I along with my group work on diversified topics with a basic theme of Plasma Processing. It could be deposition of novel thin films or surface modification using plasmas. Over a period of time we believe that we have built up a laboratory and expertise to work on different types of plasma systems, plasma diagnostics and applications. In the process, several students, both regular and part time students from other organisations, project assistants have contributed for this growth. We have been consistently funded by both governmental and private agencies for this purpose. Our lab has been the only one where one can work with all kinds of plasma systems ranging from atmospheric pressure to low pressure of 10-5 mbar.
On material front, we work on coatings like carbides, nitrides and oxides for different applications like hard coatings, photocatalysis, solar cells etc. We work on carbon and silicon nano structures like nanotubes, grapheme nanowalls and recently we have synthesised a novel tree like carbon nanostructures. These nanostructures have been studied as anode material for batteries, electrode for super capacitors and also as self cleaning coatings. Over the last decade we have taken up a challenging task of developing thin film microbatteries and have been successful in developing prototype batteries which could be cycled more than 600 cycles. Another innovation has been on the development of thick (more than 60 micrometers) carbide and nitride coatings using special methodology to replace electroplated chromium in industry. Thin film strain gauges have been developed on Titanium alloys for use on the turbine blades in aeroengines. These gauges work in a harsh environment of 400 C on the blades that rotate at 16000 rpm.
