The Photonic Materials Technology Section (PMTS) is a multidisciplinary research group dedicated to advancing materials science and technology, with a strong emphasis on the development of indigenous materials to support the R&D programmes of the Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT). The group integrates diverse research activities focused on the development of functional materials, including single crystals, ceramics, glasses, thin films, phosphors, nanostructures, and polymer composites for advanced technological applications.

Major research thrust areas include the development of single-crystal and ceramic scintillators for photonic and synchrotron facilities; piezoelectric actuators for synchrotron X-ray optics; non-evaporable getters (NEG) and specialized glass-ceramics for ultra-high vacuum applications; nanostructured devices for photodetector, gas sensor, and resistive memory applications; and precious-metal-loaded carbon aerogels as catalysts for heavy water decontamination. Additional research includes carbon aerogels for hydrogen mitigation and supercapacitor applications.

The team works synergistically across these domains to strengthen core materials technologies, support key programmes of the Centre, and develop import substitutes for critical materials. These efforts contribute significantly to the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission of the Government of India.

In order to fulfil the above mandate, the structure of Photonic Materials Technology Section is as follows:

• Photonic and Detector Materials Laboratory
• Ferroelectric and Scintillator Materials Laboratory
• Nano-Functional Materials Laboratory
• Optical and Glass-Ceramic Laboratory
• Nano-Electronic Materials and Devices Laboratory