International Day of Light at TIFR Hyderabad
On May 16, 2025, TIFR Hyderabad (TIFRH) conducted its annual outreach event on the occasion of the International Day of Light. Commemorating the first successful demonstration of a laser by researcher Theodore Maiman in 1960, the event hosted around 120 visitors (addressing various audiences, ages ranging from approximately 6 years to 70 years) for a day of light-themed demonstrations and experiments and an opportunity to engage with laser research and researchers at TIFR Hyderabad.
PhD students from TIFRH curated a line-up of physics experiments. These included demonstrations where visitors learnt about how a silicon-based solar panel works. Additionally, there were interesting observations with a plasma ball which is a sealed glass sphere filled with low-pressure inert gases (typically neon and argon) and contains a central high-voltage electrode. When activated, the high-frequency electric field ionizes the gas, forming visible plasma filaments.
PhD students from TIFRH curated a line-up of physics experiments. These included demonstrations where visitors learnt about how a silicon-based solar panel works. Additionally, there were interesting observations with a plasma ball which is a sealed glass sphere filled with low-pressure inert gases (typically neon and argon) and contains a central high-voltage electrode. When activated, the high-frequency electric field ionizes the gas, forming visible plasma filaments.
Students from IIT Hyderabad (from Vandana Sharma’s lab) showcased a device that enables one to visualise veins in the human body using infrared cameras and AI modelling. This project developed by the lab finds important applications in affordable medical practices. The students also closely observed the workings of a drone and how they play a role in a diverse range of applications from filmmaking to saving lives in remote rescues. Other fascinating devices like Light Distancemeter, Kaleidoscope, Light fountain, and polarizers also captured the young visitors’ attention while teaching them about core fundamental principles of light.
The event ended with a talk by Centre Director Prof. M. Krishnamurthy discussing the inception of TIFR Hyderabad, and the research activities that are in progress. Following the outreach event on May 16, 2025, a series of talks on May 17, 2025 covering topics across Nanophotonics and Quantum technologies, in line with the National Quantum Mission, will be conducted at the TIFRH Auditorium. On the same day, the institute is also hosting a meet of students from research institutions across the city who are interested in public science outreach and networking events in the field of physics.
Press release: May 17, 2025
Press coverage in Telangana Today and Eenadu.
