Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore   

`Share research knowledge on crystal growth'

Staff Reporter

Crystals and thin films are `building blocks' of modern science and technology

Coimbatore: Scientists should share their findings in the area of crystal growth that is vital for electro-optic applications, G. Bhagavannarayana, Head, Materials Division, National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, said here on Friday.

"We have to share our knowledge, expertise and facilities mutually so that all of us can be benefited," he said, while inaugurating a national conference on `Crystal growth for electro-optic applications' organised by the Crystal Growth Research Centre, Physics Division, Department of Science and Humanities, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences (KITS) Deemed University.

Among the areas of interest were characterisation of single crystals by high-resolution X-ray diffraction methods, stress measurements and determination of crystallographic orientation of single crystals and wafers.

He said that single crystals and epitaxial (growth of crystal layers with same structure) thin films were the "building blocks" of modern science and technology. "In recent years, photonic devices play an important role because of their storage, processing and information-carrying capacity. These devices need single crystals or their fibres or thin films with non-linear properties," he said.

Mr. Bhagavannarayana said that the crystal growth research centre at the University was unique because it had been established with indigenous resources. India needed such "home made" systems. These were preferable to imported systems that were not only expensive, but which could create problems because of dependence on manufacturers and having to cope with breakdowns.

In his keynote address, P. Ramasamy, Dean (Research), S.S.N. Engineering College, Chennai, said that electro-optic applications were likely to remain relevant for a long time. It was important for researchers to continue their efforts and produce new ideas. Researchers could make significant contributions even past the age of 60.

Financial resources could be raised in India for active research in a particular area, but there was a steep increase in expenditure when it came to turning the products of research into prototypes and establishing an industry.

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