Embedded Files
Photonics (Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors):
Fiber optic-based fiber Bragg grating sensors (FBGS) for health monitoring applications of civil structures, underwater applications, temperature, strain, vibration, tilt measurement, and communications. In recent decades, FBG sensors have attracted many researchers due to their unique advantages and robustness, which makes them the most acceptable sensors in the market. Several types of conventional sensors exist to measure the parameters mentioned above in the market. But all of them have some limitations in size, response time, sensitivity to electromagnetic interference, are unfeasible to deploy in extreme conditions, or may not offer the richness in information that optical sensors do.
Fiber optic communication has revolutionized the telecommunication industry in the last 25 years. The development of fiber optic sensor technology has been a major user of technology associated with optoelectronics and the fiber optic communication industry. Researchers have developed various fiber optic temperature sensors, optical gyroscopes, pressure, strain, vibration, and chemical sensors using this technology.
Still, there is scope to improve the fiber optic sensors in terms of sensitivity, stability, and different packaging methods to measure the physical parameters. Several parameters can be monitored based on strain measurements of the FBG sensors. Still, different applications require different packaging techniques, such that strain measurements must be tuned, which decides the sensor’s sensitivity. In the case of railway structural health monitoring, there are still challenges to be overcome to monitor the rail wheel impact load detection. Also, in the case of aircraft structure health monitoring, sensitive sensors are required for detecting minute cracks. In this case, a high reflectivity sensor is required, but a bare sensor cannot be placed directly on the structure. Therefore, without losing the sensitivity, packaging technology needs to be developed. Also, this packaging needs to be sustained in extreme weather conditions. In the case of railways, moderate sensitivity sensors are required, and a different method is to be invented. Since the rail web has different sizes at different locations, the sensor produces noisy signals.
An FBG, which primarily utilizes strain as its sensing mechanism, etching as close as possible to the core would be advantageous. This process opened new ways for the FBG sensors to act in bio-medical applications and for environmental and oceanography applications. In the case of biomedical applications, FBG sensors have found their way into various applications. An enhancement was made in FBG sensitivity by etching the FBG sensor. I would like to develop room temperature gas sensors using FBG sensors coating upon them. This will allow the user to make more precise measurements than existing chemo-resistive sensors or other electronic-based sensors. Also, in the medical field, there is still a chance to invent new technologies through FBG sensors and for improvements in the existing FBG technology.
Electromagnetic Waves Absorbing Materials:
The rapid development of electromagnetic (EM) wave technology over the past few decades has given us access to countless new applications. The advancement of reasonably priced 5G technology has enhanced our communication capabilities. Nearly every industry heavily depends on the use of electromagnetic (EM) waves, including radar systems, automobiles, biomedical applications, communication networks, and more. Because of this, electromagnetic pollution is increasing daily, which is a severe problem that requires our quick attention. Communication and the efficient operation of electronic systems can be hampered by electromagnetic waves' interference with communication networks and electronic systems. Furthermore, the human body is being impacted by these electromagnetic radiations. Cancer cells are the end outcome. Therefore, creating new, effective electromagnetic microwave-absorbing materials (MAMs) is a popular research area to limit the negative effects of EM radiation. Aside from these problems, scientists and engineers have always been fascinated by stealth technology. It has the power to completely change how we engage with the world around us. However, it has proven difficult to create unique, highly effective, multi-functional electromagnetic microwave absorption materials for application in aircraft and multi-band stealth technology.
Our research group has been working on the advancements in microwave-absorbing materials. In our research articles we provide readers with a broad understanding of the field's progression, delving into fundamental interactions between electromagnetic radiations and absorbing materials. The categorization and thoroughly explanation of different types of losses that impact absorbers' efficiency, including dielectric loss, conduction loss, relaxation loss, magnetic loss, and morphological loss has been studied and are being utilized in preparing the advanced multifunctional absorbers. This includes traditionally used materials as well as novel entries to the field like 2D materials, high entropy and metamaterials and biomimetic materials. Furthermore, we are highlighting the emerging materials' potential impact on developing microwave-absorbing properties to foster forward-thinking perspectives for future innovations in this field. Many research teams are exploring the use of biomass and biomimetic materials in microwave absorbing materials. We are also preparing a heterogeneous bio-derived dielectric material by following simple facile hydrothermal method and controlled atmosphere annealing. By employing the characterization techniques like XRD, SEM, UV-Vis spectroscopy, etc., we have confirmed the formation of the requires material.
Gas Sensors:
Our research focuses on the development of advanced gas sensors using nanomaterials such as two-dimensional materials and metal oxide semiconductors. These materials offer high surface-to-volume ratios, tunable morphologies, and enhanced surface reactivity, making them highly effective for detecting toxic and flammable gases at room temperature. By optimizing synthesis techniques and engineering hybrid structures, we have achieved notable improvements in sensitivity, selectivity, and response-recovery times. Our ongoing work aims to further enhance sensor performance through material innovation and structural design, with the goal of enabling reliable and efficient gas detection for environmental and industrial applications.
Energy Storage Devices: Batteries, Supercapacitors, and Fuel Cells:
Our research group is actively engaged in the development of advanced energy storage devices, including batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells, to meet the growing global demand for clean and efficient energy solutions. We focus on the design and synthesis of novel electrode materials, nanostructured architectures, and hybrid systems that offer improved energy and power density, long cycle life, and rapid charge/discharge capabilities. Special emphasis is placed on integrating metal oxides, conducting polymers, and carbon-based nanomaterials to engineer high-performance materials with synergistic properties.
In the realm of fuel cells, our work centers on the development of cost-effective and durable electrocatalysts to improve efficiency and reduce dependence on noble metals. For batteries, we are exploring next-generation materials such as lithium-sulfur and sodium-ion systems, addressing key challenges such as capacity fading and electrode stability. In supercapacitors, we aim to bridge the gap between high energy and high power by designing materials with optimized porosity, conductivity, and redox activity. Through a combination of experimental and computational approaches, we strive to contribute innovative solutions that will shape the future of sustainable energy storage technologies.
Density Functional Theory:
This research theme focuses on the use of Density Functional Theory (DFT) to investigate the electronic, structural, and optical properties of emerging functional materials. Theoretical simulations are carried out to support experimental studies and provide atomistic insights into the behavior of materials under various conditions, relevant to applications in gas sensing, energy storage, catalysis, and nonlinear optics.
Periodic DFT calculations are performed on crystalline and low-dimensional systems to evaluate band structures, density of states, adsorption energetics, and charge distribution. Complementing this, molecular-level simulations using Gaussian-based methods are employed to study nonlinear optical (NLO) properties by computing parameters such as polarizability and hyperpolarizability, which are critical for optoelectronic and photonic applications.
Visualization tools such as charge density maps, electrostatic potential plots, and molecular orbital diagrams are used to analyze bonding and structure–property correlations. These theoretical investigations enable predictive screening of material candidates, aid in interpreting experimental observations, and contribute to the rational design of materials with targeted functionalities.
This DFT-based approach plays an integral role in advancing fundamental understanding and accelerating the development of next-generation materials for energy and sensing technologies
Page updated
Report abuse