About Us
The physics department at IIT Bombay, established in 1958, is one of the premier places in the country, providing world-class undergraduate and postgraduate education, as well as pursuing research in diverse areas of fundamental and applied physics. The department is one of the few places offering a B.Tech academic degree, through its Engineering Physics programme. This unique course blends the best of contemporary physics and electrical engineering, to create professionals who are equally comfortable with both science and technology.
The department also conducts a B.Tech-M.Tech dual degree programme in Engineering Physics, 2-year M.Sc. programme, and a 4-year dual degree M.Sc. (Physics)-M.Tech. (Material Science) programme, with a specialization in Nanoscience and Technology (offered jointly with the Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Material Science).
Our research spans over condensed matter physics, photonics, nuclear and elementary particle physics, string theory and cosmology. Establishment of state-of-the art experimental and computational facilities have allowed us to venture into emergent interdisciplinary areas like nanotechnology, quantum information processing, nonlinear dynamics, and biophysics. With a vibrant and active Ph.D. programme, in which about 100 research students are currently enrolled, IIT Physics thrives to be one of the leading research institutes of the world.
- Prof. Subhabrata Dhar
- Head of the Department, Physics
- Email: head.phy@iitb.ac.in
Department of Physics was established in 1958 and is one of the oldest departments of the institute. It has been involved in high-quality teaching and research ever since its inception. It remains as one of the most preferred destinations for UG, PG and PhD aspirants. The B.Tech. programme in Engineering Physics (EP) of our department, which is the oldest of such kinds of programmes running in our country, has continued to attract a large number of JEE qualified students, who want to pursue a career in Physics. In EP, we teach our students the physics of engineering with a motivation to ignite out-of-the-box thinking in their mind. We believe that such a training is needed for innovation guided development of science and technology. Our M.Sc program is also one of the most popular master programmes in Physics of the country. The program is chosen by the top ranking students from the joint admission test (JAM) list.
The department also has vibrant M. Tech and Ph.D programmes. Under the mentorship of the distinguished faculty members, our post graduate(PG) students are constantly involved in various cutting edge research and developmental activities encompassing different areas of science and technology. We host several high-end experimental equipment and research facilities, which give our students a great opportunity to carry-out experimental research in different frontline areas such as quantum technology, semiconductor technology and astrophysics. We have strong research ties with many renowned universities, institutions and organizations around the world. Our students frequently get career opportunities not only in research and academics but also in industry, business and entrepreneurship. A few of our students are now the world leaders in these fields.
The department also has vibrant M. Tech and Ph.D programmes. Under the mentorship of the distinguished faculty members, our post graduate(PG) students are constantly involved in various cutting edge research and developmental activities encompassing different areas of science and technology. We host several high-end experimental equipment and research facilities, which give our students a great opportunity to carry-out experimental research in different frontline areas such as quantum technology, semiconductor technology and astrophysics. We have strong research ties with many renowned universities, institutions and organizations around the world. Our students frequently get career opportunities not only in research and academics but also in industry, business and entrepreneurship. A few of our students are now the world leaders in these fields.
The department have led the effort to establish a ”Center of Excellence” for quantum information, communication, science and technology (QuICST) research and education in IIT Bombay. The centre brings together a diverse team of experts, from both science and engineering departments of IIT Bombay. The research encompass all the major pillars of quantum technologies from the fundamental to the applied, from quantum information science theory to quantum-enabled and quantum-adjacent technology development.
Based on the research interests, the faculty members of the department are involved broadly in eight research areas. A broad classification and sub-classification of these areas are graphically represented in the diagram below.
I.I.T. Bombay and its Department of Physics started in June 1958 in the SASMIRA ( Silk and Art Silk Manufacturing Institute Research Association ) building in Worli, Bombay. There were only two science departments in the Institute at that time. These two departments moved in 1960 to a single storey building in Powai , which was later to become the Stores Building. A spacious multi-storey building for the Physics Department became ready in 1964. During the initial stages, the Department was headed by Drs. R. P. Singh (1958-1966), B. N. Bhattacharya (1967-1968), P. P. Kane (1969-1970), and C. M. Srivastava (1971-1973). After extensive discussions in the academic bodies of the Institute, the description of Physics courses was changed from Chemical Physics to Physics, and a two year (post-B.Sc.) M. Sc. programme was initiated. Later, in 1972, a five year integrated M.Sc. was also initiated. However when the five year B. Tech. programme was replaced by a four year one, the attraction of the integrated five year programme was adversely affected and so it was terminated in 1983. However, an entirely new inter-desciplinary programme, namely B. Tech. in Engineering Physics, was developed. A few faculty members in Physics Department had to spend a lot of time and effort in order to get this programme approved in the Institute. This programme is quite popular with many able students appearing for the JEE since 1984. In 1972, as in most universities in U.S.A., a course programme of one year duration was started for Ph. D. students in their first year.
Experimental research work in many areas of Physics did not become feasible for several years after the starting of the Institute on account of paucity of suitable equipment, and of institute and external funding . Further, import of badly needed items of equipment was extremely difficult and time consuming. However, research work was successfully carried out in spite of these difficulties, but unfortunately at a slower pace. Since 1991, funding levels and availability of suitable equipment have recorded substantial improvements.
Department of Physics
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
- Powai, Mumbai - 400076, Maharashtra, India
- Phone: +91-22-2576-7551
- Fax: +91-22-2576-7552
- For detailed instruction on how to reach the IIT Bombay campus, please visit this page.
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