NIST UNIVERSITY
Institute Park, Berhampur, Odisha-761008, India

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

The Department of Pure and Applied Physics at the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), Berhampur, was established in 1996 as an integral part of the B.Tech program. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the most active and dynamic departments of the institute, known for its academic excellence and vibrant research culture.
In 2017, the institute expanded its academic offerings by initiating a Science Program under the newly formed School of Sciences, starting with an M.Sc. program affiliated with Berhampur University. Building on this momentum, the department received affiliation to offer B.Sc. courses in 2018, further strengthening its commitment to undergraduate and postgraduate science education.

The Department of Pure and Applied Physics at NIST boasts a team of highly qualified faculty, with 50% holding PhDs and the rest actively pursuing them—reflecting its strong emphasis on academic and research excellence. Starting from the Core building, the department has developed modern laboratories, classrooms, and a well-equipped library, fostering a rich learning and research environment.
Faculty members are engaged in advanced research in areas like nano-electronics, optics, and nanotechnology, supported by an active PhD program that enhances the institute’s academic profile. Alongside foundational physics courses for all B.Tech branches, the department offers M.Sc. and B.Sc. (Honours) programs affiliated with Berhampur University. With its committed faculty and research-driven approach, the department remains a key pillar of scientific growth in Odisha.

Vision:

  1. The vision of the Department of Pure and Applied Physics Physics is to furnish students to compete and contribute to the varying technology- centered advancements.
  2. To motivate the students to become technocrats, so that they become builders of modern society in general and the country at large.
  3. To train the minds of young engineers towards application oriented by providing students with multiple learning opportunities like Activity based learning, formal courses with integrated laboratory, virtual Lab, research projects and colloquium programs.

Mission:

  1. To awaken the young minds and discover their talents both in theory and in practical Physics, through dedication to teaching, commitment to students and innovative instructional methods like physical demonstration, PPT and visual aids.
  2. To make vital contributions in areas of emphasis such as faculty, modern labs, Department library and demonstrate a high level of competence in the study of Engineering Physics.
  3. To promotes the highest ethical principles in scientific research, critical thinking, openness to social, scientific, technological and educational changes, as well as the working autonomy at the University, both scientific and educational.

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

  • To develop the sprit of enquiry.

  • To assimilate education and research by incorporating recent discoveries, modern techniques into the curriculum.
  • To encourage inter-disciplinary thinking by providing students with educational and research opportunities.

WHY CHOOSE PHYSICS @ NIST?

ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH LABORATORIES

Modern Physics Laboratory

This laboratory provides postgraduate students with practical exposure to the principles of modern physics. Equipped with advanced instruments, it supports experiments in quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, and semiconductor physics. The lab helps students bridge theoretical knowledge with experimental techniques, fostering deeper understanding and research readiness in cutting-edge areas of physical science.

NIST CE LABORATORIES
NIST CE LABORATORIES
Optics Laboratory

The Optics Laboratory enables students to explore fundamental and applied optics through experiments involving interference, diffraction, polarization, and laser technologies. Designed for postgraduate learners, it enhances conceptual understanding and technical proficiency in manipulating light. The facility supports both academic instruction and preliminary research in photonics and optical instrumentation.

Novel Materials Research Laboratory

This dedicated research facility focuses on the synthesis and study of advanced functional materials. It supports faculty and student research in areas like nanomaterials, composites, and semiconductors. The lab is equipped with modern synthesis tools and provides a collaborative environment for conducting innovative experiments in materials science and condensed matter physics.

NIST CE LABORATORIES
NIST CE LABORATORIES
Material Synthesis Laboratory

This interdepartmental facility specializes in the chemical and physical synthesis of novel materials. Researchers utilize it to develop materials with tailored properties for applications in electronics, energy, and nanotechnology. The lab supports scalable synthesis methods and fosters collaboration across disciplines, contributing to innovative research in material development.

Material Characterization Facilities

These facilities house state-of-the-art instruments for analyzing material properties such as structure, morphology, electrical conductivity, and optical behavior. Tools like XRD, SEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy enable researchers to characterize materials at micro and nano scales. The facility supports a wide range of academic and collaborative research projects in materials science.

NIST CE LABORATORIES
NIST CE LABORATORIES
Engineering Physics Laboratory

Designed for undergraduate students, this lab blends physics concepts with engineering applications. It offers practical experiments in mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and modern instrumentation. The facility helps students build foundational experimental skills and apply theoretical knowledge to solve real-world problems, serving as a critical component of the undergraduate curriculum.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

NIST CE LABORATORIES

We are proud to share an outstanding achievement from the Department of Physics! Ms. Subhrakali Swain, a second-year M.Sc. student, has reached a remarkable milestone by publishing her research paper titled "Recent Advances in Optimized Polybenzimidazole-Based Membranes for Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Applications" in the prestigious Journal of Energy Storage, a Q1 international journal with an impressive impact factor of 8.9. What makes this accomplishment truly exceptional is that the publication came just two weeks after she completed her final laboratory, a rare and commendable feat for any postgraduate student. This success highlights the department’s strong research ecosystem, dedicated mentorship, and the remarkable potential of our students. Congratulations to Ms. Subhrakali Swain for setting a new benchmark of academic excellence in our department!

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENTS

Sibananda Das
Sibananda Das
PGT Physics, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Malkangiri
Suman Dash
Suman Dash
TGT Science, Sanskar International School, Bargarh
Rajendra Chattei
Rajendra Chattei
PGT Physics, Mother's International HSS, Berhampur
Amina Panda
Amina Panda
Guest Faculty, SBP Mahavidyalaya, Ganjam
Umakanta Padhi
Umakanta Padhi
APR Constable, Odisha Police, Berhampur
Hara Prasad Behera
Hara Prasad Behera
SDE, Covalence Digital, Bengaluru
Jyotirmayee Barik
Jyotirmayee Barik
CEI, Indian Navy, Chilika
Kiran Sahu
Kiran Sahu
TGT, Govt. UGHS, Angul (Mass Edu Dept.)
Rojalin Panda
Rojalin Panda
Ph.D Scholar, SOA University, Bhubaneswar
Ishaneswari Maharana
Ishaneswari Maharana
System Associate, Infosys, Mysore
Kamakshi Brahma
Kamakshi Brahma
Ph.D Scholar, NIST University, Berhampur
Mukesh Kumar Swain
Mukesh Kumar Swain
Project Manager, Dev On, Bengaluru

FACULTY

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