Basic Research:
My research is focused on understanding the dynamics of nuclear fission and heavy-ion induced nuclear reactions, with particular emphasis on the fusion–fission process relevant to the synthesis of super heavy elements (SHE). Although elements up to Z = 118 (Oganesson) have been synthesized, the production of heavier nuclei remains one of the foremost challenges in nuclear physics due to the complex interplay between fusion and competing reaction mechanisms. My research aims to elucidate the dynamical processes that hinder complete fusion and thereby identify optimal target–projectile combinations for the synthesis of new super heavy elements. My research programme has extensively utilized the accelerator facilities at IUAC, New Delhi; the Pelletron facilities at TIFR, Mumbai; the K130 Cyclotron; and the K500 Superconducting Cyclotron at VECC. Recently, we have initiated experimental studies of heavy-ion reactions beyond the mean-field regime using the recently operational K500 Superconducting Cyclotron at VECC.
Developmental Activities:
I have been actively involved in the development of detector systems and experimental facilities for accelerator-based nuclear research. My work includes the development of MWPC, PPAC and hybrid gas detectors, as well as charged-particle and neutron detectors. During my Ph.D., I contributed to the CERN–India ALICE collaboration through the development of Cathode Pad Chamber prototypes. At VECC, I established a detector-development laboratory and contributed significantly to the development of experimental infrastructure at the K130 and K500 cyclotrons .
International Collaboration:
I have established collaborative research programmes with major international nuclear-physics laboratories, including NSCL, Michigan State University, USA, and JINR, Dubna, Russia. As an Indo–US Fellow and Visiting Scientist at NSCL, I served as spokesperson for experiments using the HiRA detector array and coordinated experimental activities involving researchers from multiple institutions to study evolution of neutron holes in N=28 closed shell. I initiated a collaborative programme with JINR on fission dynamics under the DST–RFBR framework, aimed at complementary experiments using accelerator facilities in India and Russia.