ALLAHABAD UNIVERSITY (AU) could soon play an important role in the efforts to commercially manufacture super-flat colour picture tubes by developing super efficient nanophosphors for the devices.
The varsity is in an advanced stage of negotiations with the country's leading colour picture tube manufacturer Samtel Colour Ltd in this regard. The initiative could not only lead to the setting up of a pilot plant for the production of the new-age picture tubes in Allahabad but also create a landmark in university-industry partnership in research applications in India.
"Impressed with the work done in the field of Nanophosphor by AU's Nanophosphor Application Centre (NAC), the New Delhi based Samtel Colour Limited has shown an interest in forging a partnership with us. Involved in manufacturing colour picture tubes in the country, the company wants to come up with improved and super-flat picture tubes," informed Dr Avinash Chandra Pandey of AU's NAC.
He said that at present the company imports phosphor that is used in the manufacture of the colour picture tubes.
"They wish to find an import-substitution for it as it will greatly reduce the manufacturing cost. The nanophosphors being produced by our DST-funded Nanophosphor Application Centre is much superior to the phosphor being imported by them from abroad and we have displayed to them that it could be a great replacement for the company as per their needs," Dr Pandey added.
Executive Director- Technology of Samtel Colour Ltd MJ Zarabi visited the varsity and the NAC in this regard on June 7. "We have discussed many points related to the proposed linkage with the company. Zarabi also met the AU Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajen Harshe and appreciated the research work being done by us and reiterated his company's desire to forge a partnership with AU," he said.
{{/usCountry}}Executive Director- Technology of Samtel Colour Ltd MJ Zarabi visited the varsity and the NAC in this regard on June 7. "We have discussed many points related to the proposed linkage with the company. Zarabi also met the AU Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajen Harshe and appreciated the research work being done by us and reiterated his company's desire to forge a partnership with AU," he said.
{{/usCountry}}Dr Pandey informed that he would deliver a detailed presentation at a brain storming session convened by the company at New Delhi on July 15.
The Nanophosphor Application Centre was established just over two years back to carry out researches in the promising field of Nanophosphors. The Centre is also trying to produce efficient lamps by developing nanophosphors that will generate efficient white light under UV excitation. Having the potential to be a fitting replacement for the kerosene lamps being used in Indian villages in large numbers, the centre has received Rs 1.25 crore as a first instalment from the DST in 2005 and is all set to receive another Rs 1.75 crore by the year end to carry forward its research activities.
At present, the NAC is functioning from the old USIC Building located near the Physics Department but would be soon needing a bigger space if it is to really move forward with pace to attain its objectives.