Applications are invited from motivated and eligible candidates for PhD programme in Physics in the Department of Physics under the guidance of Professor Tapan Nandi.

No. of vacancies: 2

Key Areas of Study (candidates can choose one out of the four topics given below):

1. ‘Charge exchange of fast heavy ions inside a solid target’

Charge exchange phenomena in the fast heavy ion-atom collisions are important for both fundamental and application points of view. Though such a phenomenon takes place in both inside and exit layers of a solid target, it is not studied much about the charge states distributions inside a solid target till date. They have developed an experimental technique and applied in various systems to infer that the mean charge state inside the target for heavy ions is much higher than that usually measured outside the target foil. This difference is due to the excessive electron capture by the high charge states of the projectile ions. They have validated the fundamental processes involved and revealed it thoroughly through different physics phenomena. Now the stage has come to implement it in practical applications, for example in boosting heavy-ion technology. He has certain ideas and is going to file a patent or to write a paper accordingly. Subsequently, he will be trying to get funding from appropriate agencies to explore a practical way to implement the idea.

2. ‘Physics of two-electron one-photon transitions in highly charged ions’

In the heavy ion-atom collision processes, multiple ionization of a particular shell is quite prevalent e.g., both the electrons in the K-shell can be knocked out simultaneously, but they are filled sequentially to cause emissions of a hyper satellite line and a characteristic line. However, filling both the vacancies simultaneously is very rare. More interestingly, two electrons transit but only one photon emits. The process is called the two-electron one-photon transition. Hence, it is an interesting phenomenon for quantum mechanics, atomic collision and structure physics. Note that recently, we have started an investigation on such phenomena using low energy Ne-ions from LEIBF, IUAC; a paper is under preparation. Interestingly, such a process gives us an opportunity to look for unusual phenomena like the Doppler free radiation (theoretical concept has been enclosed in a manuscript, which is under review). Thorough experimental verification is being planned using the MeV ions.

3. ‘Physics around the Coulomb barrier regions’

Around the Coulomb barrier region in heavy-ion collision, both atomic and nuclear physics play significant roles. Nuclear physics studies are plentiful in this region, however some of the studies show intricate issues which cannot be solved without involving atomic aspects in the analysis. Hence, this area gives a golden opportunity to study both atomic and nuclear physics on equal footings. A special mode of x-ray spectroscopy technique is used for such study, which allows us to investigate atomic properties of the highly charged heavy ions (product of nuclear direct or fusion reactions) including measurement of Lamb shifts for atomic number Z>92. Such an attempt has never been tried.

4. ‘Heavy-ion reactions leading to synthesis of superheavy elements (Z>118)’

The periodic table is the most fundamental pillar of Science. Till date, 118 elements have been discovered and are arranged into the latest periodic table. Attempts have been and are being made to discover elements with atomic number Z>118. We have been working in this field of research for quite some time. They have found convincing ways to discover the super-heavy elements Z=119 and 120 and the paper is now under review in PRC. Needless to say, they have many more studies for the future. They plan to put efforts into implementing their theoretical ideas in the experiments also in any superheavy element synthesizing laboratories.

Eligibility:

1. The applicant should have a good academic record throughout, with at least 60% marks in both B.Sc. (Physics Major/Hons.) and M.Sc. (Physics) examinations from any recognized University or Institute of the country.
2. SC/ST candidates will enjoy a 5% concession in the minimum eligibility of marks.
3. Age limit: Below 28 years as on the date of application.
4. The applicant must have either qualified in CSIR-UGC NET (JRF) / GATE / JEST / equivalent national level examination with Research Fellowship allowing entry into PhD or must have the DST-INSPIRE fellowship.

Selection Procedure:

Applicants will be selected on the basis of Research Eligibility Test (RET) followed by rigorous viva-voce.

Apply Online:

• New applicants have to first register on the portal, then login and fill up the online application form.
• Online Admission Portal: https://isr.rkmvu.ac.in/admission
• After successfully submitting the application form, pay the Application fee (INR 500.00) online from the same Portal.
• While filling up the online application-form attach the scanned copies of your passport size photo, mark-sheets and other applicable certificates/documents.
• Once Application-form is successfully submitted and application-fee is paid, Receipt (also Application-summary) will be available for download from the same Portal from the ‘Dashboard‘.

Last date to apply: 11 November 2023

Admission and Course Fee:

Admission process shall begin immediately after the announcement of results of the interview. Selected candidates may get admitted by paying the requisite fees as given in the page of fees structure: Click here

Contact Us:

1. For more insights and information, reach out to Prof. Tapan Nandi at
2. For any technical query/issues (with online application, fee payment, etc.)
   • Sourav Paul (), Avishek Mondal ()
   • email: