DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

In this project, I explored the spectral properties of the Kondo lattice model using MATLAB’s symbolic computation tools. By constructing and diagonalising a 9x9 Hamiltonian matrix, I analysed the interaction between conduction electrons and a magnetic impurity, a hallmark of the Kondo effect. The eigenvalue analysis revealed a non-degenerate ground state at (λ = 0) , representing a fully screened impurity spin, while higher energy levels indicated magnetic excitations within the system. Through this work, I developed a deeper understanding of how symbolic and numerical methods can be used to study strongly correlated electron systems. This project not only strengthened my grasp of quantum many-body theory but also enhanced my computational and analytical skills for future research in condensed matter physics.

Protein folding is an important process that allows a long chain of amino acids (called a polypeptide) to form a specific three-dimensional shape needed for it to work properly. This project studies how proteins fold using the energy landscape model, which explains folding as a gradual movement toward the most stable and low-energy shape. By reviewing studies from 2020 to 2025 and comparing examples of amyloid-β, prion, and αsynuclein proteins, the research shows how changes in the folding process can cause proteins to fold incorrectly. When this happens, they may form clumps, leading to diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The findings show that protein folding is not random it is guided by chemical interactions, helper molecules called chaperones, and how easily different shapes can form. Misfolding occurs when proteins get stuck in the wrong shape, creating harmful structures. Overall, this study helps explain why protein folding is so important to human health. It also shows how understanding the energy landscape model can help scientists find better ways to prevent or treat diseases caused by misfolded proteins.

Protein folding is an important process that allows a long chain of amino acids (called a polypeptide) to form a specific three-dimensional shape needed for it to work properly. This project studies how proteins fold using the energy landscape model, which explains folding as a gradual movement toward the most stable and low-energy shape. By reviewing studies from 2020 to 2025 and comparing examples of amyloid-β, prion, and αsynuclein proteins, the research shows how changes in the folding process can cause proteins to fold incorrectly. When this happens, they may form clumps, leading to diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The findings show that protein folding is not random it is guided by chemical interactions, helper molecules called chaperones, and how easily different shapes can form. Misfolding occurs when proteins get stuck in the wrong shape, creating harmful structures. Overall, this study helps explain why protein folding is so important to human health. It also shows how understanding the energy landscape model can help scientists find better ways to prevent or treat diseases caused by misfolded proteins.

Expanding noncontact techniques for monitoring groundwater level variations to include laser based devices has been limited in the past by the low reflectivity of water to laser light The advances made in the realization of highly sensitive receivers has greatly enabled Laser devices with the prospect for effective noncontact monitoring of groundwater levels. In this work a real-time groundwater level monitoring devices was implemented using a LiDAR-lite v3HP laser-based sensor, an Arduino Uno rev 3 microcontroller, and an ESP8266 Wi-Fi module. Hardware implementation involved interfacing the microcontroller with the LiDAR-lite, the Wi-Fi module, a 16 x 2 liquid crystal display and other necessary basic electronic components. The software implementation involved writing, editing, compiling and uploading codes through the Arduino ide unto the microcontroller. The implemented prototype was powered by a 20,000mAH, 5V power bank and deployed on two artesian wells to collect depth to water surface data which were uploaded automatically to ThingSpeak platform. Measurements at various times taken with the device were compared with manual measurements from a calibrated tape. A correction factor was applied to correct measurement residuals. Results of the validation showed that measured values were uploaded to the ThingSpeak platform an average of 33 seconds which could be reconfigured to longer timeframes. The results were remotely accessed on the platform. A correlation graph of measurement before and after applying the correction revealed a near perfect correlation coefficient of 0.99995 for the LiDAR readings for both pre-correction and post correction measurements; confirming a strong linear relationship with tape measurements. The coefficient of variation, root mean square error and limits of agreement from the Bland Altman’s plots all ascertained the improvement in post-correction measurements.

Water, the essence of life and the most abundant substance on Earth, is a molecule composed of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom. It's a vital resource that shapes our planet's geography, climate, and biological diversity. Water's unique properties, such as its ability to dissolve substances, transport nutrients, and regulate temperature, make it indispensable for all known forms of life. Its cycle through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff supports ecosystems and human civilizations alike. The study of water encompasses its history, from the ancient seas where life originated, to its presence in the outer reaches of space. Science delves into its molecular mysteries and conservation efforts focus on sustaining this irreplaceable resource for future generation.

Inverters are electronic devices that convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) and are used in a wide range of applications, including power generation systems, renewable energy systems, and portable electronic devices. The choice of battery for an inverter is an important decision that can impact the performance and efficiency of the inverter. In this project, the aim was to specify the factors that should be considered when choosing a battery for an inverter. To achieve this goal, a literature review on inverters, batteries, and deep cycle batteries, and analyzed the available information on the performance, lifespan, and cost of different types of batteries, was conducted. Based on the review and analysis, a 65AH 24V inverter was chosen to power the inverter as it had little requirements for maintenance and met the require specifications

The growing demand for efficient, low-cost semiconductor materials for optoelectronic applications has driven significant interest in copper sulfide (CuS) thin films. This project successfully demonstrates the fabrication of CuS nanothin films on glass substrates using a simple and cost-effective Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) technique, with a specific focus on investigating the influence of extended deposition times on their optical properties. Two sets of films were deposited using an aqueous solution of copper sulfate and thiourea, with deposition times of 20 hours and 24 hours, while maintaining all other parameters constant. The primary characterization technique employed was Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy, which provided a detailed analysis of the films' light-matter interactions. The collected absorbance spectra, obtained with a high-resolution sampling interval of 1 nm and a measuring bandwidth of 2 nm, were used to determine key optical parameters. The results revealed that the extended deposition time significantly enhanced the optical performance of the CuS films. The film deposited for 24 hours exhibited a higher absorption coefficient across the UV-Vis-NIR spectrum and a more intense Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) peak in the near-infrared region (~1050 nm), confirming the formation of the covellite phase with a high density of free charge carriers. Tauc plot analysis derived from the absorbance data showed a narrowing of the direct optical band gap from 2.38 eV for the 20-hour film to 2.32 eV for the 24-hour film, attributed to increased crystallite size and reduced quantum confinement effects. In conclusion, this project establishes that a CBD deposition time of 24 hours is optimal for producing high-quality CuS thin films with superior light-harvesting capabilities and tailored optoelectronic properties. These findings provide valuable insights for the application of CBD-synthesized CuS films in devices such as solar cells, photothermal converters, and near-infrared sensors.

The skin is the largest sensory organ in the human body and is crucial for protection, regulating temperature, and sensory detection. It acts as a complex boundary between the body and the outside world, reacting to electrical impulses, physical forces, and changes in temperature. A thorough understanding of the biophysical characteristics of the skin is essential for advancements in material science, biomedical engineering, dermatology, and biomedicine. This research explores how the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of human skin affect its functionality. The study examines skin elasticity, viscoelastic behavior, heat transfer mechanisms, and electrodermal activity through a comprehensive review of existing studies and experimental methods. This research review explored skin elasticity, viscoelastic behavior, heat transfer, and electrodermal activity. Using nanoindentation and stress- strain analysis, it found that skin elasticity varies by body region and age, with Young's modulus decreasing as we age. Creep and stress relaxation tests confirmed the skin's viscoelastic properties. Thermal properties were assessed using infrared thermography, indicating that well-hydrated skin dissipates heat more effectively. The skin's role in thermoregulation is reinforced by studies on vasodilation and sweating. V Electrodermal activity (EDA) and skin impedance spectroscopy reveal that skin conductivity changes with moisture levels and external stimuli, serving as important indicators of emotional and physiological states. This study also explores how sensory nerves convey tactile and thermal sensations to the nervous system. The findings enhance our understanding of the skin's multifunctionality and have potential applications in medical diagnostics, wearable technology, and prosthetics, aligning with existing research in biophysics and dermatology

This project involves the design and fabrication of a 1KVa solar inverter, which converts DC power from solar panels to AC power for household and industrial applications. The inverter is designed to operate at a high efficiency, with a minimum of 90% efficiency. The project also involves the development of a control system to regulate the output voltage and frequency of the inverter. Various efforts have been made to address this challenge, but existing alternatives, such as diesel generators, have proven to be inefficient, expensive, and environmentally unfriendly. They require frequent fueling, maintenance, and replacement of parts, while also contributing to pollution. The capacity of an inverter system depends on the specific application and the power requirements of the appliances being used. In this context, we are focusing on a domestic inverter system with a maximum capacity of 5KVA (4000 watts), designed to provide backup power during outages and serve as a primary source of energy when the national grid is unavailable.

This study examines the optimal battery specifications for a 5kVA pure sine wave inverter system, focusing on the selection of suitable batteries to ensure efficient, reliable, and cost-effective performance. The research evaluates key factors such as battery capacity, voltage, cycle life, depth of discharge (DoD), and energy efficiency. Given the growing demand for backup power in residential and commercial settings, selecting the right battery is crucial for maximizing operational efficiency and system longevity. Simulation models were used to assess the performance of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries under varying operational conditions. The findings revealed that lithium-ion batteries outperformed lead-acid batteries in key areas, including round-trip efficiency (95% vs. 75%), cycle life (3,500–5,000 cycles vs. 500–1,000 cycles), and DoD (80% vs. 50%). These advantages made lithium-ion batteries the most suitable choice for a 5kVA inverter system, offering superior performance and energy utilization. In conclusion, lithium-ion batteries, despite their higher initial cost, provide a more efficient and sustainable solution for 5kVA pure sine wave inverter systems. Their longer lifespan, higher efficiency, and better energy storage make them the preferred option for optimizing system performance and reducing long-term operational costs.