-- Optical Component Characterization & Assembly:Improved the design and built a bench-top automated MIR Cavity Ring Down Spectrometer using class IV CW lasers, MCT detectors, acousto-optic modulators, and a bunch of free-space optical components. Through a more efficient usage of 4-plate (Brewster) attenuator-polarizer the mode-locking into the cavity was stabilized across the entire spectral range reducing the noise in the spectral data.-- Testing & Quality Control:Developed and implemented (cross-)validation strategies for analytical devices using multivariate analysis, achieving cross-validation of two analyzers and tripling the lab's analytical capability.Conducted root cause analysis for malfunctioning manufactured devices, leading to compliance with healthcare quality standards through carefully designed corrective actions.-- Subsystem Integration:Redesigned PCB for optical switching using AOMs, which included schematic and routing work with Altium. The updated design optimized SMD use while maintaining full functionality and was successfully integrated and validated in spectrometers.-- Continuous Improvement:* Optics: Assessed signal degradation in analyzers due to scattering from micron-sized particles, providing critical insights to enhance the system’s accuracy and reliability.* Software: Led the modularization of control software written in LabVIEW, enhancing maintainability and scalability, and allowing for new functionalities to be added more easily.* Database: Co-designed a MySQL database to store experimental data, eliminating data loss by automating data transfer directly from the spectrometer control system to the database.-- Interdisciplinary Communication:Collaborated with cross-functional teams for quality analysis and experimental design, effectively documenting findings and communicating them to other departments, including marketing and applications development.

-- Optical Component Characterization & Assembly:Designed, constructed, and enhanced bench-top Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) Spectrometer with CW DPSS lasers and fiber optic photo-sensors for light scattering experiments, utilizing parametric design to optimize system performance at ultra-cold (-150 degC) conditions.-- Subsystem Integration:Developed control software for the spectrometer using LabVIEW, facilitating communication between SPADs, stepper motors, and DPSS lasers via DAQ cards, which improved experimental precision and reliability. -- Continuous Improvement: Data analysis & algorithm: Developed statistical models to characterize the effects of cryogenic cooling on protein structure using optical and X-ray scattering data, and implemented a novel “two-time correlation function” analytical method to analyze single-channel scattering data on temporal evolution.-- Mechanical Design:Designed a custom cuvette-holder using Solid Edge for use in optical scattering experiments, balancing maximum contact for heat transfer with sufficient openings for optimal light interaction and photon detection.

-- Optical Component Characterization & Assembly:Designed and implemented nonlinear spectroscopic experiments (vibrational Sum Frequency Generation) to study surface chemistry, integrating advanced pulsed femtosecond laser systems and EMCCDs for high precision.-- Continuous Improvement:* Optical methods: Developed and integrated advanced experimental techniques, including Hetero-dyne and Pump-Probe functionalities, into spectroscopic setups, using parametric enhancements to achieve greater experimental control and accuracy.* Data acquisition & analysis: Developed automated scripts for spectral data analysis using Matlab and integrated that into LabVIEW written data acquisition interface which reduced total experimental and data acquisition time by ~10%.

-- Optical Component Characterization:Characterized and optimized the deflection of the 1st order deflected beam of a broad band pulse by modulating the RF power and frequency through the acousto-optic modulator crystal for laser pulse shaping.

Research project: Investigation of temperature sensitive opening and closure of RNA fragment("RNA thermometer")Methods Used: Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Time correlated single photon countingSupervisor: Prof. G. Krishnamoorthy