The Department of Physics organised a Department Research Seminar on February 05, 2025, that offered a theoretical expression on Big Bang Nucleosynthesis. The seminar, which unravelled as a theory-experiment dialogue, also delved into interesting topics like Quantum Field Theory and General Relativity. Dr Martin Schaefer, nuclear physicist from the Department of Theoretical Physics Nuclear Physics Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences was the keynote speaker of the session.

The key idea of this session was to understand the means of the Big Bang and the Standard Model Lagrangian Method. Dr Schaefer discussed the nuclear reactions that formed the early universe and had an interaction session with the participating students and scholars.

The workshop was based on ‘Big Bang to Now: Exploring the Origins of the Universe’ with Nuclear Processes during Big Bang Nucleosynthesis. It focused on understanding the universe’s origins and the nuclear processes responsible for its birth during Big Bang nucleosynthesis.

Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) refers to the process that occurred roughly 10 seconds after the Big Bang when the temperature of the universe dropped enough for atomic nuclei to form. This has led to the creation of stable elements such as helium and lithium isotopes, which played a crucial role in the evolution of the universe. The specific abundance of these elements provides observable imprints in the universe today, helping scientists validate theories like the Hot Big Bang Model and the Standard Model of particle physics.

The study of BBN allows scientists to understand the fundamental forces and nuclear interactions that governed the early universe. Dr Martine Schaefer provided insightful and educative information by helping scientists test the hot Big Bang theory. The session proved to be an incredible platform for scholars, students, and faculty to collaborate and discuss theoretical and experimental physics.

The Department of Physics organised a 3-day conference on “From Big Bang to Now : A Theory-Experiment Dialogue.” The event witnessed the presence of – Prof. Ranjit Thapa, Dean-Research; Dr C V Tomy, Dean-School of Engineering and Sciences, Dr Pranab Mandal, Head – Department of Physics, Prof. Sreerup Raychaudhuri along with Assistant Professors Dr Ashmita Das, Dr Basabendu Barman and Dr Amit Chakraborty.

As part of the inaugural address Dr C V Tomy highlighted the varsity’s prowess in terms of its accomplishments for a relatively young University, he stated that the varsity’s H-index of 59 reflects its significant global impact, the department of physics has also been the FIST sponsored Department among many other departments in the university.

Prof. Ranjith Thapa in his address stated, “SRM University-AP is a self-reliant institution, generating its own resources to fund cutting-edge research and education,” he also welcomed students to be a part of the academic community at SRM AP.

The Department head, Dr Pranab Mondal stated, “Since the inception we have grown tremendously as a department and as a university, both in terms of academic output and research impact. We also focus on actively collaborating with other departments to focus on not just research but also on advancing higher education and have strived to make the department what it is today.”

Prof. Sreerup Rayachaudhuri, visiting professor at the varsity and former professor at the TIRF said, “There are 4 categories of universities in India, the IITs, the private universities, the government universities and research institutes. Although SRM AP is a private university, it strongly encourages research, the very existence of this conference today, exemplifies the varsity’s commitment to fostering research culture.”

The conference also featured engaging presentations and lectures by students and faculty from various prestigious institutions across India. The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange, and networking, further strengthening SRM University-AP’s reputation as a hub for academic and research excellence.

The 3-day conference concluded with a renewed commitment to spreading knowledge in the field theory, high-energy physics, Astroparticle physics and Machine Learning, ensuring that SRM University-AP continues to contribute significantly to global scientific progress.

The Department of Physics organised the International Conference on Emerging Trends in Optical Technology (ETOT 2024), showcasing the latest advancements in the field of Optical Technology. The conference featured esteemed chairpersons Prof. R P Singh and Prof. Achanta Venugopal, alongside distinguished dignitaries including Registrar, Dr R Premkumar, Dean-SEAS , Prof. C V Tomy, and Dean-Research, Prof. Ranjit Thapa.

In his inaugural address, Dr Gangi Reddy Salla, Associate Professor and programme convenor from the Department of Physics, emphasised the vital role of Optical Technology in contemporary society. He stated, “This conference serves as a crucial platform for discussing the emerging trends and innovations in Optical Technology, reflecting its significance in various sectors today.”

The conference hosted 62 distinguished speakers from India and abroad, receiving a total of 103 abstracts, with 40 contributions from the university across various departments. As an association with IOP Proceedings, special acknowledgment will be featured in its upcoming issue. Additionally, the conference was generously supported by sponsors exceeding 10 lakhs, including notable companies such as ANRF, ATOS, Advanced Photonics,AIMIL and CIPHR and the University of Tartu. OPTICA also endorsed this significant event.

During the proceedings, five exemplary paper awards were announced in honour of the conference chairperson Prof. R P Singh. In his welcome address, Prof. C V Tomy remarked, “Despite being only seven years old, the university has made significant strides in research, this conference is testimonial to the varsity’s research excellence and will not just pave way for advancements in the field of optical technology, but will also fosters collaboration between industry leaders and academic experts.”

Prof. Achanta Venugopal highlighted the pressing need for a uniform curriculum in Optics and Photonics nationwide. He expressed concern over the lack of fabrication laboratories to expand research possibilities, saying, “Conferences like these can significantly impact our field by addressing the necessity for such facilities, prompting governmental action to support our academic aspirations.”

Prof. R P Singh urged attendees to broaden their research applications beyond academic papers, particularly in fields such as Agriculture and Medicine. He stated, “The utilisation of optical technologies can revolutionise these sectors, and it is essential for our research to resonate with real-world challenges and reach those in need.”

The event concluded with the recognition of the chairpersons by Registrar Dr R Premkumar, Dean-SEAS, Prof. C V Tomy, and Dean-Research, Prof. Ranjit Thapa. The release of the abstract book marked another highlight of the conference, with Dr Ravi Kumar delivering the vote of thanks. The event also featured insightful presentations and discussions from prominent speakers representing renowned institutions both in India and internationally.

The 7th National Conference on Electronic Structure successfully concluded at SRM University-AP on November 21 – 23, 2024, under the aegis of the Department of Physics and the Centre for Computational and Integrative Sciences. The conference provided a dynamic platform for discussions and interactions on the recent advances in electron spectroscopy, microscopy, and related theoretical approaches to understanding the electronic structure of materials.

NCES was also aimed at capacity building in the field of electronic structure. Scientists, researchers, and scholars from universities and research institutes assembled to delve deep into research on electronic structure-related projects and works. Scientific discussions and invited lectures showcased insightful sessions by domain experts from India.

Out of forty poster participants, four poster winners were awarded a certificate of appreciation and Rs.3000/—each in recognition of their effort and dedication, contributing to their success.

Prof. Ranjit Thapa (Convenor), Prof. Kalobaran Maiti (National Convenor), and Prof. B R Sekhar (National Convenor) spoke about the significance of the event, which helped scholars know the importance of the NCES event in terms of fruitful scientific interactions and collaborations with each other.

The participants were also on a short tour around Undavalli caves and Kanak Durga Temple. The tour plan facilitated an informal platform for participants to communicate freely and network with others for long-term collaborations.

The 7th National Conference on Electronic Structure was an inspiring experience for all participants, encouraging research scholars to work in the field of electronic structure. The conference also facilitated a conducive environment for problem-solving and innovation.

In an inspiring collaboration, Prof. G S Vinod Kumar and Prof. Sheela Singh from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Ranjit Thapa from the Department of Physics, and Dr Rajapandiyan Panneerselvam from the Department of Chemistry at SRM University – AP, along with PhD scholars Ms Harsha K and Ms Arunima J, have co-authored a compelling paper titled “Innovative Approaches to Enhancing the Tarnish Resistance of Silver Alloys.” This groundbreaking research focuses on developing new silver alloys that resist tarnishing, enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal for applications in the jewellery industry. Together, they are paving the way for innovative solutions that blend science with artistry.

Abstract

Silver and its alloys undergo tarnishing with time, which is a black stain on the surface due to the formation of Ag2S. Developing a tarnish resistant Ag alloy was attempted by alloying Ag with elements that form a passive oxide layer on the surface. Germanium is proven to provide better tarnish resistance to sterling silver alloy (92.5wt.% pure) which is available under the trade name of Argentium©. The present work investigates the tarnish resistance behaviour of sterling silver alloy (92.5wt.% pure) containing various additions of Copper, Zinc, Germanium, Aluminium, Beryllium, Titanium, Zirconium, and Magnesium. The alloys were prepared by melting and casting route, followed by Passivation Heat Treatment (PHT) to create a stable and continuous oxide layer. The temperature for PHT was optimized using thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) of the alloys prepared. An accelerated tarnish test was carried out to investigate the tarnishing behaviour of alloy samples obtained before and after PHT. The samples were characterized using XRD, SEM-EDX, TG-DSC, micro-Raman Spectroscopy, and XPS. The change in reflectance of the samples after the tarnish test is determined using UV-visible reflectance spectroscopy. The mechanism behind the tarnish resistance was derived using Density Functional Theory (DFT) by comparing sulphur (S2) and Oxygen (O2) adsorption energies (BE) of the alloying elements.

Explanation of the Research in layperson’s terms

Age-old silver pieces are found in different colours ranging from light yellow(silver Jewellery pieces after a few weeks of usage) to black(archaeological silver pieces). They look different in terms of the metallic white colour and lustrous appearance from fresh silver. This demeans silver and thus affects its market. The major cause of the staining of silver is the interaction of individual silver particles with some elements found common in the atmosphere. We work on the prevention of this staining of silver. For the study, silver is incorporated with other elements which makes silver less interacting with staining elements in the atmosphere. These additional elements create a layer over silver so that it is protected. The appropriate elements are identified by using modelling using computer software. After obtaining appropriate elements, the experimental trials are also done with the same elements until stainless silver is obtained. Then, what happens to the added elements inside silver is also studied by using modern microscopic technics.

Practical/Social Implications of the Research

The major application of the invention is in the jewellery industry. The problem of tarnishing is an age-old threat in jewellery making. The alloys we proposed could be used to make quality silver jewellery/articles that can sustain the colour and lustre for a longer period. This will stop the hesitation from jewellery designers and industries to try intricate designs in silver and find a better market for them. The alloys based on the proposed composition show good grain refinement and thus high hardness. This strengthens the soft silver and improves the range of its applications from low hardness articles to high. The alloys based on the proposed composition have high tensile strength. They deform plastically for a wide range of stress values and will not break easily.

Collaborations:

Waman Hari Pethe & Sons Jewellery

Future Research Plans:

1. Corrosion studies of silver alloys to understand the behaviour in solutions having compositions similar to that of sweat.

2. Study of mechanical properties of silver alloys to develop workable alloys of sterling silver which could be used for jewellery manufacturing

3. Identification of elements having better oxide layer formation when alloyed with silver, by using computational techniques and experimental studies of their properties.

Link to the article:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2238785424024633