IGCAR : Annual Report - Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research

Summer Training in Physics and Chemistry (STIPAC 07) - May 28 to July 6, 2007
Students, Faculty Members and Organizers of STIPAC - 07
Like in the past, this year too a six week summer training program in physics and chemistry
(STIPAC-07) was organized by Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research -Kalpakkam for
students entering their final year of regular or integrated M.Sc (Physics/Chemistry) during
May, 28 - July 6, 2007. This six week long programme comprised of both theoretical lecture
courses and hands-on laboratory experience through projects. This programme was aimed at
motivating the students to pursue a career in research. The theme for this year's course was
Physics and Chemistry of Nanomaterials.
Forty students (Twenty from Physics and twenty from Chemistry) were selected from about
500 applicants in physics and chemistry. The selection was done based on their academic track
record and the write-up on "why you think size matters in the physical & chemical properties of
matter". Care has been taken to select students from as many states as possible and as many
universities/colleges as possible. This resulted in selecting 20 students from within Tamilnadu
and 20 students from outside representing 10 states for both the disciplines. The selected
students are provided a stipend of Rs. 3000/- per month, and their travel expenses are
reimbursed.
The six week technical program of STIPAC course consisted of 90 hours of lectures and 90
hours of project work for both physics and chemistry students. The guest lectures were 15 and
8 for physics and chemistry respectively. The lectures were delivered by senior scientists and
the guest lectures were delivered by eminent speakers drawn from reputed institutes and
universities from all over India. The topics that have been covered during the lectures in
physics include synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, nanoparticle dispersions and
gels and the influence of size on optical, magnetic, mechanical, electronic and transport
properties. The topics that have been covered in chemistry were classified in three broad
categories namely, core subjects in chemistry, application in nuclear energy programme and
nanoscience & technology. The special lectures covered a variety topics in biotechnology,
nanotechnology, fluorescence of novel organic compounds, ab-initio quantum mechanical
approach in understanding spectroscopy, sensors and storage devices. Students have gained
hands on experience through their project works. They also got the opportunity to listen to the
special lectures on "Random walk" and "Status of sodium cooled fast reactors with closed fuel
cycle" by Dr. Baldev Raj, Director, IGCAR; "Opportunities for scientists in Fast Breeder Reactor
Technology " by Shri. Prabhat Kumar, Project Director, BHAVINI and "Key elements of Periodic
Table - Relevance to DAE" by Dr. P.R. Vaudeva Rao, Director, CG& MMG.
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