Applied Sciences Department, Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University) has organized Short Term Course on "Characterization of Advanced Functional Materials" (CAFM-2018) from 18 June to 24 June 2018, under TEQIP-III project. Researchers from neighboring institutes (Panjab University Chandigarh, SD College Chandigarh, Punjabi University Patiala, GMN College Ambala, Govt. College Ludhiana) including JNGEC, Sundernagar, attended a series of expert lectures by eminent scientists and academicians, from all over India. Opening session of CAFM-2018 was chaired by Prof. Sanjeev Sofat, Head, Computer Science and Engineering, PEC Chandigarh with a motivational note. Prof. Harminder Kaur, Head, Department of Applied Sciences gave an overview of the Department to the participants. As an introductory note, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Coordinator of CAFM-2018, provided a broad aspect of materials characterization and discussed its role in thrust area of current and forthcoming technology. In first lecture, Prof. Nilesh Gurao, IIT Kanpur, provided an excellent overview of role of materials characterization in material sciences and technology via elaborating theoretical and experimental aspect of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and other techniques of characterization. In next lecture, he familiarizes CAFM-2018 participants to qualitativeXRD data analysis. On second day, Dr. R K Kotnala, Senior Scientist, NPL Delhi, delivered key lecture on his ground-breaking invention "Hydroelectric Cell". Dr. Kotnala mentioned that hydroelectric cell - the most pioneering invention in the Indian history - is capable to generate electricity from few drops of water. On third day of event, Dr. Rahul Vaish, IIT Mandi, explored role of Material Sciences and advanced characterization towards availing great participation of functional materials in the highly desirable concept of green energy. Dr. Rudra Kumar, IIT Mandi, provided glimpse on Li-ion battery. He explored a systematic path towards the selection and exploitation of suitable materials with improved efficiency. Dr. S K Sharma, IIT Mandi, explored the coming RAM technology, through a novel approach. He mentioned that RAM enriching with the additional layer of other functional materials such Ferroelectrics/Piezoelectrics. Fourth day of lecture series, Dr. V. Sathe, UGC-DAE-CSR Indore, introduced Raman spectroscopy and its sincere contribution in not only in physics but also in detection of premature cancer. Dr. K. Singh, UGC-DAE-CSR Indore, explored extra-functional materials and the role of materials engineering towards smart technology. Dr. Neha Sardana, IIT Ropar, discussed plasmonics phenomena for future technology. On the sixth day Dr. S.D. Kaushik, UGC-DAE-CSR, Mumbai discussed the basics of magnetism and advanced magnetic materials. DR. Jayant Kolte, TIET, Patiala, discussed the magnetoelectric composites and their applications. In the last session of event, Dr. S D Kaushik presented key role of neutron diffraction in the characterization of advanced functional materials. In valedictory talk, Dr. Sanjay Batish, TEQIP-III coordinator, interacted with the young participants and motivated them to carry remarkable contribution in science and technology.
Short Term Course on "Characterization of Advanced Functional Materials"
