1988 - Annual Report

Abstract

During this period about sixty research papers were completed which are listed later in this Report. From the composition and authorship of the papers it must be clear that there has been substantial improvement in the quality, depth and breadth of the papers. While there are cyclic variations in the productivity of scientists, a strong overall pattern of creative work has emerged. This 'momentum of growth' was specially appreciated by the Board of Governors in the Press release issued after their meeting in July 88. The increase in the faculty strength was small but significant; it would have been larger were the physical facilities of the Institute more adequate; these would substantially improve once the new Library Building is completed with a much needed lecture room and new study areas in the library. The Board of Governors gave final approval for this building as well as the Hostel-Guest House Complex at their July meeting. Construction is under way. During the year E.C.G.Sudarshan was elected a Fellow of the International Academy for the Philosophy of Science, a body which has by statute only seventy five living members at any time. C.S.Seshadri was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London. D.Sc.(Honoris Causa) was conferred on E.C.G.Sudarshan by the University of Madras. One of the research papers, "Evolving geometric phase and its dynamical manifestation as a frequency shift: An optical experiment" by R.Simon, H.J.Kimble and E.C.G.Sudarshan, published in the July 4,1988 issue of Physical Review Letters was specially recognized for its originality: Mr.John Maddox, the Editor of "Nature" wrote a special report in the July 14, 1988 issue of that prestigious magazine with the title "Turning phases into frequencies". The promise made in the Introduction to last year's Report "The Institute is poised to make outstanding research contributions and this potential must be realized in the next few years" is beginning to be redeemed. Our major assets are our students and the promise of that future creative scientific output. We must, and we shall, make every effort to facilitate this and remove every obstacle from their path. The generous financial assistance from the two Governments is appreciated. A new Nelco Force 20 Computer was inaugurated in September by Dr.H.B.N.Shetty, Ph.D.,I.A.S. We are happy to welcome Dr.V.Varaprasada Rao, Ph.D.,I.A.S. Registrar; Appreciations to Dr.R.Jagannathan for his effort and care in bringing out this Report. 1988 September