tHiVfto Physical Research Laboratory Annual Report 197576 V J ' i- » ! , ANNUAL REPORT 1975-76 PHYSICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY Ahmedabad - 380 009 Contents Page 1. Council of Management i 2. Finances ii 3. Introduction 1 4. Scientific Highlights 4 5. Research Programmes 8 Solar and Planetary Physics Infrared Astronomy Nuclear Theory Plasma Theory Laboratory Plasma & Astrophysics Geocosmophysics Archaeology and Hydrology 6. Facilities 33 Library Computer Centre Techniques Laboratory Workshop Electronics Laboratory Photography—Documentation Engineering Services 7. Rasearch Publications 36 8. Papers Presented at Symposia/Conferences 41 9. Theses Submitted 45 10. Conferences/Symposia attended by PRL 46 Scientists in India and Abroad 11. Visits to Universities, Research 51 Organizations and talks given there 12. Lectures delivered by the visitors 54 COUNCIL OF MANAGEMENT 1975-76 Chairman Prof. K. R. Ramanathan Representative of Karmakshetra Education Foundation. Members Sheth Shri Kasturbhai Lalbhai Representative of the Ahmedabad Education Society. Prof. S. Dhawan Chairman Space Commission and Secretary, Dept. of Space Bangalore 560 009. Prof. M. G. K. Menon Chairman Nominees of the Government Electronics Commission and Secretary, Dept. of Electronics of India. Vigyan Bhavan Annexe New Delhi 110 011 Shri M. A. Vellodi Additional Secretary Department of Space Bangalore 560 009 Shri K. Ramamurthy Nominee of the Government of Director of Education Gujarat Gujarat State Ahmedabad 380 016. Prof. D. Lai Director (Ex-Officio) Physical Research Laboratory. Secretary Dr. Dinesh Patel Senior Administrative Officer (Ex-Officio) Physical Research Laboratory The Council held two meetings (23rd and 24th) on 2nd August 1975 and 24th January 1976 respectively. i The Physical Research Laboratory, established in 1947, is main- tained as a public trust, under a quadrupartite agreement with grants from (a) the Karmakshetra Education Foundation, (b) the Ahmedabad Education Trust, (c) The Government of Gujarat and (d) the Government of India through the Department of Space. During the first decade of its existence, PRL was primarily engaged in studies of time variations of cosmic rays and physics of the upper atmosphere. These programmes have continuously evolved alongside development of new techniques and expertise at PRL, and growth of knowledge in these fields. Today, PRL is engaged in a wide range of problems in planetary and space sciences. The current structure of the various scientific groups is as follows : 1. Solar Planetary Physics, which consists of (i) Aeronomy studies - ground based as well as with the Introduction use of rockets and satellites; (ii) Cosmic rays and Interplanetary Space; (iii) Radio Astronomy - primarily solar. 2. Theoretical Physics, which consists of (i) Nuclear Theory; (ii) Plasma Theory. 3. Laboratory Plasma Physics and Astrophysics, which consists of (i) Experimental Plasma Physics; (ii) Laboratory Astrophysics. 4. Infra-red Astronomy. 5. Nuclear Geophysics and Cosmophysics. 6. Archaeology and Hydrology. Programmes 3(ii) and 4 are relatively new areas of research. Experimental systems in these areas, namely. Laboratory Astrophysics and Infra-red Astronomy are under development. A powerful ultraviolet source, a photoelectron spectrometer and an UV monochromator are now nearing completion; these would allow study of photo-molecular reactions of astrophysical importance. Work in the field of ground-based Infra-red Astronomy began in April 1975. Work is now in progress towards building an infra-red photometer and a Fourier Transform Spectrometer. Study of infra-red sources/regions will then be carried out using these instruments with existing 40" telescopes in India. Other programmes listed above continue with modifications and substantial change in emphasis. A greater emphasis was laid on the study of the solar radiations and important solar-terrestrial relationships. Plans are underway to receive data from the 400 pound NRL SOLRAD 11A and 11B satellites which were successfully launched from Cape Canaveral on 14th March, 1976. The experimental Plasma Physics Group is functional and ready to tackle important problems, e.g., equatorial etectrojet instabilities under controlled conditions. A large volume collisionless plasma machine has been completed for the study of non-linear ion wave propagation. Several of the new experiments have in fact The awards will be made on the next birthday become possible with the availability of badly needed of the late Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai, which falls on laboratory space and development of new facilities, 12th August, 1976, at an investiture ceremony to the glass blowing shop and the liquid nitrogen plant. be held at the Physical Research Laboratory, The nine floor building was completed around Ahmedabad. February 1976 but many of the groups moved in earlier even while the construction work was in Professor K. R. Ramanathan received the "Padma progress. Vibhushan" award on the Republic Day, 1976. As before, the research activities are supported Professor D. Lai was elected a Foreign Associate by several common facilities, namely, the Electronics of the National Academy of Sciences of the United laboratory, the Techniques laboratory, the Library, States of America. the Workshop and the Computer Centre. An Engi- neering Services Unit looks after the construction The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and maintenance of buildings, electrical and aircon- and Industry (FICCI) in recognition of individual ditioning facilities etc. initiative in research in science and technology gave an award for the year 1974 to Professor D. Lai, Four distinguished scientists have been selected jointly with Professor R. C. Mehrotra, Vice-Chancellor, by an Expert Committee constituted by the Physical Delhi University. Research Laboratory, for the Shri Hari Om Ashram Vikram Sarabhai Research Awards, endowed by Hari Dr. S. Krishnaswami was one of the 12 scientists Om Ashram, Nadiad. The endowment provides for selected by the Indian National Science Academy four awards annually in the fields of Electronics and for the Science Academy Medals for young scientists. Telecommunications; Planetary & Space Sciences; He was presented this award by the Prime Minister Systems Analysis and Management Problems and at the 63rd Session of the Indian Science Congress Atmospheric Physics and Hydrology. Each award at Waltair for his contributions in the development carries a cash prize of Rs. 4,000/- and a Medal. of methods of studying fossil tracks in minerais and This year no award was made in the field of dating fresh water ferromaganese minerals and corals, Atmospheric Physics and Hydrology. Instead two lakes and coastal sediments. separate awards were made in the field of Planetary and Space Sciences. The fields of research and the Professor S. Dhawan, Chairman, Space Com- names of the awardees are : mission, presented Achievement Awards to the following 14 PRL scientists in recognition of their 1. Mr. N. Pant Electronics and contribution to the first Indian satellite, Aryabhata, Chairman Telecommunications launched into orbit on 19th April, 1975 : Communication Area Space Applications Centre 1. Prof. Satya Prakash 8. Shri R. S. Singh Ahmedabad 2. Professor U. R. Rao Planetary and Space 2. Prof. B. H. Subbaraya 9. Shri R. K. Patwardhan Director Sciences 3. Dr. Vijay Kumar 10. Shri K. S. Modh ISRO Satellite Systems Project A 3 - 6, Peenya 4. Shri P. N. Pareek 11. Shri A. P. Gohil Industrial Estate 5. Dr. J. S. Shirke 12. Shri T. M. Raval Bangalore 6. Shri R. N. Mishra 13. Shri J. T. Vinchhi 3. Dr. B. M. Reddy Planetary and Assistant Director Space Sciences 7. Shri A. Banerjee 14. Shri G. A. Panchal Radio Science Division National Physical Laboratory Yet another collaborative programme between New Delhi PRL and SAC (Space Applications Centre, Ahme- 4. Shri Pramod P. Kale Systems Analysis dabad) was started; this consists of organising Co-chairman Planning & and Management jointly popular lectures on Science, Engineering and Project Group Public Affairs. First of the lectures was delivered by Space Applications Centre Professor G. Burbidge on January 1, 1976; the title Ahmedabad of the lecture was "Violence in Astronomy". A Summer School, on problems in Theore- sis was laid on discussions of the physics of the tical Plasma Physics was held at Saputara during earth's magnetosphere, ionosphere and atmosphere. June 2-14, 1975. This was arranged with a view New observations of microstructure in the radio to evolve a national programme in plasma physics emission from the Sun, scintillation and Faraday and to create a sense of awareness amongst research rotation in the equatorial ionosphere over Ooty based workers about frontier problems in this field. Fifty on monitoring ATS-6 geostationary satellite and scientists (22 from PRL and 28 from other institu- ionisation ledges by topside sounders were highlights tions in India) participated in the Summer School. of the conference. Twenty six lectures were delivered in the field of non-linear plasma theory, fluid and plasma turbulence A Workshop on "Palaeoclimate and Archa- and a general stability theory. Extensive discussions eology of Rajasthan and Gujarat" was held at were held in related research areas such as the PRL from the 23-26 February, 1976 to review the physics of the earth's magnetosphere and the ionos- state of research in palaeoclimate of western India. phere, and solid state plasmas. A Proceedings con- Extensive participation from several institutions in taining