, the Laboratory's founder.The research in various scientific divisions of PRL is as follows:
Astronomy and Astrophysics This research program looks into optical,
infrared,
X ray, and
radio wavelengths to study the problems concerned to galactic and extragalactic cosmic phenomena. The studies include the fields of
star formation, evolution of
intermediate mass stars,
photometric and
polarimetric studies of
active galaxies and BL Lac objects and high
angular resolution studies by lunar
occultations, and the study on circumstellar structure. The astronomical observations are taken through a 1.2 m infrared telescope that is located in
Mount Abu. The laboratory has also undertaken solar
photospheric and
chromospheric studies under the
Global Oscillations Network Group project at
Udaipur Solar Observatory. A 12 ft
SPAR telescope is being used in this project. By utilizing radio techniques, the
Solar Activity and its effect on
space weather are also studied.
Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics This
interdisciplinary research program works on a broad range of topics such as
astrochemistry, foundations of
quantum mechanics,
luminescence dating, etc. It also studies classical and quantum properties of
light,
atoms,
molecules, molecular clusters via broad range of
electromagnetic spectrum, high
energy electrons, etc. To cover the research activities in the area of
quantum information science, the "Quantum Science and Technology Program" is started by this research group. The other research areas under this program are
ion-
momentum spectroscopy,
quantum optics and
quantum information,
laser produced
plasmas,
non-linear optics and
quantum entanglement,
light scattering, etc. The available experimental facilities are
diode-pumped solid state laser,
femtosecond fiber laser, nikon inverted research
microscope,
spatial light modulators, single
photon counting modules(SPCM),
spin coating unit,
FTIR spectrometer, etc.
Planetary Sciences The division focuses on characterization of the processes which took place in the early
Solar System. To do so, the program utilizes the applications of
stable and
radioactive isotopes. Main goal is to understand the origin and evolution of the Solar System with a special focus on inner
planets. Another goal is to comprehend the physical and chemical processes of atmospheres of planets by
simulations, observation, and modelling. Planetary Science and Exploration Program (PLANEX) is also run by this division. Some of the other research activities being conducted in this division are, but not limited to, solar X-ray and
fluorescence emission from
lunar surface, observations and modeling of
trace gases,
ions, and
dust, in the lower
atmosphere of Mars, reflectance
spectroscopy of terrestrial and lunar samples, galactic chemical evolution, etc. Nobel gas
mass spectrometer,
electron probe micro analysis(EPMA), etc., are the experimental facilities available at this division.
Theoretical Physics The theoretical physics division at PRL aims to study theoretical and phenomenological aspects of
atomic physics,
condensed matter physics,
gravitation and
astroparticle physics, non-equilibrium phenomena, and
particle physics. Current research programs include
neutrino physics,
physics beyond standard model, standard and non-standard
CP violation,
Fermion masses,
super-symmetry,
baryogenesis,
phenomenology of higher-
dimensional theories,
QCD and
quark gluon plasma,
colour superconductivity,
chiral symmetry breaking, study of
quantum chaos in
nuclear energy levels,
group theoretical models and
nuclear structures, study of atomic
Rydberg states,
stark spectroscopy of
atomic levels, stability analysis of synchronized structures in coupled map networks.
Space and Atmospheric Sciences This goal of the division is to study radiative, chemical,
ionization, and dynamical processes in the atmosphere of our planet by different methods such as
in-situ rocket and balloon borne experiments, laboratory experiments, and theoretical simulation and modeling of the atmosphere of Earth. Wide research domains of this division are
atmospheric chemistry;
aerosol,
radiation, and
climate; and plasma and neutral interactions in near-Earth space. Measurement and modeling of
trace gases and
ozone are performed to investigate the dynamics and
chemistry of the lower part of the
atmosphere. Atmospheric
aerosols are attempted to be characterized via different methods of observations and analysis. Some experimental facilities of this division include aerosol chemical speciation monitor(ACSM), surface trace gas analyzers, rocket and balloon borne sensors, near infrared imaging spectrograph(NIIS),
Lidar,
Greenhouse gas analyzers, etc.
Geosciences Studies that are particularly related to
geochronology,
geochemistry,
glaciology,
oceanography and
palaeoclimatology are carried out in this department. The major focus is on studying Earth and its components' origin and evolution.
Isotope geology is one of the most researched subjects. Their research is based on measurements of abundances of
radioactive isotopes,
elements, etc. This division runs several research programs, particularly aerosol chemistry,
hydrology,
paleoclimatology,
oceanography, etc. The experimental facilities of this division incorporate
accelerator mass spectrometer(AMS),
aethalometer,
isotope ratio mass spectrometer(IRMS),
ion chromatographs, and many more. ==Academics==