SRM Varsity steps into world of Nanotechnology

Chennai, Nov 30: Research into Nanotechnology might have begun 25 years ago but it has started gathering momentum only in the recent past.

It is still at a nascent stage in India in terms of commercial exploitation though various universities were talking about its importance in the emerging technological scenario.

Taking a lead within three years of its existence as a varsity, the SRM University has entered into the Nano world.

As part of its commitment to enter into this innovative technology space, the university has set up a Centre of Excellence in Nanotechnology at its campus in suburban Kattankulathur to pursue research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology through collaborative efforts with Queen's University, Canada, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US and National University of Singapore (NUS).

Dr M Ponnavaikko, Director, Research, Virtual Education and International Initiatives, told UNI here today the development activities were being planned in three phases.

He said a Nanotechnology Lab was set up at SRM under phase one of the development plan, to start the research work.

The new Nanotechnology Research Centre housing the lab will be inaugurated by Dr T Ramasami, Union Secretary, Department of Science and Technology on December two in the presence of Dr Ponnavaikko and University Chancellor T R Pachamuthu and Vice-chancellor P Sathyanarayanan.

With a financial assistance of Rs 1.50 crore, the lab was equipped with an Ambient Scanning Probe Microscope, Physical Vapour Deposition System, Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition System with RF Sputtering, Langmuir-Blodgett Thin Film Deposition System, Spin Coater, Wet Chemistry Lab for finding Nanoparticulate inclusions in gemstones and minerals.

Dr Ponnavaikko said three research scholars were already working on various areas of Nanotechnoloy at the University under the guidance of Mr C Gopalakrishnan of the Trinity College, London and Dr Srihari Murthy from Caltech, US.

Set up on a 2000 sq m area, the research activities to be taken up in the state-of-the-art centre include Nanotechnology Support for Public Health Project in collaboration with the Queen's University, Nanoscale Academic Research (in collaboration with the Queen's University and NUS) and SRMU-Industry Collaboration in Nanotechnology (Ashok Leyland and L&T) on application of Nanotechnology in the Automobile Industry.

As a part of expansion plans, the laboratory would be equipped with an UHV-SPM that could perform AFM and STM simultaneously, Scanning Electron Microscope with E-Beam Lithography Tool, High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope with EDAX facility, Ellipsometer and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer, Mr Ponnavaikko said.

UNI