CHENNAI: The Crystal Growth Centre, Anna University, has submitted a proposal to the Union Ministry of Communications and Information Technology for developing high frequency, high-powered technology enablers that would reduce congestion in broadband networks.

The devices would help increase broadband capacity through across the spectra increase in frequencies. The university already had the research and development expertise and technical know-how required and the cost of the project would work out to Rs. 70 crore, J. Kumar, professor, Crystal Growth Centre, told reporters during the inauguration of the five-day International Workshop on Crystal Growth and Characterisation of Advanced Materials organised by the Centre here on Monday. The Union Government's decision is expected soon, he said.

The Centre was also working on another project, whereby a UV light-emitting diode (LED) could be used to purify drinking water in rural areas. The low cost, low-maintenance device could be produced on a mass scale, Dr. Kumar added. Research was also being done on a nanodimensional bone replacement material for use in bone fractures.

Paradigm shift

Earlier, inaugurating the conference, M.M. Nambiar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Communications and IT, said a paradigm shift had occurred in the way data were being processed and delivered. E-governance initiatives had succeeded in bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas, he added.

A total of 180 delegates from countries such as the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Italy, Japan and China are attending the conference. Topics to be covered include optoelectronic materials, nanostructures, solar cell materials, high-energy radiation detectors, laser materials, sensors and smart structures and biological crystallisation.

M.S. Vijayaraghavan, Chief Executive Officer, Society for Integrated Circuit Technology and Applied Research (SITAR) was present during the inauguration.

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