Scientific officer H at BARC, India
Dr. Srikumar Ghorui is a distinguished physicist with over 25 years of experience in thermal plasma research. He obtained his M.Sc. in Physics with a specialization in Radio Physics and Electronics from the University of Burdwan and completed the 40th batch of the BARC Training School before earning his Ph.D. from the University of Mumbai. He further advanced his research through postdoctoral studies at the University of Minnesota, USA. Currently, he is a Senior Professor at the Homi Bhabha National Institute and heads the Thermal Plasma Technologies Section at BARC’s Laser and Plasma Technology Division. Dr. Ghorui has significantly contributed to plasma-based technologies, notably developing an atmospheric pressure portable catalytic air plasma system for synthesizing aqueous nitrate and nitrite fertilizers. His research focuses on innovative plasma applications in environmental and industrial sectors, demonstrating his expertise in advancing scientific and technological frontiers in plasma physics.
Professional Profile
Education
Prof. Srikumar Ghorui has an extensive academic background in physics and plasma research. He earned his Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Physics with a specialization in Radio Physics and Electronics from the University of Burdwan. Following this, he joined the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Training School as part of its 40th batch, gaining advanced knowledge in nuclear science and technology. He later pursued and successfully completed his Ph.D. from the University of Mumbai, focusing on thermal plasma applications. To further enrich his expertise, he undertook postdoctoral research at the University of Minnesota, USA, where he engaged in cutting-edge plasma technology research. His strong academic foundation and specialized training have equipped him with deep insights into plasma physics, enabling him to make significant contributions to the field. His educational journey reflects a commitment to scientific excellence and innovation in plasma-based technologies.
Professional Experience
Prof. Srikumar Ghorui has extensive professional experience in the field of plasma physics and thermal plasma applications. He began his career at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), where he gained expertise in plasma-based technologies and their industrial applications. Over the years, he has worked on various research projects involving plasma-assisted material processing, nanomaterials synthesis, and waste treatment using thermal plasma. His contributions extend to academia, where he has served as a professor and researcher, mentoring students and leading innovative research initiatives. He has collaborated with international institutions, including a postdoctoral tenure at the University of Minnesota, USA, where he worked on advanced plasma processing techniques. Throughout his career, Prof. Ghorui has published numerous research papers in reputed journals and participated in key conferences worldwide. His professional journey highlights his significant contributions to plasma science, technological advancements, and the development of sustainable solutions using plasma-based systems.
Research Interest
Prof. Srikumar Ghorui’s research interests primarily focus on plasma physics, thermal plasma applications, and their industrial and environmental implications. He is deeply involved in studying plasma-assisted material processing, including plasma arc welding, cutting, and coating techniques. His work also extends to the synthesis of nanomaterials using thermal plasma, exploring their applications in energy storage, catalysis, and advanced coatings. Additionally, he has conducted extensive research on plasma-based waste treatment technologies, aiming to develop sustainable methods for hazardous waste disposal and energy recovery. His interest in plasma diagnostics and modeling has led to significant contributions in understanding plasma behavior and optimizing industrial processes. Prof. Ghorui also explores interdisciplinary applications of plasma in biomedical engineering and environmental remediation. His research is driven by the goal of advancing plasma technologies for real-world applications, contributing to cleaner energy solutions, efficient manufacturing processes, and sustainable environmental management.
Award and Honor
Professor Srikumar Ghorui has made significant contributions to the field of thermal plasma technology over a career spanning more than 25 years. He currently serves as a senior professor at the Homi Bhabha National Institute in Mumbai and heads the Thermal Plasma Technologies Section within the Laser and Plasma Technology Division at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). His research has led to advancements in plasma science, including the development of an atmospheric pressure portable catalytic air plasma system for synthesizing aqueous nitrogen dioxide and nitrate fertilizers, for which he filed a patent in March 2024. In recognition of his expertise, Professor Ghorui has been invited to speak at various conferences, such as the TIMP 2021, where he addressed key challenges in thermal plasma technology. Additionally, he has been honored as an Outstanding Reviewer by the Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics in both 2022 and 2023.
Research Skill
Professor Srikumar Ghorui possesses extensive research skills in the field of thermal plasma technology, with a strong focus on plasma-assisted material synthesis, environmental applications, and industrial process enhancement. His expertise spans experimental and computational studies of high-temperature plasmas, including diagnostics, modeling, and applications in waste treatment, energy generation, and advanced material processing. He has successfully developed innovative plasma systems, such as an atmospheric pressure portable catalytic air plasma system for sustainable fertilizer production. His ability to integrate fundamental plasma physics with applied engineering solutions has led to numerous technological advancements and patents. As a senior researcher at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), he has demonstrated a strong analytical approach, problem-solving capabilities, and hands-on experience in designing and optimizing plasma-based processes. His contributions have been widely recognized through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and awards, underscoring his excellence in advancing plasma science for industrial and societal applications.
Conclusion
Prof. Srikumar Ghorui is highly suitable for the Leading Innovations in Science Award. His pioneering contributions to plasma science, industrial applications, and technology transfer make him a strong candidate. Addressing minor areas like global collaboration and commercialization could further solidify his position as a world leader in plasma technology innovation.
Publications Top Noted
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Thermodynamic and transport properties of two-temperature nitrogen-oxygen plasma
- Authors: S. Ghorui, J.V.R. Heberlein, E. Pfender
- Journal: Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing
- Year: 2008
- Citations: 95
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Non-equilibrium modelling of an oxygen-plasma cutting torch
- Authors: S. Ghorui, J.V.R. Heberlein, E. Pfender
- Journal: Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics
- Year: 2007
- Citations: 86
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Synthesis and characterization of Nd₂O₃ nanoparticles in a radiofrequency thermal plasma reactor
- Authors: G.D. Dhamale, V.L. Mathe, S.V. Bhoraskar, S.N. Sahasrabudhe, S.D. Dhole, S. Ghorui
- Journal: Nanotechnology
- Year: 2016
- Citations: 55
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Thermodynamic and transport properties of two-temperature oxygen plasmas
- Authors: S. Ghorui, J.V.R. Heberlein, E. Pfender
- Journal: Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing
- Year: 2007
- Citations: 52
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Experimental evidence of chaotic behavior in atmospheric pressure arc discharge
- Authors: S. Ghorui, S.H. Sahasrabudhe, P.S.S. Murthy, A.K. Das, N. Venkatramani
- Journal: IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science
- Year: 2000
- Citations: 48
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Origin of fluctuations in atmospheric pressure arc plasma devices
- Authors: S. Ghorui, A.K. Das
- Journal: Physical Review E
- Year: 2004
- Citations: 44
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Probing instabilities in arc plasma devices using binary gas mixtures
- Authors: S. Ghorui, M. Vysohlid, J.V.R. Heberlein, E. Pfender
- Journal: Physical Review E—Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
- Year: 2007
- Citations: 35
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Strongly adherent Al₂O₃ coating on SS 316L: Optimization of plasma spray parameters and investigation of unique wear resistance behavior under air and nitrogen environment
- Authors: V.C. Misra, Y. Chakravarthy, N. Khare, K. Singh, S. Ghorui
- Journal: Ceramics International
- Year: 2020
- Citations: 33
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Direct probing of anode arc root dynamics and voltage instability in a DC non-transferred arc plasma jet
- Authors: S. Ghorui, N. Tiwari, K.C. Meher, A. Jan, A. Bhat, S.N. Sahasrabudhe
- Journal: Plasma Sources Science and Technology
- Year: 2015
- Citations: 28
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Stability and structures in atmospheric pressure DC non-transferred arc plasma jets of argon, nitrogen, and air
- Authors: N. Tiwari, S. Bhandari, S. Ghorui
- Journal: Physics of Plasmas
- Year: 2018
- Citations: 26
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Theory of dynamic behavior in atmospheric pressure arc plasma devices. I. Theory and system behavior
- Authors: S. Ghorui, A.K. Das
- Journal: IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science
- Year: 2004
- Citations: 26
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Thermodynamic and transport properties of nitrogen plasma under thermal equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions
- Authors: K.C. Meher, N. Tiwari, S. Ghorui
- Journal: Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing
- Year: 2015
- Citations: 24
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Unique erosion features of hafnium cathode in atmospheric pressure arcs of air, nitrogen, and oxygen
- Authors: S. Ghorui, K.C. Meher, R. Kar, N. Tiwari, S.N. Sahasrabudhe
- Journal: Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics
- Year: 2016
- Citations: 23
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Collision integrals for charged-charged interaction in two-temperature non-equilibrium plasma
- Authors: S. Ghorui, A.K. Das
- Journal: Physics of Plasmas
- Year: 2013
- Citations: 23
