K. S. Krishnan Discussion Meeting on
Frontiers in Quantum Science

Professor K S Krishnan was a pioneer in what is now called quantum condensed matter physics. His fundamental contributions to Raman effect, anisotropic magnetic properties of molecules and solids, discoveries of quasi 2 dimensional electron transport and Landau diamagnetism in graphite, theory and experiments on the electron transport in alloys (Krishnan-Bhatia formula) and other phenomena gave credence to quantum theory of matter that was being vigorously developed then. Impressed by Krishnan's insights into quantum mechanics, during a lecture course at Calcutta, Sommerfeld is known to have invited Krishnan to coauthor a book on quantum mechanics. Quantum science, nurtured by people like Krishnan has matured over decades and is setting the agenda for a large part of modern science and technology. An example of the latest among them is quantum computers, a most exciting frontier in theoretical and experimental physics.

In response to an invitation from Dr T Ramasami, President of K S Krishnan Memorial Trust, Chennai, we felt it appropriate to have a two day discussion meeting, once in an year, under the above title, in one of the frontiers. This will be a platform for exposure and discussion of work done and fostering collaboration. The Meets are sponsored jointly by Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai and K S Krishnan Memorial Trust, Chennai. The venue will be Institute of Mathematical Sciences.

K S Krishnan was also a great populariser of science and was a selfless enthusiast who shared his scientific insights and knowledge liberally with young students from various colleges, even as a student and later as an young techer at Madurai and Chennai. To commemmorate this aspect we have established a popular talk on frontiers of quantum science by one of the speakers, during the Meet. The venue for this popular lecture will be at Madras Christian College, an alma mater of KS Krishnan. This will be one way we can disseminate the exciting happenings in modern quantum science to young students and also attract them to science.