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PHD in Centre For Photonics Quantum Communication Technology at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
Haridwar, Uttarakhand
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About the Specialization
What is Centre for Photonics & Quantum Communication Technology at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee Haridwar?
This PhD program in Centre for Photonics & Quantum Communication Technology at IIT Roorkee focuses on cutting-edge research in optical science, quantum phenomena, and their engineering applications. It addresses the critical demand for advanced professionals in India''''s rapidly evolving digital communication, defense, and strategic technology sectors, emphasizing both fundamental and applied research in this interdisciplinary domain.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for M.Tech or M.Sc. graduates in Physics, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or related fields with a strong academic record, seeking to pursue advanced research. It also suits high-achieving B.Tech graduates with exceptional aptitude for research, aiming to contribute significantly to scientific and technological advancements in photonics and quantum communication. Aspiring academics and R&D professionals will find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue high-impact research careers in leading Indian and international institutions, R&D labs (e.g., DRDO, ISRO), and technology companies. Potential roles include Research Scientist, Postdoctoral Fellow, Assistant Professor, or Senior R&D Engineer. They contribute to national strategic technologies and can command competitive salaries, with entry-level PhDs often starting above INR 10-15 LPA in specialized R&D roles in India, with significant growth potential.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Coursework & Comprehensive Exam- (Semesters 1-2)
Dedicate early semesters to mastering core courses (PHN-701 to PHN-710) and preparing rigorously for the PhD comprehensive examination. Form study groups, engage with faculty, and utilize departmental resources for problem-solving. This ensures a strong theoretical foundation for advanced research.
Tools & Resources
IIT Roorkee Library resources, Course textbooks and lecture notes, Online platforms like Coursera/edX for supplementary learning, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation and successful comprehensive exam are mandatory for program continuation and demonstrate a deep understanding crucial for any research or academic role.
Identify Research Area & Supervisor- (Semesters 1-2)
Actively explore various research domains within CPQCT by attending seminars, interacting with faculty members, and reviewing their publications. Proactively engage with potential supervisors to define a research topic that aligns with your interests and the centre''''s capabilities. Begin preliminary literature review.
Tools & Resources
Research papers (IEEE Xplore, Optics InfoBase, arXiv), IIT Roorkee CPQCT faculty profiles, Departmental seminars and workshops, Supervisor meetings
Career Connection
Early identification of a relevant and impactful research area under a suitable supervisor is crucial for a productive PhD journey and future career specialization.
Develop Strong Scientific Communication Skills- (Semesters 1-2)
Actively participate in departmental presentations, workshops on scientific writing, and engage in critical discussions during seminars. Practice presenting research ideas clearly and concisely, and refine academic writing through early review of literature and drafting parts of your research proposal.
Tools & Resources
IIT Roorkee Communication Skills Centre, Grammarly/LaTeX for scientific writing, Toastmasters International (if available), Feedback from peers and supervisor
Career Connection
Effective communication is vital for publishing research, presenting at conferences, and securing academic or R&D positions.
Intermediate Stage
Formulate and Defend Research Proposal- (Semesters 3-5)
Based on literature review and initial findings, develop a detailed research proposal outlining objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and a timeline. Practice defending your proposal to your advisory committee, incorporating feedback to strengthen your research plan. This often involves setting up initial experimental or simulation frameworks.
Tools & Resources
LaTeX for proposal writing, Project management tools (e.g., Gantt charts), Lab equipment/simulation software access, Regular committee meetings
Career Connection
A well-defined and defended proposal demonstrates research capability and is a key milestone for successful thesis completion and future grant applications.
Engage in Active Research & Publication- (Semesters 3-5)
Systematically execute the research plan, meticulously documenting experiments, simulations, and results. Aim to publish initial findings in peer-reviewed journals or present at national/international conferences. Focus on generating novel contributions to the field.
Tools & Resources
Specialized lab equipment and software, Journal submission platforms (e.g., IEEE, OSA), Conference travel grants, Reference management software (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley)
Career Connection
Publications are the currency of academia and research; they enhance your profile for post-doc positions, faculty roles, and industry R&D.
Build a Professional Network- (Semesters 3-5)
Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences related to photonics and quantum communication. Network with fellow researchers, academics, and industry professionals. Seek opportunities for collaborative projects and build connections that can lead to future career opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional organizations (IEEE Photonics Society, OSA, SPIE), University career fairs and alumni events, Conference attendance
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to collaborations, mentorship, job opportunities, and staying abreast of industry trends.
Advanced Stage
Thesis Writing and Data Synthesis- (Semesters 6-8 (and beyond for longer durations))
Begin structuring and writing your PhD thesis, meticulously synthesizing all research findings, discussions, and conclusions. Focus on clear, coherent narration, rigorous data presentation, and a strong argument for your original contribution. Seek regular feedback from your supervisor and committee.
Tools & Resources
LaTeX thesis templates, Grammarly premium, Data visualization tools, Supervisor''''s guidance and edits
Career Connection
The thesis is the culmination of your PhD; a well-written thesis showcases your research prowess and sets the stage for future academic or industry leadership roles.
Prepare for Viva-Voce and Defense- (Semesters 6-8 (or prior to thesis submission))
Thoroughly prepare for your final viva-voce examination by reviewing your entire thesis, anticipating questions, and practicing your presentation. Be ready to articulate the significance of your work, its originality, and its broader implications. Seek mock viva sessions with peers or faculty.
Tools & Resources
Presentation software (PowerPoint, Keynote), Mock defense sessions, Thesis defense guidelines from IIT Roorkee, Review of seminal papers in your field
Career Connection
A successful viva-voce is the final step to earning your PhD and demonstrating your expertise to a panel of experts, essential for professional credibility.
Strategize Post-PhD Career Path- (Semesters 6-8 (and ongoing until placement))
While completing your thesis, actively plan your post-PhD career. Explore postdoctoral opportunities, academic positions, or R&D roles in industry. Prepare your CV, cover letters, and research statements tailored to specific job applications. Leverage your network for leads and mentorship.
Tools & Resources
IIT Roorkee Career Development Centre, Job portals (Indeed, LinkedIn, specific academic job boards), Mentor discussions, Writing workshops for application materials
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition from PhD to your desired professional path, leveraging your specialized knowledge and research skills.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master’s degree in Engg./Tech./Arch./Pharmacy with CGPA of 6.50/60% marks OR Master’s degree in Sciences/Humanities/Social Sciences with CGPA of 6.50/60% marks OR B.E./B.Tech./B.Arch. degree or equivalent with CGPA of 7.50/70% marks. Specific requirements may apply for each centre.
Duration: Minimum 2-3 years, Maximum 7 years (depending on entry qualification)
Credits: 12-18 credits (depending on entry qualification) Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester coursework
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHN-701 | Introduction to Photonics and Quantum Communication | Core/Elective | 3 | Fundamentals of Light, Optical Components, Lasers and Photodetectors, Principles of Quantum Mechanics, Quantum States, Introduction to Quantum Communication |
| PHN-702 | Advanced Optical Communication Systems | Core/Elective | 3 | Optical Fibers and Waveguides, Advanced Modulation Formats, Coherent Optical Communication, WDM Systems and Components, Optical Amplifiers and Networks, Fiber Impairments and Compensation |
| PHN-703 | Quantum Information Science | Core/Elective | 3 | Quantum States and Superposition, Entanglement and Bell Inequalities, Quantum Gates and Circuits, Quantum Algorithms (Shor''''s, Grover''''s), Quantum Cryptography (BB84, E91), Quantum Error Correction |
| PHN-704 | Ultrafast Optics and Lasers | Core/Elective | 3 | Laser Principles and Cavity Design, Ultrashort Pulse Generation Techniques, Mode-locking and Q-switching, Non-linear Optics Phenomena, Ultrafast Spectroscopy, Applications of Ultrafast Lasers |
| PHN-705 | Integrated Photonics | Core/Elective | 3 | Planar Waveguide Theory, Silicon Photonics, Photonic Integrated Circuits Design, Integrated Modulators and Detectors, Passive Photonic Components, Fabrication Techniques for PICs |
| PHN-706 | Photonic Devices and Sensors | Core/Elective | 3 | Semiconductor Lasers and LEDs, Photodetectors and Solar Cells, Optical Modulators and Switches, Fiber Optic Sensors, Plasmonic Sensors, Quantum Dot Devices |
| PHN-707 | Optical Metrology and Instrumentation | Core/Elective | 3 | Interferometry Principles, Spectroscopic Techniques, Optical Microscopy and Imaging, Polarimetry and Ellipsometry, Optical Time-domain Reflectometry (OTDR), Precision Optical Measurements |
| PHN-708 | Computational Photonics | Core/Elective | 3 | Maxwell''''s Equations in Optics, Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) Method, Finite Element Method (FEM), Transfer Matrix Method, Beam Propagation Method (BPM), Numerical Simulation Tools (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL) |
| PHN-709 | Special Topics in Photonics | Elective | 3 | Emerging trends in photonics research, Advanced functional materials for photonics, Quantum phenomena in new systems, Photonic AI and machine learning, Bio-photonics and medical applications, Frontier research challenges |
| PHN-710 | Research Methodology | Core | 3 | Scientific writing and publication ethics, Literature survey and critical analysis, Experimental design and data acquisition, Statistical methods for data analysis, Intellectual Property Rights and patents, Research proposal development |
