Science
The Department of Atomic and Molecular Physics (D.A.M.P.) is a point of convergence of multidisciplinary research and learning in the field of Atomic and Molecular Physics. Research and development programmes in the area of Laser and Spectroscopy, has been gaining momentum in the department ever since the day of its inception. Today D.A.M.P. has established itself as a leading centre for research in a vast area of atomic and molecular physics consisting of ultra-fast phenomena in atoms and molecules, light matter interactions, optics and quantum electronics, photocatalysis, nanomaterial synthesis and characterisation, nanobiophotonics, protein crystallisation, biophotonics, structural biology and biophysics. Among the avant-garde spectroscopy labs at D.A.M.P. are the Raman Spectroscopy Lab, Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) Spectroscopy Lab and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Lab. Located at close quarters with the Kasturba Medical College, the department enjoys collaborations with clinicians for biomedical research which is the major focus of research at the Centre for Biophotonics in the department. The department also maintains close collaboration with Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Manipal Institute of Technology. Another important field of interest is Nanoscience and technology. The Centre for Applied Nanoscience in the department directs its efforts and resources on the synthesis of novel nanomaterials and their applications in diverse areas including nano-bioimaging, spectroscopic probing of nano-bio interfaces, nanostructures and its applications. The use of photocatalysis for water purification, using nanoparticles, is one such study. Ongoing efforts focus on developing reusable solar photocatalysts and their bandgap tuning.
