The Journey of IUAC: How India Built a Gateway to the Atomic World

Artistics View of Pelletron Accelerator

Today, I want to share an inspiring tale—a journey that started as a dream and culminated in the creation of one of India’s most remarkable scientific landmarks. This is the story of the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi—a testament to India’s indomitable scientific spirit and a gateway to the mysteries of the atomic world.

A Bold Vision for Indian Science

In the late 1970s, Indian science stood at the threshold of a transformative era. While global advancements in nuclear research surged ahead, Indian universities grappled with limited resources. Scientists yearned for a centralized facility that could elevate India’s research capabilities and place the nation firmly on the global scientific map.

Amid this landscape, a visionary group of professors and scientists dared to dream big. Their vision was more than just the establishment of a research facility; it was about fostering collaboration among universities, breaking barriers, and creating a shared platform for innovation.

At national conferences, this vision gained momentum. India’s universities had a rich legacy of nuclear physics, but to compete internationally, they needed advanced tools that no single institution could afford. This dream soon became a mission, spearheaded by pioneering scientists who advocated for a unified research hub. They approached the University Grants Commission (UGC) with a proposal to establish a world-class nuclear research facility—a mission not just to enhance research but to unite the scientific community under one roof.

Turning Vision into Reality

No dream is without its challenges, and IUAC was no exception. Skeptics questioned India’s ability to build and operate a high-energy accelerator. Was there enough expertise? Could the funding sustain such an ambitious project?

But the dreamers were relentless. Drawing inspiration from global successes, they argued that if countries like the U.S. and Europe could harness accelerators’ potential, so could India. The UGC’s approval in 1984 marked the birth of the Nuclear Science Centre (NSC), later renamed IUAC.

The task ahead was monumental—building a cutting-edge facility and acquiring a high-energy accelerator, the Pelletron. Partnering with the National Electrostatics Corporation (NEC) in the U.S., Indian scientists worked tirelessly, traveling, learning, and preparing to bring this revolutionary machine to life.

The Triumph as IUAC Comes Alive

By 1990, after years of dedication and overcoming countless obstacles, the Pelletron Accelerator was operational. The first beam of accelerated ions marked a historic moment. Indian researchers now had a tool to explore the previously unimaginable:

• The behavior of heavy ions in collisions

• The intricate mechanisms of nuclear break-up

• The processes powering element formation in stars

  
  

Suddenly, experiments that once seemed out of reach were being conducted in New Delhi. IUAC transformed into a hub of discovery, welcoming researchers from across India and fostering a culture of collaboration.

A Personal Connection

When I first stepped into IUAC, I felt an immediate sense of awe. This was more than a laboratory—it was a crucible of innovation. My research on breakup fusion (BUF) reactions blossomed here, enabled by the Pelletron’s extraordinary capabilities.

I’ll never forget the thrill of monitoring data during a critical experiment. Each spike on the screen represented not just numbers but profound insights into the atomic nucleus—a testament to the power of this facility.

Under the guidance of Prof. R. Prasad, I embarked on groundbreaking research, exploring the fusion dynamics of alpha-cluster and non-alpha-cluster projectiles. These investigations deepened our understanding of nuclear reactions, leading to over a hundred research papers and mentoring countless doctoral scholars. IUAC’s environment was integral to these achievements—a blend of collaboration, curiosity, and cutting-edge technology.

Shaping the Future

Today, IUAC stands as a beacon of Indian scientific excellence. Beyond the Pelletron, it houses superconducting linear accelerators, state-of-the-art detection systems, and pioneering research in nuclear physics, material science, radiation biology, and more.

But IUAC’s true legacy lies in its spirit. It’s a place where ideas transform into discoveries, where students become leaders, and where dreams become realities. Its impact resonates far beyond its walls, empowering a new generation of scientists to push the boundaries of knowledge.

Celebrating India’s Scientific Spirit

The story of IUAC is more than a tale of science—it’s a story of vision, perseverance, and the unyielding human spirit. It reminds us of the power of dreams and the importance of collaboration in realizing them.

So, the next time you hear about a breakthrough in nuclear physics from India, remember the journey of IUAC. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when passion meets purpose.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through India’s atomic frontier.

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You can have the above details on YouTube Channel: BPS The atomic Explorer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nuLcSwBvCA