The Faculty members of the department carry out research in many frontier areas, which includes experimental condensed matter physics, theoretical and computational physics.

Materials Research

· Crystallization of bio, food & pharma materials, Crystals with high SHG

· Quantum dot based sensors

· Biopolymer Electrolytes

· Nano-structured electrode materials for super-capacitors

· Plasma waste treatment

· Surface Science and Bio-interface

Theoretical and Computational Research

· Molecular Quantum Mechanics

· Nuclear Physics – Low energy reactions and decay

· Plasma Material Processing,

· CFD modeling and Heat pipes

· Atomistic Simulation

The research works of the faculty members and students of the department have been recognized by National / International institutions in terms of awards/fellowships.

Prof. M. Radhakrishnan was the first Professor and Head of the erstwhile P.G. Centre of University of Madras. He was one of the founder members for the creation of thin films laboratory in the University.

Prof. C. Balasubramanian joined in the department as a Reader in the year of 1974 at PG center. He held positions in the University such as Head of Department of Physics, Member of the Syndicate and Dean of Science. He is one of the founder members who has developed thin films laboratory in the department. During his period, M.Sc. Physics programme was started in the year 1989.

Prof. Sa. K. Narayanadass was the first Ph.D. student of this department and later he joined in the Department as a Lecturer in the year 1984 and subsequently he was promoted as a Reader and Professor and served as Head, Department of Physics from 1994 to his year of retirement in 2005. He is the person who established thin films laboratory as one of the best thin films laboratories across the country.

Prof. V. Selvarajan joined in the Department as a Lecturer in the year 1985 and subsequently he was promoted as a Reader and Professor and retired in the year 2007. He established the plasma laboratory in the University which became one of the best plasma processing laboratories in the country. During his period UGC innovative course on P.G. Diploma on Nanoscience and Technology was started.

Prof. S. Selvasekarapandian joined in the Department as a Reader in 1988 and subsequently he was promoted as a Professor and retired in the year 2007. He established the research laboratory in radiation physics and solid state Ionics in the University. He was instrumental in starting the M. Sc., Medical Physics programme in the Department. He was the Head in-charge for the Department of Nanoscience and Technology in the year 2007.

Prof. P. Kolandaivel joined in the Department as a Lecturer in 1988 and was promoted as Reader and Professor and retired in the year 2016. He held positions such as Head Department of Physics, Head i/c for Medical Physics, Dean-Research, Director of School of Physical Sciences, Special officer (in-charge) and Registrar (in-charge) in the University. He introduced the research area of molecular quantum mechanics in the university. During his period, a modern state of the art building for Physics and Medical Physics departments was constructed and occupied. After retirement he joined as UGC-BSR fellow and continued in the position till the period of 2018 when he became the Vice-Chancellor of Periyar Univeristy.

Prof. D. Mangalraj joined in the Department as a Lecturer in 1988. Subsequently he was promoted as Reader and Professor. In 2007, he became as a Professor and Head for the Department of Nano Science and Technology. During his period, he created well equipped thin films laboratory in the University.