Physical Research Laboratory (PRL)

Syllabus: Science and Tech (UPSC Prelims)

Context:

The Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), located in Ahmedabad, is a premier national research institute for space and allied sciences, operating under the Department of Space, Government of India.

Key Facts

• Established: 11 November 1947 by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, regarded as the Father of the Indian Space Programme.
• Initial Focus: Research on cosmic rays and upper atmospheric physics at M.G. Science Institute, Ahmedabad.
• First Director: Prof. K. R. Ramanathan.
• Support: Karmakshetra Educational Foundation, Ahmedabad Education Society, and later, the Atomic Energy Commission (1949).
• Design: The PRL building was designed by Achyut Kanvinde in 1962.

Organizational Structure

• Governing Body: PRL Council of Management.
• Director: Heads scientific divisions assisted by Dean and Registrar.
• Divisions:
  • Astronomy & Astrophysics
  • Planetary Sciences
  • Space & Atmospheric Sciences
  • Geosciences
  • Theoretical Physics
  • Atomic, Molecular & Optical Physics

Major Contributions

• Planetary Science & Exploration (PLANEX): National programme on planetary studies.
• Discovery of Exoplanet (2018): PRL discovered EPIC 211945201b (K2-236b), 600 light years away — India’s first confirmed exoplanet discovery.
• Observatories Managed:
  • Udaipur Solar Observatory
  • Mount Abu Infrared Observatory

Research Areas

• Astronomy & Astrophysics: Optical, infrared, and radio studies on star formation and galactic evolution.
• Atomic, Molecular & Optical Physics: Quantum optics, astrochemistry, and laser-based plasma studies.
• Planetary Sciences: Origin and evolution of the Solar System using isotope geochemistry.
• Theoretical Physics: Particle physics, cosmology, and quantum chaos.
• Space & Atmospheric Sciences: Aerosols, ozone studies, and near-Earth plasma interactions.
• Geosciences: Geochronology, glaciology, oceanography, and paleoclimatology.

Academic & Awards

• Academic Programme: Offers integrated Ph.D. in Physics and allied fields.
• National Awards:
  • Hari Om Ashram Prerit Senior Scientist Award
  • Vikram Sarabhai Research Awards
  • PRL and Aayushi Awards

Significance

• PRL serves as the cradle of India’s space programme, having laid the scientific foundation for ISRO’s later missions.
• It continues to be a key center for advanced research in space sciences, atmospheric studies, and planetary exploration.