Other Projects

1. "Synthesis of Inter-calation Compound of Graphite and its Characterization"

Formation of GIC (graphite intercalation compound) is an important field of study currently, as it offers a method of producing graphene by exfoliation. This paper aims at synthesis of GIC using perchlorate acid (HClO4) and analyse the effect of intercalation on graphite powder (particle size 100 microns) using HClO4 in the presence and absence of HNO3. The HClO4-GIC is prepared and is characterised using x-ray diffraction, which showed that after intercalation inter-planar distance is increased thereby proving that the intercalated species occupies sites in the lattice formed by carbon atoms. The HClO4-GIC with HNO3 has d-spacing is slightly larger than that of without HNO3, which specifies that the interlayer distance between the layers is more. Dispersion of the prepared intercalated compound powders with and without HNO3 were compared. GIC made in presence of HNO3 was observed to give more stable dispersion

3. "Digitally Controlled High Voltage Regulator" : To automate the varying high voltage (2500V) using USB compatible PC interface. "TIFR sponsored "

OBJECTIVE:- This project aims at controlling the voltage of photomultiplier tube used at GRAPES-3 (Gamma Ray Astronomy PeV EnergieS phase-3 ) experimental site at TIFR, Ooty. The gain of photomultiplier tube varies with various parameters such as temperature, cathode material, etc. The gain of group of PMT’s is required to be same for experimental studies at TIFR, Ooty. Voltage is the main parameter deciding the gain, so we set the voltage of PMT such that the gain of PMT’s in a group remains constant.

— The main target of the project is to build a plug-in module to control the voltages of 8 channels digitally and to make this module USB compatible.

— The basic layout consists of a PC interfacing unit which is necessarily a USB interface.

— The voltage control unit will be controlled through a channel selection unit interfaced with the PC .

— Control circuit is comprised of microcontroller and a basic linear voltage regulator.

— At the final stage, the project will be capable of accepting a channel from the user and precisely changing the voltage to the desired level, through a PC.