TITLE : Pattern Formation in the Kinetics of Phase Transitions

ABSTRACT :

Consider a system which is rendered thermodynamically unstable by a sudden change of parameters, e.g., temperature, pressure, etc. The system evolves towards its new equilibrium state via the emergence and growth of domains enriched in the preferred phases. Problems in this area of "kinetics of phase transitions" have received much research attention, and arise in many areas of physics. In this talk, we review our understanding of this area. We conclude by discussing the important problem of surface-directed spinodal decomposition (SDSD), i.e., the interplay of phase separation and wetting at a surface.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER :

Prof. Sanjay Puri (born 23/11/1961 in Rampur, UP) obtained an M.S. in Physics from IIT Delhi in 1982. He then obtained a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1987. In December 1987, he joined as an Assistant Professor in the School of Physical Sciences (SPS), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi -- 110067. He has been at JNU since then and is currently a Professor in SPS. In this period, Dr. Puri has made several visits abroad, and has been a Visiting Professor at Johannes Gutenberg Universitat, Mainz (Germany); University of Manchester, Manchester (UK); Cambridge University, Cambridge (UK); Kyoto University, Kyoto (Japan), etc.

MEETING DETAILS :

Speaker: Prof. Sanjay Puri (JNU Delhi)

Venue: Auditorium, North Campus, IIT Mandi

Date and Time: October 10, 2025, Friday at 5:00 PM