National Symposium on Gaseous Discharges (NSGD-2023)

The National Symposium on Gaseous Discharges (NSGD-2023) is organized by the Department of Physics, Pondicherry University from 9-11 August, 2023 to encourage the advancement of the science and application of discharges by the exchange of scientific information. Further, the power sources are an integral part of electric discharges and require equal attention. Thus, the scope of this symposium includes ongoing topical research on discharges and power sources with a particular focus on energy generation and storage, pollution control, new materials, surface modification, and innovative applications. This symposium will host interdisciplinary meetings for the exchange of results, presentation of progress, and discussion of ideas and challenges for the future in the field of discharges. Both fundamental and applied aspects are covered. The Symposia program consists of plenary talks, invited talks, invited oral contributions, and posters. Mini-courses, special focused sessions highlighting the contribution of a group or a scientist, and informal discussions on relevant topics may also be offered in addition to the regular symposium schedule. Participants from different disciplines such as Physics, Plasma Physics, Chemistry, Energy, Renewable Energy, Green Technologies, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Instrumentation, Mechanical Engineering, Material Processing, Material Science and Engineering, and Fluid Dynamics are invited to contribute.

An electric discharge is generally referred to the flow of electric current through a non-conducting medium such as a gas. The earliest mention of the divine powers of electric discharges is found in Rigveda as VAJRA. The Vajra (वज्र) the 'thunderbolt' is a legendary and ritual weapon symbolizing the properties of indestructibility and an irresistible force. An electrical breakdown initiates flow charge carriers leading to electrical discharges. Electromagnetism and hence electric discharges play a very important role in human development. Electric discharges can be found in common applications such as in light sources to advanced applications such as He-Ne laser, plasma TV, chip fabrication, waste management, and material processing to fusion machines. A few innovative uses of electric discharge are also drawing attention such as the treatment of skin diseases and food processing.