Physics to Electronics and Photonics: Pioneering Indian Research - P. K. Basu

This book discusses research done by four pioneers J. C. Bose, C V Raman, S N Bose, and M N Saha. It relates their works to modern subject of IT, particularly Electronics, Photonics and Communication, mentioning the comments made by experts recognizing their contributions. J C Bose’s galena detector, experiments on light tunnelling, jute polarizer as first chiral metamaterial, hysteresis of coherer as first signature of memristor are discussed. Applications of Si Raman Laser, Fibre Raman Amplifier and Lasers based on Raman scattering are mentioned. Bose Einstein condensation of exciton-polaritons in semiconductor nanostructures is an example of utilization of physics research in communication. In addition, Saha’s ionization equation to estimate exciton dissociation in photonic modulator and in Quantum Dot Lasers used in optical fibre communication is included in the book. Another path breaking research, transmission of high-quality image by bundles of glass fibre, conducted by Narinder Singh Kapany as a Ph.D. worker in Imperial College London, is also reported.  Kapany was born in British India and educated in independent India, but spent rest of his life in UK and the USA. He is named as the Father of Fibre Optics, and listed as an Unsung Hero that changed the world.  The work by Kapany and the impact of his work in IT has also been included in this book. Three more chapters giving basic idea about optical fibre communication, lasers and exciton-polaritons are included for the understanding of students and uninitiated readers.