TITLE : Beyond Manuals: Physics experiments through semi open-ended format

ABSTRACT :

Hands-on combined with minds-on format of doing experiments is becoming increasingly important. In this talk, first I will describe the experiment setup by assembling components for production of single photons with SPDC and interference using the generated single photons. Proof of granularity of photons also examines interpretation of associating granular nature of photons to photoelectric effect in the literature. I will briefly describe a few experiments developed in open ended format and moved to lower semester labs, namely, experiencing the magnetic resonance with a compass and improved low cost lock-in amplifier with AD630 chip. Overview of the other teaching lab experiments from many areas of physics, including a brief discussion on the challenges and benefits of these efforts, will also be discussed.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER :

Santosh Babu obtained his M.Sc. and Ph.D. at IIT Madras. His Ph.D. topic was microwave dielectric resonators based on rare earth perovskites. After spending a couple of years as postdoc at Materials Research Laboratory on bismuth pyrochlores, University of Nova Gorica, Slovenia and about a year at Light Scattering Laboratory, JNCASR on Raman spectroscopy, he joined as a Scientific Officer at NISER. In this job, he concentrates on developing, planning and improving experiments for Integrated M.Sc. and Integrated Ph.D. teaching laboratories. His work includes coordinating in-house repair of the equipment and bringing error analysis to the measurements. He also works with outreach activities for demonstration of experiments and acts as a resource person to conduct Vigyan Pratibha physics modules for school teachers developed by HBCSE, Mumbai and other volunteers.

MEETING DETAILS :

Speaker: Dr. G. Santosh Babu, Scientific Officer 'F', School of Physical Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar‬

Venue: A4 conference room, South Campus, IIT Mandi

Date and Time: December 11 th, 2025, Thursday| 5:00 pm (IST)