The world of gadgets is ever-evolving and everyday day, there emerges a new concept to improve existing technology. Working on increasing the speed of electronic devices with the help of photonics technology, is Dasari Venkatakrishnarao, who is pursuing PhD in material chemistry from University of Hyderabad. He has been selected for Lindue Nobel Laureates 2017, an annual scientific conference that brings together Nobel laureates and young scientists, to discuss important issues in the field. It will be held in Germany in June. “I’m happy that I was selected to present my studies at such a prestigious place. I am excited about meeting people who are working on similar technology there, and getting feedback about my work so far. The technology I am working on is relatively new and hence, not many are aware of the advantages of using light instead of electrons in electric devices,” says Dasari.
About his study, Dasari says, “The speed of light is much faster than the speed of electrons. In the same case, if you want to send a signal from one regime to another regime, you need a medium to pass the signal. Unlike electronics, light may not need any medium to send a signal to two separate extremes. We are working on creating micro lasers and modulators which can fit into photonic devices. Scientists are already working on creating photonic chips in western countries but no one is working on this subject in India.”
While growing up, Dasari wanted to be a doctor, but his parents couldn’t afford it. “My father worked as a security guard and my mother was a daily-wage worker. When I was in Class VIII, I realised that I was good at chemistry and decided to pursue a career in it. It was while I was graduating that I chose photonics as my subject of research. Soon, I’ll actually be called ‘Dr’ Venkatakrishnarao,” says the 27-year-old from Ongole, with a laugh.
Dasari is a dedicated student and spends most of his time in the lab, either studying or experimenting under the guidance of his supervisor Professor Rajadurai Chandrasekar, whom he considers his idol. “I am an atheist. I think man has the power of defining his own destiny. Professor Chandrasekar is very knowledgeable and helpful. He inspires me to put in more than 100 per cent in my work. I idolise Dr A.P.J. Adbul Kalam and Dr B.R. Ambedkar, who also came from small towns and made it big,” he concludes.
