energy physics is very relevant in today’s world as this may help us know the origin of masses and why different matter has different masses.
Vision
To impart quality education & focus on research in basic and applied sciences leading to advancement of technology to cater to the need of the country.
Mission
To provide quality education to students with sound understanding of the fundamentals and applications of physics for the advancement of science & technology with the following aims:
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To provide high quality teaching and research.
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To improve global visibility of the department through highly qualified and internationally acclaimed faculty and staff.
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To provide the most up to date and purposeful curriculum and the state- of-the-art laboratory facilities in a “student centric” approach to empower them in finding suitable employment.
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To improve employability of our graduates by arranging close interaction with nearby industries, so that our programs and graduates are highly regarded and accepted in their workplace.
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To provide necessary knowledge, experience and ethical values to the students leading them to responsible citizens of the nation
ERP