New Era in Light Science: MIT Bengaluru Launches Chapter to Drive Research Activity

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The Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) at Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) Bengaluru, in partnership with its IEEE Student Branch, recently installed an IEEE Photonics Chapter. This milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter in the exploration and application of enhanced photonics technology activity at the institute. An inauguration event was held by university dignitaries, including: Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor of MAHE Bengaluru; Dr. Iven Jose, Director of MIT MAHE Bengaluru; Dr. Ujjwal Verma, Head of the Department of ECE at MIT MAHE Bengaluru; and Chief Guests Dr. Srinivas Talabattula, Professor at ECE, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and Chair of the IEEE Bangalore Section.

The IEEE Photonics Chapter at MIT Bengaluru is set to become a vibrant center for collaboration, research, and development in the field of photonics. The chapter will provide a platform for students, researchers, and professionals to organize together and lead light-based activities for the organization. Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor of MAHE Bengaluru, shared his excitement about the chapter’s potential, stating, “The inauguration of the IEEE Photonics Chapter at MIT Bengaluru is a landmark event that will undoubtedly propel the field of photonics to new heights. This chapter will serve as a beacon for innovation, bringing together bright minds to tackle the challenges and opportunities in light science.”

The university’s Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) offers a dynamic BTech program with a focus on cutting-edge technologies. Students can choose from elective subjects such as image processing, speech processing, and computer vision, allowing them to tailor their education to their interests. The department also provides minor specializations in areas like computational intelligence, embedded systems, and signal processing, offering a well-rounded curriculum. The ECE department collaborates with industries and entrepreneurs to foster creativity and innovation, providing students with valuable opportunities to engage with real-world applications and stay ahead in the fast-evolving tech landscape.

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Additionally, MSc Photonics courses are offered through the university’s Department of Atomic and Molecular Physics. Curriculum is designed to offer both theoretical knowledge and practical experience through various academic activities. Students have the opportunity to attend workshops and symposia, which facilitate learning and exposure to the latest developments in photonics. The students of the newly installed chapter aim to contribute to this activities by organizing seminars and guest lectures by inviting experts from academia and industry to discuss emerging trends in photonics, quantum optics, integrated photonics, and beyond.

For assessment, students are evaluated through a mix of class and tutorial participation, assignments, laboratory work, class tests, and quizzes. At the end of the semester, they complete exams for both theory and laboratory skills as part of their curriculum. The goal of the chapter is to support this balanced approach to learning, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of both theoretical knowledge and practical skill development.

Dr. Iven Jose, Director of MIT MAHE Bengaluru, emphasized the importance of photonics, noting, “Photonics is more than just a branch of science; it is the foundation of many technologies that impact our daily lives. The establishment of this chapter provides an excellent platform for students and researchers to delve into photonics and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of light technology.”

Dr. Srinivas Talabattula, Professor at the Indian Institute of Science and IEEE Bangalore Section Chair, highlighted the significance of the chapter for the broader photonics community. “This chapter will serve as a platform for fostering research and innovation in integrated optics,” he said. “By focusing on technical advancements like modulators, waveguides, and fabrication devices, we can accelerate the development of next-generation photonic systems.”

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Members of the chapter and Society, for example, participated in the National Conference on Condensed Matter Physics and Applications (CMPA 2024), which took place on December 13-14, 2024, at MIT Manipal. The year’s theme, “Functional Materials for Green and Clean Energy,” highlighted the development of materials that drive sustainable energy solutions. The conference covered a broad array of topics, including: materials for environmental sustainability, semiconductor devices, photonic materials, and thin films. Additional key areas of focus included: nanotechnology, radiation-matter interactions, materials characterization, and superconductivity. The event also delved into advancements in crystal growth and characterization, as well as polymers, glasses, ceramics, bio-materials, thermoelectric materials, and spintronics. The topical tracks that took place reflect both the conference’s and the IEEE Photonics Society’s commitment to addressing critical challenges in materials science and their role in advancing clean energy and technological innovation.

Dr. Ujjwal Verma, Head of the ECE Department at MIT Bengaluru, expressed his enthusiasm for the chapter’s potential, adding, “This chapter will be a catalyst for fostering innovation and collaboration in the field of photonics. We are excited to see our students and faculty contribute to advancements in light science and technology.”

The IEEE Photonics Chapter at MIT Bengaluru also plans to actively participate in research, development, and standardization efforts through the IEEE Standards Association. Involvement in IEEE-SA activities will provide students with exposure to cutting-edge technologies, as they will help establish benchmarks for emerging fields such as photonics, AI, and quantum computing. By advancing both theoretical and practical applications of photonics, the chapter aims to shape the future of light technology and its impact on various local industries.