Centre for ultrafast processes inaugurated in Madras Varsity

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, OCT. 11. The Madras University entered the record books on Thursday with the inauguration of the National Centre for Ultrafast Processes (NCUFP), a multi-crore facility that will help in cutting edge high-end research in physical, chemical and biological sciences.

The Centre has facilities to measure and study the effect of `ultra-fast processes' that occur in structures of matter in pico-second and femtoseconds (less than a thousand billionth of a second). Researchers will be able to understand the fundamental dynamic processes in materials.

Prof. P. Natarajan, Director of the Centre, said new lasers and techniques had been developed for investigating the dynamics of the ultra-fast processes and their physical properties and effects. The centre had instruments such as picosecond single photon counting spectrometer, picosecond pump- probe absorption spectrometer, laser flash photolysis spectrometer, nanosecond single photon counting spectrometer. While the Union Department of Science and Technology (DST) provided Rs.3.18 crores for equipment and operating costs, the State had participated in building the Rs.1.8-crore building at the University's Taramani campus.

Lauding the University for its efforts to get the national level facility, the DST Secretary, Dr. V. S. Ramamurthy, explained the schemes available with the Centre to encourage young scientists, including helping bright youngsters to work with seasoned researches in national level laboratories. On teh other side, it encouraged scientific leaders to develop centres of advanced research. One of them was the NCUFP in Chennai.

Dr. M. Anandakrishnan, Vice-Chairman, TN State Council for Higher Education, said scientists of different disciplines who use the Centre would be able to understand each other's work better. He hoped that this convergence of scientific disciplines would percolate down to the normal academic activity too. The Centre could also `act as a magnet to attract private investment in high science and research``.

Dr. Pon. Kothandaraman, Vice-Chancellor of the Madras University, said research work in the Centre would be used for technology development in molecular electronics and devises, photonics, biotechnology, new materials, nano-technology and pharmaceutical sciences. The Department of Atomic Energy would be approached for providing a pulse radiolysis facility and a confocal microscope in the tenth plan period, costing Rs.3 crores or more.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : Sale of TANSI Foundry land a 'collective decision'
Next     : Police assn., a balm or bane?