Core Discipline: Applied Physics

Mentor: Dr. Anand Kumar Srivastava, Assistant Professor, Physics

Co-Mentor: Mr. Ravindra Kumar, Associate Lecturer, Physics

Technical background and utility of the club

We all know about the three familiar states of matter that are; Solid, Liquid and Gas. Take an example to understand fourth sate of matter that is Plasma.  When we heat Solid, the inter-molecular bond weakens and we get Liquid state. Heat it more, inter-molecular bonds break, molecules evaporate and we get Gaseous state. 

Now if Gas is heated further by some means, the bond between the atomic nucleus and the outermost electron breaks resulting in a medium of free electrons and positive ions. In other words we achieve the ionized gas. It was observed that when all the atoms are stripped off, the system is fully ionized and exhibits behavior that are radically different from the normal hot gases. The assembly of positive ions, electrons & neutral particles exhibiting a collective behavior is known as Plasma state. 

In the solid, liquid and gaseous form of matter, electrons are bound to the atomic nucleus. Plasma is created when enough heat is applied to remove the electrons, which are now free. Plasma is the form of matter that is used in the fusion process of the Sun. Example of man-made plasmas on earth is glow in fluorescent lamp whereas lightening is an example of naturally occurring plasmas. 

There are number of industrial applications where the use of plasma-based technologies offers distinct advantages over other conventional technologies. Some applications of plasmas in industry are:

(1) Plasma-based etching and deposition in semiconductor industry.

(2) Material-processing and surface modification (Plasma ion implantation, plasma nitriding, carburizing).

(3) High-pressure arcs & jets for ceramic coatings, welding/cutting and pyrolysis.

(4) Flat panel displays as plasma television, plasma UV lamps etc.

(5) Pollution control, food processing, air/water purification.

(6) Biomedical plasma applications.

(7) Plasma aerodynamics.

(8) Plasma Nano-technology etc.

The association with this club will create interest of students in this technological domain and inspire their creativity to innovate through practical learning and application oriented mindset.

Activities to be considered under the club:

The activities of the club have been well formulated to develop interest and competence of the students in the related technologies with emphasis on application aspects of the concepts. Following activities have been considered;

• Learning through technical magazines and journals
• To develop understanding on plasma, it’s applications and vacuum technology
• Design and practical modeling of relevant devices
• Paper writing & presentation
• Quiz and group discussions on the club theme related topics
• Conduction of  workshops and practical training sessions
• Interaction with eminent industrial and academic experts in the domain of  club theme
• Industrial and institutional tours 
• Considering industrial R&D projects in the domain of  club theme