The Centre for Advanced Studies in Physics (CASP) began as the “High Tension Laboratory” in 1954. It was established by Dr. Rafi Muhammad Chaudhry (Sitara-e-Khidmat, Sitara-e-Imtiaz and Hilal-e-Imtiaz) for carrying out research in Atomic and Nuclear Physics.  This laboratory included, among other facilities, a 1.2 million Volts Cockcroft-Walton particle accelerator for conducting experiments in Atomic and Nuclear Physics.  Intensive research was carried out in this laboratory by Dr. R. M. Chaudhry, his students and colleagues. In 1967, the first PhD Degree was awarded to Mr. Mustafa Yar Khan from the institution.

 

In view of the effectiveness and solution-oriented thrust in the modern approach to research, the scope of this research establishment was broadened and made multidimensional in 1986.  Dr. Muhammad Zakria Butt (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz) was instrumental in the establishment of the Metal Research Laboratories, equipped with a microprocessor controlled Universal Materials Testing Machine (100 KN capacity), specimen embedding press, grinding and polishing machines, optical metallurgical microscopes, etc. to study mechanical properties of crystals and their relationship with microstructure.  The Laser Physics Laboratory was also set up to fabricate different types of lasers, their operation and applications in Laser Spectroscopy and Holography.

 

In 1991, the amalgam of all these laboratories was renamed the Centre for Advanced Studies in Physics (CASP) by the Board of Governors of Government College Lahore.  A new building was constructed at a cost of Rs. 3.8 million. The new edifice comprised two classrooms, four research laboratory rooms, a computer lab, and a conference hall with an attached lobby and offices.  In 2004, the collaboration between CASP and PINSTECH resulted in the establishment of a new Particle Accelerator Laboratory where a locally fabricated 100 kilo electron Volt linear accelerator was installed for training and research in Nanotechnology.

 

Major advancements were made in research facilities and infrastructure in 2002 and 2007. Degree- awarding academic Programmes, at both the Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels, were launched in electronics and telecommunications.  During this period the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) provided a number of grants totalling to Rs. 190 million for establishing new research facilities and for revamping existing ones.  A new multistory building was constructed to house the new laboratories

 

The introduction of the Centre is incomplete without mention of Dr. Samar Mubarakmand, Old Ravian and former Director CASP from 1974 to 1977, who has become an icon of Nuclear Physics in Pakistan.  The Government of Pakistan has bestowed the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, the Hilal-e-Imtiaz and the Nishan-e-Imtiaz upon him for his meritorious services to the country.  Dr. Mubrakmand served as the Chairman of the National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM) from 2001 to 2007 and is now working as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

 

The HEC’s funds were utilised in the establishment of the CASP Library and the following research laboratories:

• Pelletron™ Accelerator/Laser Lab

• Transmission Electron Microscopy Lab

• Scanning Electron Microscopy Lab

• KN Universal Testing Machines Lab

• Non-destructive Testing Lab

With the addition of these facilities, the CASP has emerged as one of the leading research establishments in the country.

 

Laboratories

 

Pelletron Accelerator Lab

 

A two million volt Pelletron particle accelerator is installed in this Laboratory to provide high energy ion beams for use in various types of experiments involving ion implantation, proton induced x-ray emission (PIXE) analysis, and other experiments.

 

Laser Lab

 

Laser beam is a valuable tool in materials research.  The laser system installed at the Laser Lab is a YG980 Q-switched Nd:YAG.  More laser systems will be installed in the near future.  These include Excimer Laser (Kr F), Titanium Sapphire Laser, Nd: Glass Laser, and Monochromator/Spectrometer.

 

Transmission Electron Microscopy Lab

 

The transmission electron microscope provides high magnifications to view distances of few angstroms (10^-10 meters).

 

Scanning Electron Microscopy Lab

 

The scanning electron microscope greatly magnifies the surface of a sample to study the effects of various treatments the sample has received.

Universal Testing Machine Lab

 

50 and 150 Kilo Newton Universal Testing Machines in this laboratory can perform tension and bending tests under thermostatically controlled temperature environment ranging between -180 °C to 600 °C.  The operation of this machine is fully software controlled.

 

Non-Destructive Testing Lab

 

In this laboratory imperfections and defects in materials are discovered using acoustic emissions, fluorescent dyes and similar techniques

 

Teaching Laboratories

 

Main Computer Lab

 

The Main Computer Lab consists of a network of 60 Pentium IV computers housed in a comfortable air-conditioned laboratory.  With the latest software packages, these computers provide students with programming opportunities in a variety of languages in addition to word processing, Internet connectivity, computer-aided designing and technical and statistical computing.  Multiple operating systems like Windows NT, Windows 2000, and LINUX can be configured to meet specific needs.  Students are provided with their individual log-in names and a quota of disk space to save their work.  Good printing facilities are provided to students to print their work.  All the equipment in this Lab is supplied with electricity from an uninterruptible power supply to cope with power outages and load-shedding.  The Lab is managed by competent personnel who keep all the equipment running in good working order.

 

Telecommunications Lab

 

The Telecommunications Lab is equipped with High Tech Trainers interfaced with the latest Pentium IV computer systems. The Lab is capable of training students in the latest technologies such as optical communications, microwave communications, analog communications, digital communications, and telephony. Here, students have ample opportunities for using readily available equipment.

 

Data Communication and Computer Network Lab

 

This research Lab focuses on teaching students how to design, build, and maintain computer networks. Consisting of routers, switches and a network of computers, the Laboratory provides learning opportunities to help students prepare themselves for performing duties at modern workplaces.

 

Electronics Lab

 

This Lab is specially designed to provide support to courses like Digital Logic Design, Circuit Analysis, Electronic Devices, Analog Electronics, and Digital Electronics, etc. Device automation interfacing and robotics related facilities are also available in the Lab.

 

Wireless Communications Lab

 

It focuses on areas of Mobile and Wireless Networks, Cellular Communications, CDMA and allied technologies and RF Microelectronics, etc. Equipped with state-of-the-art Vector Signal Analyser, Spectrum Analysers, CDMA Trainer, Cellular Communications Trainer, Digital Signal Processing Trainer, FPGA/CPLD Trainer, Digital Signal Generator, 20 P-IV Computers, Logic Trainers, Microprocessor and Interfacing Trainers, the Wireless Communications Lab is one of the best training facilities in the field of wireless communications for students of telecommunications in Pakistan.

 

Project/Research Lab

 

The tremendous advancements in communication and its enhanced functionality are consequences of research. Keeping that in view, a Project/Research Lab has been established where students undertake major individual electronics and telecommunication-related projects under the supervision of qualified and professional faculty members.

 

CASP Library

 

The CASP Library provides a collection of information resources specifically related to the Degree Programmes offered by CASP.  Text books and reference books for all the courses taught at CASP are provided at the CASP Library.  A number of computers are also provided for students to connect to the Internet and access electronic catalogues.

 

Teaching and Technical Assistantships

 

The University believes in the policy of encouraging hardworking and outstanding students by associating them with the management of labs or enlisting them in the faculty as Teaching Assistants (TAs). The TAs are normally appointed for one semester. It is a matter of pride for students to be selected as TAs.

 

Financial Assistance/Scholarships

 

Scholarships are provided after an assessment based on the needs and merit of the applicant, and no candidate can claim a scholarship as a matter of right or on any other basis. A scholarship awarded to a student may be cancelled if he/she is unable to maintain satisfactory academic performance.

 

e-mail and Internet Access

 

Students have access to high speed Internet. It is a very high speed (2 Mbps) link, providing e-mail and Internet services to the students. This enables them to subscribe to news groups and conferences on areas of their interest. It covers virtually every conceivable area of knowledge.

 

Research

 

The research and teaching facilities at CASP are used by MSc, MPhil and PhD students of GC University Lahore and also by qualified researchers from other universities, research organisations and industrial units. The areas of research include Atomic and Nuclear Physics, Laser Technology, Material Science, Solid State Physics, Electronics and Telecommunications.

 

Research Strategies

 

Research activities are aimed at exploring scientific facts primarily related to materials analysis and modification with the intent to tailor properties of materials, to check archaeological samples, for applications in medicine, and to help plan environmental improvement methods using hi-tech research equipment. The techniques can be categorized into three methodologies:

• By using particle accelerator for materials modification by ion implantation and then the analyzers like Scanning Electron Microscope. Transmission Electron Microscope, Lyca Microscope, Atomic Force Microscope. Scanning Probe Microscope, and others in Non-Destructive Testing. Destructive testing can be carried out by using Universal Tensile Testing Machine, Microhardness Tester and the likes. For trace analysis, PIXE spectroscopy with pelletron accelerator is used.

• By using RF Induction Furnace with vacuum to prepare new alloys and ceramics and then analyzing using the same comprehensive spectrum of analysis and testing equipment.

• By using Pulse and Continuous Lasers for depositions and checking the consequent changes thereafter.

Research Strength
The following research facilities have been established at CASP for the research pursuits of scientists in their respective fields of interest:

• Pelletron Particle Accelerator

• Transmission Electron Microscope

• Scanning Electron Microscope

• Universal Testing Machines

LASERS

 

The laser for research at CASP is Nd:YAG laser with the following characteristics:

• Repetition rate 10 Hz

• Pulseenergy 1200, 600, 280and 130 mj at 1064. 532, 355 and 266 nanometers respectively

• Pulse duration 4-6 ns

• Beam diameter 10mm

• Divergence 0.45 mrad at 1064nm

Research Groups

• Material Science Group

• Particle Accelerator Group

• Laser Group