Photonics rocks in India @ APW 2010, Cochin!

It was indeed a pleasure and an honour to attend the Annual Photonics Workshop (APW) 2010 at Cochin. Organized by the International School of Photonics (ISP) and Center for Excellence in Laser and Optoelectronic Sciences (CELOS), at the famed Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT). This has been my first interaction with India’s photonics community and students, and the experience has been worth the while.

Quantum cpmputing with photons @ APW2010, International School of Photonics, Cochin!

The workshop was on a subject — Quantum Optics — that is quite far removed from what we would generally get to see in the IT industry. It was targeted at the young researchers and teachers in the various colleges, universities and other research institutions.

How often does one get to see demonstrations of experiments like quantum eraser, thermal lens based logic gates, and so on and so forth? Or for that matter, get to hear about quantum cryptography using quantum and classical optics? Needless to say, there is lot of exciting young talent in the country, especially in the areas of photonics, lasers and optoelectronics.

Corporates working in these areas would do well to join hands with CUSAT for the forthcoming workshops, and help give the workshop the ‘true and real’ stature it deserves.

Now, I will be writing about some of the happenings at APW 2010 on my blog that is hosted by Photonics.com in the US, and would request all of you to kindly visit that particular blog to know more!

On a personal note, I am extremely grateful to Prof. VPN Nampoori and Prof. P. Radhakrishnan at the International School of Photonics, Cochin, and to Dr. Reji Philip at the Raman Research Institute in Bangalore, for having me over at APW-2010, and making it an enjoyable experience.

Special thanks to my friends, Priya Ramachandran and Mr Q, for their very warm hospitality!

Pradeep's Thoughts — Photonics in Asia

Friends, I did mention some time ago that I shall start blogging or talking about photonics — yet another subject close to my heart!

Well, that dream has been realized, thanks to Photonics.com — the world’s leading site on the subject, from Laurin Publishing, USA.

Announcing:Pradeep’s Thoughts — Photonics in Asia! (www.photonics.com)

How many of you are aware that some of the best work done in photonics in Asia is carried out in India? Are you aware that one of the best institutes in the country is located down south — in Cochin — known as the International School of Photonics at Cochin University of Science and Technology.

It is in this very institute that the Photonics Society of India (PSI) was founded in 2000, which also administers the society. The PSI is a professional organization of people, institutions and companies working with photonics in India.

The PSI has some very distinguished gentlemen at the helm. Professor P. Radhakrishnan, International School of Photonics, is its president. He is assisted by Dr. Reji Philip, vice president, and associate professor, Optics Group, Raman Research Institute, Bangalore. Professor V. P. N. Nampoori, International School of Photonics, is general secretary.

In fact, it was a pleasure to recently visit the famous Raman Research Institute (RRI) in Bangalore, where I had the good fortune of interacting with some of the best and renowned researchers that India has on this subject.

The various kinds of equipment the RRI has at the labs is mind boggling! Makes you wonder — these folks are really bright and highly talented to be doing such exemplary work.

Enough said! May I take this opportunity to thank Laurin Publishing for helping me realize another dream. I hope you all enjoy my Photonics Blog! Thanks for your support, as always, dear friends.