Dr Soumyajyoti Biswas, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics, along with his Doctoral Scholar, Mr Soumyaditya Das, have presented groundbreaking findings through their research work titled “Critical Scaling through Gini Index”. The research paper was featured in the prestigious Physical Review Letters, which has an impact factor of 9.161.

Abstract

In the systems showing critical behaviour, various response functions have a singularity at the critical point. Therefore, as the driving field is tuned toward its critical value, the response functions change drastically, typically diverging with universal critical exponents. In this Letter, we quantify the inequality of response functions with measures traditionally used in economics, namely by constructing a Lorenz curve and calculating the corresponding Gini index. The scaling of such a response function, when written in terms of the Gini index, shows singularity at a point that is at least as universal as the corresponding critical exponent. The critical scaling, therefore, becomes a single parameter fit, which is a considerable simplification from the usual form where the critical point and critical exponents are independent. We also show that another measure of inequality, the Kolkata index, crosses the Gini index at a point just prior to the critical point. Therefore, monitoring these two inequality indices for a system where the critical point is not known can produce a precursory signal for imminent criticality. This could be useful in many systems, including condensed matter, bio- and geophysics to atmospheric physics. The generality and numerical validity of the calculations are shown with the Monte Carlo simulations of the two-dimensional Ising model, site percolation on the square lattice, and the fibre bundle model of fracture.

Fig.1: Shows the crossing point of the Gini index and the Kolkata index prior to critical point for three different models (from left Ising model in 2d, site percolation in 2d and fiber bundle model of fracture) form both side of critical point.

Collaborations and Future Plans

This work essentially builds a framework for indicating imminent critical points for any system. Therefore, in situations where such knowledge is vital, for example, in the fracture of solids, the method is going to be highly useful in forecasting the failure point. We are in the process of working with our collaborators at the University of Barcelona to experimentally verifying our methods for the compressive failure of porous samples. This is a significant first step towards opening new pathways in forecasting fracture points in disordered materials that could have an impact on laboratory-scale fractures to large constructions and eventually to earthquakes.

We wish the teacher-student duo many more fulfilling and enriching research endeavours in future!

Dr Jatis Kumar Dash, Associate Professor in Physics at SRM University-AP, delivered an invited lecture on Advances in Nanotechnology at Sri Durga Malleswara Siddhartha Mahila Kalasala, Vijayawada on September 30, 2023.

During the lecture, the students were actively engaged and asked insightful questions that demonstrated their keen interest in how nanotechnology can address global challenges in fields like energy and security. By the end of the lecture, many students expressed their interest in pursuing research careers and visiting the varsity to conduct short internship programmes under the guidance of the faculty members in the Department of Physics and explore the advanced laboratories. Dr Jatis was happy to have sparked the students’ interest in nanomaterials and devices.

SRM University-AP is committed to providing students with opportunities to learn about cutting-edge technologies and develop the skills they need to succeed in their careers. The guest lecture on Advances in Nanotechnology is just one example of how the university is working to prepare students for the future. In the spirit of innovation and nurturing the dreams of these young minds the varsity extended an open invitation to the students of Sri Durga Malleswara Siddhartha Mahila Kalasala to explore our state-of-the-art laboratories and engage in research opportunities. The students can experience the frontiers of science and directly take part in the current ongoing research works.

In an era where competition in the job market is on the peek, internships give you an edge over the rest of your peers. It gives you an opportunity to get real-time experience and put to practise what you have learnt. But not everyone manages to acquire an internship, while most students manage to barely secure a single internship, Md Shoaib, has bagged not one, but two exciting international internships in the field of Quantum Physics!

Here’s what Md Shoaib has to say on his remarkable achievement: “ I am excited to delve deeper into this topic and participate in enriching lectures, workshops, and interactions with experts in the field. It will be a valuable experience to learn from renowned Quantum scientists from various countries and broaden my understanding of Quantum Cryptography.”

Md Shoaib, a BSc Physics (Hons) with Research student has secured the prestigious Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP) internship programme along with a Summer School “Quantum Cryptography” internship offered by the University of Gdańsk, Poland. The internships not only offer a stipend but also covers travel, accommodation and logistic expenses.

We wish Md Shoaib the very best in his endeavour!

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The faculty of SRM University-AP have been awarded 10 projects worth 2.50 crores from the Science and Engineering Research Board  (SERB-SURE). Department of Science and Technology (DST) received a total of 2000 proposals, of which 466 were sanctioned. Among the 466 projects, 151 projects were awarded to Private Universities. Of the 151 projects approved to state private universities and colleges throughout India, the five-and-a-half-year young varsity was awarded 10 projects. 10 professors from various Science and Engineering Departments brought this incredible achievement to the university.

SERB-SURE is a research grant scheme initiated by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) in India to provide financial support to young researchers in the early stages of their careers. The grants are intended to support research in basic and applied sciences, engineering, and technology and is typically granted for a period of three years.The SERB-SURE scheme is one of several initiatives by SERB to promote scientific research in India and support the development of a strong research community in the country.

“It is a milestone achievement that resonates with the University’s unparalleled commitment for excellence. We are striving towards research-intensive learning to build cutting-edge innovation for a transformative tomorrow”, commented Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora. The Executive Director-Research of SRM Group, Prof. Narayana Rao said that, “SRM University-AP has travailed hard to achieve the world-class scientific temperament that we now advocate, and this achievement is a testimonial recognition of all our efforts.” The prestigious grants were sanctioned to the faculty in the on-going domains of Quantum Kinetic Approach, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Profiling and Changing of Hydroclimatic conditions in Bay of Bengal among 7 others.

Dean-SEAS, Prof. Ranjith Thapa said, “These research could be path-breaking and could offer a solution to many of the societal difficulties.” Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, Dr Sandeep Singh and Dr Pitchaiah Cherukuri of the Department of Biological Sciences; Dr Sabyasachi Chakrabortty, Dr V S Baswanth Oruganti of the Department of Chemistry; Dr Debabrata Pramanik, Dr Ravi Kumar and Dr Pankaj Bhalla  of the Department of Physics ; Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma of the Department of Mathematics; Dr Uma Maheswar Arepalli of the Department of Civil Engineering; and Dr Kousik Das of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering were awarded the grants.

The Department of Physics, SRM University–AP organised the 8th lecture of the “Eminent Guest Lecture Series: An Odyssey of Physics” on May 10, 2023. Prof. Prabal K Maiti from the Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore visited the university campus and delivered a talk on “Multiscale Modelling of Complex Systems”. The seminar was held at colloquium level to motivate and encourage young undergraduates and graduates.

More than 60 participants attended the seminar across the disciplines and interacted with the eminent speaker. During his visit, Prof. Maiti also had one-to-one interaction sessions with the faculty members and research scholars. The speaker also enthusiastically interacted with many students informally over breakfast at the university mess hall. Dr Debabrata Pramanik from the Department of Physics coordinated the event with Dr Amit Chakraborty and with active participation from the research scholars, faculty members and supporting staff. Department of Physics plans to conduct more such events where eminent and distinguished scientists will visit the campus and encourage young talents.