High Pressure Physics

Dr. Surinder M Sharma has been working in the field of high pressure physics for almost four decades. He has also worked as a visiting professor in the Institute for Shock Physics in Washington State University for four years (2017–2021). While in Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (1976–2016), he developed several instruments, including related to synchrotron beamlines, used for experimental investigations of materials under high pressure. In addition, he has worked on several theoretical studies on the subject. His scientific contributions include static as well as shock compression of solids. He has about 300 publications in journals and conferences. He has been awarded Homi Bhabha Science and Technology Award, Indian Nuclear Society Outstanding Service Award—High Technology Nuclear related Area, Medal-Materials Research Society of India, and three awards as a group leader in the Group Achievement awards of Department of Atomic energy.

Dr. R. Chidambaram started working in the field of high pressure physics in late sixties in the context of, what was then termed ‘peaceful nuclear explosion’. He started 'open research' in the area of high pressure physics in 70’s and established a group that made outstanding contributions on almost all important topics in this field. The papers published by this high pressure group are very well cited. Specifically, his articles on 'Omega Phase in Materials' and ‘Equation of State Theories of Condensed Matter Up To about 10 TPa’ represent standard references by researchers in the condensed matter physics/ materials science. He is the recipient of a number of awards and honours. The Indian Government acknowledged his contribution to the successful nuclear tests by awarding the Padma Shri, the fourth highest Civilian honour of the nation and the Padma Vibushan, the second highest civilian honour.