Shimla, May 20
In a major boost to advanced scientific research and next-generation energy storage studies in Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh University has established a state-of-the-art Advanced Ferroelectric Research Facility under the prestigious Rs 10 Cr. ANRF-PAIR project.
The Department of Physics at HPU has successfully installed the internationally recognised Precision LC II Ferroelectric or Multiferroic Loop Tester, considered a major scientific breakthrough for the university’s research ecosystem.
Around Rs 6 Cr. of the total project allocation has been earmarked for the creation of advanced scientific infrastructure, while the newly installed high-end equipment itself has cost nearly Rs. one crore.
The facility has been developed under the ANRF-PAIR (Partnership for Advanced Innovation and Research) initiative and is among the first major scientific infrastructures commissioned under the programme in the region.
The advanced system would facilitate cutting-edge research in high-energy-density dielectric capacitors, ferroelectric materials and multifunctional materials aimed at future energy technologies. Researchers said the work could help address limitations associated with conventional chemical batteries, including slow charging cycles, thermal degradation and limited operational life.
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The newly established facility is expected to support research on ultra-fast charging and rapid energy-release storage systems with potential applications in hybrid and electric vehicles, aerospace technology, defence systems, smart grids, high-speed transportation and advanced electronic devices.
University authorities described the development as a significant step towards positioning HPU among leading institutions engaged in ferroelectric and multifunctional materials research at the national and international level.
The Precision LC II system would enable highly accurate characterisation of polarization behaviour, dielectric properties, leakage current and endurance performance of advanced materials at microscopic levels.
The project has been implemented under the leadership of HPU Vice-Chancellor Professor Mahavir Singh with contributions from the university’s Physics research team comprising Professor N. S. Negi, Dr Ramesh Thakur, Dr Sandeep Chauhan and Dr Indu Sharma along with researchers Sachin Sharma, Diksha Sharma, Purnima Raghav, Abhilasha and Deepika Sharma.
The university stated that the ANRF-PAIR initiative would significantly strengthen the scientific ecosystem in Himachal Pradesh by reducing dependence on external laboratories and enabling research scholars to undertake world-class experimental research within the state itself.
Officials said the facility would also open new avenues for innovation, collaboration and high-impact scientific research from the Himalayan region.
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