Dr. Sunil Kumar Singh

Assistant Professor
Department/School/Unit Name
Department of Physics, IIT (BHU) Varanasi
Phone No(s): 8127488191
Email: sunilks.app@iitbhu.ac.in
Area of Interest: Nano-structures and quantum materials, Hybrid Nanostructures, Energy harvesting, Sensors, Optical imaging, Optical Encryption/Data Storage, LEDs, etc.

I have been working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics, IIT (BHU), Varanasi since Feb. 2018. My research interest is focused on optical spectroscopy of different types of materials and their technological applications mainly in the area of optical imaging, optical data storage, energy harvesting and sensors. After completing my Ph.D. from Department of Physics, Banaras Hindu University (2011), I moved to the Department of Physics, Changwon National University, South Korea for post-doctoral studies (2011-12). I returned back India to take up a DST-INSPIRE Faculty position at Department of Physics, IIT (BHU) Varanasi and worked as INSPIRE Faculty for the period (2013-2017).


Major Research Areas (Luminescent Materials and Device Development)

  • Nano-structures and quantum materials: Halide perovskite nanocrystals/Quantum dots, Oxide and Fluoride nano-phosphors, organic-inorganic hybrid nanostructures and composites, inorganic persistent luminescence materials, etc.
  • Energy and lighting application: Halide perovskites for solar cell and LEDs applications; Lanthanide doped materials for energy conversion.
  • Optical imaging application: Photon upconversion based optical imaging of cancerous cells; X-ray imaging using persistent phosphors.
  • Security Application: Static and dynamic Anti-counterfeiting technologies using nanostructures; optical data storage using persistent luminescence phosphors.
  • Optical and Bio-sensing: Optical materials for sensing of temperature and different types of gases and biomolecules.
  • Photocatalysis and clean water technology: Photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and hexavalent chromium for clean water using composite nanostructures.

List of Publications: Detailed list can be found at: Google Scholar

Some Representative Publications after Joining IIT (BHU): (* Corresponding Author)

S.No.

Publication Detail

Impact Factor

1

Tm3+/Yb3+:NaGdF4 nanoperticles decorated g-C3N4/BiOBr0.75I0.25 multicomponent heterostructure: Structural, optical properties and UV-Visible-NIR responsive photocatalytic degradation of Rodamine B and reduction of Cr(VI).                                                                                                        M. Sharma, J.N. Mishra, Sachin Singh, Priyam Singh, S.K. Singh*, P. Singh, Materials Research Bulletin 178, 112884 (2024)

5.3

2

Photon upconversion-based non-invasive temperature sensing using Gd1-x-yYbxEryScO3 perovskite nanocrystals                                                    S. Kachhap, N.K. Giri, R Prakash, S.K. Singh*, Journal of Alloys & Compounds, 936, 168192 (2023)

5.3

3

Lanthanide-based hybrid nanostructures: Classification, synthesis, optical properties, and multifunctional applications.                                              Priyam Singh, Santosh Kachhap, P. Singh, SK Singh*, Coordination Chemistry Reviews 472, 214795 (2022)

20.3

4

Lanthanide-doped Inorganic Halide Perovskites (CsPbX3): Novel Properties and Emerging Applications
Santosh Kachhap, Sachin Singh, AK Singh, SK Singh*, J. Mater. Chem. C 10, 3647, (2022) [
selected as Editor's Choice]

5.7

5

Wide-bandgap lanthanide niobates: Optical properties and applications
A Dwivedi, AK Singh, SK Singh*, Mat. Res. Bull. 131, 110960 (2020)

5.3

6

​Generation of red-NIR bi-modal fluorescence in hybrid nanostructure.
P Singh, SK Singh
*, et al, Mat. Res. Bull., 122, 110663 (2020) 

5.3

7

Lanthanide doped ultrafine hybrid nanostructures: multicolour luminescence, upconversion based ET and luminescent solar collector applications.
P Singh, PK Shahi, SK Singh
*, et al, Nanoscale, 9, 696 (2017). 

5.8

8

A strategy to achieve efficient dual-mode luminescence in lanthanide-based magnetic HNPs and its demonstration for the detection of latent fingerprints.
PK Shahi, P Singh, AK Singh, SK Singh, et al, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 499, 199 (2017)

 9.4

9

Photoluminescence, upconversion and quantum-cutting emission in Tm/Tb/Pr and Yb co-doped oxide phosphor: A comparative study
P. Singh, P.K. Shahi, SK Singh*, et al, J. Alloys Comp. 681, 477 (2016)

 5.3

10

Enhanced red upconversion emission, magneto-luminescent behavior, and bio-imaging application of NaSc0.75Er0.02Yb0.18Gd0.05F4@AuNPs nanoparticles.
M Rai, SK Singh
*, K Mishra, et al, ACS Appl. Mater. Interf. 7 (28), 15339 (2015).

 8.3

11

Eu3+ activated CaGa2Owide band gap material for solar blind UV converter: Fluorescence and photo-conductivity performance.
M Rai, SK Singh
*, K Mishra, et al, J. Mater. Chem. C 2, 7918 (2014).

5.7

Luminescent Materials and Device Development (LMDD) Group

Post-Doctoral Fellow:

  1. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Viswakarma, CSIR-RA: Nanophosphor Material

Research Scholars: 

  1. Mr. Sachin Singh (INSPIRE Fellow): Nanostructures for Energy Harvesting
  2. Mr. Santosh Kachhap (JRF-CSIR); Inorganic Halide Perovskites for Opto-Electronic Applications
  3. Ms. Shruti (Prime Minister's Research Fellow-PMRF): Luminescence Nanostructures for Optical Encoding 
  4. Ms. Shanas Fatima (Prime Minister's Research Fellow-PMRF): Materials for Optical Encryption and Energy Applications               
  5. Mr. Akhil Kumar Rai (JRF-UGC): Halide Perovskites for Radiation Detection

---- (Co-Supervisor)

  1. Mr. Prem Chandra Bharti (Teaching Assistant) [Co-supervisor]
  2. Ms. Manisha Sharma (CSIR-JRF) [Co-supervisor]
  3. Ms. Gargi (UGC-JRF) [Co-supervisor]
  4. Mr. Munindra Kushwaha [UGC-JRF] [Co-supervisor]

Master (M.Tech/M.Sc.) and UG Students

  1. Mr. Shubham Prajapati [M.Sc., 2024-25]: Lanthanide doped nanoparticles for anticounterfeiting applications
  2. Mr. Akhil Kumar (2024-25) [M.Tech Project]: Inorganic halide perovskites for light emitting diode (LEDs) applications
  3. Mr. Vansh Gupta [UG Project]: Extended emission in halide perovskites through interfacing with Nobel metal nanoparticles
  4. Mr. Faizaan [Stream Project]: 

Former Members of LMDD Group

Masters (M.Tech & MSc.)

  1. Mr. Tofan Sitha (2023-24) [M.Sc. Thesis]; Optical thermometry using lanthanide doped Lead free halide perovskites. 
  2. Mr. Abhay Kumar Gaurav (2023-24) [M.Tech]; Optical studies in Inorganic Halide Perovskite inserted europium metal organic  framework
  3. Mr. Anshu Kumar Mishra (2022-23) [M.Tech]; Development of Lanthanide-Doped Upconversion Nanoparticles for Optical Encoding
  4. Mr. Niglum N (2022-23) [M.Sc.]; Colloidal quantum dots as platform for Quantum Information
  5. Mr. Saurabh Jha (21-22) [M.Sc.]; Photon upconversion in lanthanide materials
  6. Ms. Suchita Kumari (20-21) [M.Sc.]; Photon Upconversion in Lanthanide Nanostructure
  7. Mr. Ishank Kumar Mittal (20-21); Dual mode emission in lanthanide-doped nanostructures
  8. Ms. Priyanka Baa (19-20); Lanthanide doped material for energy harvesting applications

As Inspire Faculty 

  1. Mr. Dhruv Bargujar (2015-16); Insight into the bright side of defects: study of persistent luminescence 
  2. Mr. Chittyreddy Sripal (2016-17); Optical properties of lanthanide doped phosphors

Undergraduates

  • Stream/UG Projects
  1. Mr. Akhil Kumar 
  2. Mr. Abhay Kumar Gaurav
  3. Ms. Priyanka Baa
  4. Mr. Ishank Kumar Mittal
  5. Mr. Dhruv Bargujar
  6. Mr. Pawan Malviya (Co-Supervisor)
  • Exploratory Projects
  1. Mr. Manish Nonha 
  2. Mr. Subhro Das

Facilities in LMDD Lab

Synthesis techniques 

  • Sold state reaction (SSR) method: Phosphor materials in micron size
  • Combustion synthesis technique: Phosphor materials in nano and micron size
  • Thermal decomposition technique (Argon gas based): Fluoride nanoparticles
  • Coprecipitation method:  Ultrafine fluoride nanoparticles
  • Hot injection Method: Halide perovskite quantum dots and nanocrystals
  • Ligand assisted reprecipitation (LARP) method: Halide perovskite microcrystals
  • Hydrothermal synthesis (Autoclaves): Ultrafine nanoparticles of phosphors, halide perovskites, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), hybrid nanostructures.

Supporting facilities: Weighing Balance (Shimadzu), High temperature furnaces (800 0C and 1300 0C), Vacuum furnace (150 0C), Ultrasonicator, Centrifuges (9000 rpm, 12000 rpm), Fume hood, Spin coater, Pellet machine.

Optical characterization techniques

  • PL Spectrophotometer (Floromax-3, Horiba) [Temperature dependent PL & Magnetic field dependent PL measurement]
  • CCD based spectrometer (QE Pro 6500, Coherent and.........) [Stand-off detection using fiber]
  • Photon upconversion (UC) emission measurement setup [Temperature dependent (UC) emission measurement]
  • Lasers (980 nm and 408 nm)
  • Laser engraving setup (for optical encryption)
  • Laser power meter
  • UV Lamp (255 nm, 365 nm)

Department Facilities

  • UV- Visible absorption spectrometer
  • FITR setup
  • XRD (Table top)
  • DTA/TGA

Central facilities (Institute)

  • HR-TEM
  • HR-SEM
  • XRD
  • SPM
  • MPMS
  • EDS
  • XPS
  • SAXS

Principal Investigator

  1. A new approach for anticounterfeiting using hybrid nanostructure, UPCST Grant, UP Government, India (2025-28)
  2. Inorganic halide perovskites for optical encryption...., Core Research Grant, SERB-DST, India (2023-25)
  3. Luminescent nanostructures as spectral converters..., Seed Grant-IIT(BHU), India (2018-19)
  4. Nanostructures for bio-imaging...., INSPIRE, DST, India (2013-18) 

Co-Investigator

  1. Tailoring correlations of light using plasmonic and nano-structures, BRNS, India (2021-23) 
  2. High Proton conducting metal phosphonate electrolytes for fuel cell applications, DRDO, India (22-23)

 

 

Fellowships

  1. DST-Inspire Faculty Award, DST, New Delhi (2013-2017)
  2. Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF), Changwon National University, South Korea (2011-2012)
  3. CSIR-NEHRU PDF, CSIR, New Delhi (awarded, did not availed)
  4. DS Kothari PDF, UGC, New Delhi (awarded, did not availed)
  5. Senior Research Fellowship (SRF), CSIR, New Delhi (2009-2011)
  6. Junior & Senior Research Fellowships (JRF & SRF), Directorate of Forensic Science Services, MHA, New Delhi (2006-2009)

Awards

  1. Listed in “World’s Top 2% Scientists List” of Stanford University” under “Nanoscience and Nanotechnology” Category. (2020, 2023)
  2. M.L. Khorana Memorial Prize, Indian Pharmaceutical Association, Mumbai (2012) [https://ipapharma.org/ijps-best-paper-awards/]
  3. Young Scientist Award, Indian Science Congress Association, India (2010) [www.sciencecongress.nic.in/young_scientists_awards_09-10.php]
  4. Best Paper presentation Awards in Conference/Seminar/Symposium:
    • 2nd International Conference on Soft Materials, MNIT, Jaipur, India (2016).
    • National Symposium on Advances in Lasers and Spectroscopy (Harbansh Singh Memorial Young Scientist Award), Dr. H. S. Gaur Central University, Sagar, India (2009)
    • One day Conference on New Trends in Research, BHU, Varanasi, India (2007) 

Membership of Professional Bodies:

  1. Materials Research Society of India (MRSI, Life Member, Membership No. LMB 3942 )
  2. Optical Society of India (OSI, Life Member, Membership No. L.1088)
  3. Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA, Life Member, Membership No. L14296)
  4. Laser & Spectroscopy Society of India (LASSI, Life Member, Membership No. 315-08)
  5. Society for Interdisciplinary Research in Materials and Biology (SIRMB, Life Member, Membership No: LT-023)
  6. Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC, Annual member by invitation, Membership No. 584365)

Invited Talks

Talks for Science Popularization Program/Social Responsibility Program

  1. Fundamentals of Laser and its bio-medical applications, Resource person for a training workshop organized for Science Graduate (B.Sc.) students, Sunbeam Womens Degree College Varuna, Varanasi, 25th April, 2023.  
  2. Laser and its applications, SERB-Social Responsibility Program, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, 26th March, 2022.

Professional Talks

  1. Multicomponent heterojunction photocatalyst for wide solar range responsive photocatalytic application, 34th AGM of Materials Research Society of India, Indian Institute of technology (BHU) Varanasi, Dec 12-15, 2023.
  2. Multicomponent heterojunction photocatalyst for UV-Visible-NIR responsive photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B, International Conference on Advanced Materials for Better Tomorrow-II, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Oct. 10-13, 2023
  3. Photon conversion in rare-earth doped inorganic materials, Indo-Us Joint Meeting, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Nov. 28-30, 2022
  4. Photon upconversion in lanthanides: Basics, mechanism, and applications, STUTI Training Program on “Synthesis and Characterization of Nanomaterials for Energy, Lighting & Bio-imaging Applications” Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, Nov. 07-13, 2022
  5. Lanthanide doped hybrid nanostructures for optical encryption, International Conference on Smart Materials for Sustainable Technology-II, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, Oct. 13-16, 2022
  6. Laser Spectroscopy for Biological Applications, National Symposium on ‘Laser in Biology, Medical Science, Atmospheric Science and Climate Change’ Physics Department, Udai Pratap College, Varanasi, Mar. 14-15, 2022. 
  7. Upconversion Spectroscopy, Virtual Workshop on Probing Materials using Spectroscopic Tools: Basics and Applications, MAHATMA GANDHI CENTRAL UNIVERSITY, Motihari, Bihar, Feb. 28-Mar 04, 2022
  8. Photoluminescence spectroscopy and its applications, Short Term Course on ‘Spectroscopy and its Applications in Modern Science’ (STC9-21), Doctor Hari Singh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, India (A Central University), 18th-24th Feb. 2022.
  9. Photon upconversion in lanthanide doped nanostructures & their applications, IIT and NIMS Materials Science Workshop, supported by JST SAKURA Science Program, Japan, 6-10 Dec. 2021.
  10. Upconversion Spectroscopy of nanomaterials, International Conference on Smart Materials for Sustainable Technology (SMST 2020), NIT Goa, Goa, 22-26 Feb. 2020.
  11. Hybrid nanostructures for the generation of red-NIR bimodal emission covering the first biological window, in International Symposium on Photonics and Plasmonics (ISPP-2019), at Department of Physics, Central University of Rajasthan, Kishangarh, Ajmer, 23-24 September 2019.
  12. Infrared to infrared photon upconversion through photo-stimulated luminescence, in a National Conference on Advanced Nanomaterials and their applications (ANA-2018), at Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT) Allahabad, 21-23 Dec. 2018. 
  13. Photon conversion using coherent and incoherent light sources for strategic applications in National Conference on Advances in Spectroscopy: Molecules to Materials at Institute of Infrastructure Technology Research and Management Ahmedabad, 05/10/2018.
  14. Photon management (up and down-conversion) using coherent and incoherent light sources” in the National Conference on Advances in Spectroscopic Techniques and Materials (ASTM-2018)” at Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, India., 14-16 March, 2018
  15. Lanthanide doped magneto-luminescent nanostructures for upconversion microscopy”, in a National Symposium on Horizons of light in molecules, materials and daily life, held at Dr. H. S. Gour University, Sagar, MP, 18-19 Dec., 2015
  16. Lanthanide doped nanostructure for multi-modal emission and their applications, Indian Science Congress, Physical Science section, Mumbai University, 3-7 Jan. 2015.
  17. Physics of multi-mode emission: Optical properties of rare-earth doped phosphors”, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India, Winter School on Advances in Laser Spectroscopy and Applications, Physics Department, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 22-28 March, 2014
  18. Low temperature synthesis, nano-crystalline structure and observation of dual-mode luminescence, Indo-German Conference on Laser application and Nanoscience, Kerla, 5-7, Dec. 2013.

Current Semester:

PHY-101: Classical, Quantum & Relativistic Mechanics

PYM 541: Laser Physics (M.Sc.)

PYM 591: Spectroscopy Lab (M.Sc.)

 

Earlier-

Theory Courses

PHY-101/AP-1101/1201 Classical, Quantum & Relativistic Mechanics
PHY-103 Modern Physics
EP-342 Biophysical Techniques
AP-3202 Atomic Physics & Nucl. Engg.
AP-4103-Quantum Electronics
EP-432/AP-5104/AP-7107-Photonics & Optoelectronics
PYM 541: Laser Physics (M.Sc.)
AP-7111-Advanced Materials Characterization Techniques (Ph.D. Course work)
 
Lab Courses-

AP-1301/1401- Mechanics Lab
AP-1401/1402- Electricity & Optics Lab
AP-4301: Physics Lab, IMD-IVth year
AP-4401: Physics Lab, IMD-IVth year
PYM 591: Spectroscopy Lab (M.Sc.)

 

Dr. Sunil Kumar Singh
Assistant Professor
Department of Physics,
IIT(BHU), Varanasi-221005
Phone- 08127488191
Email id- sunilks.app@itbhu.ac.in