Computer Interfaced Science Experiments

Ajith Kumar B P

Authors

Ajith Kumar B P Former Scientist, Inter-University Accelerator Centre, New Delhi

Abstract

Science experiments generally involve measurement and control of physical parameters. Interfacing appropriate sensor/control elements to a computer enables it to assist in performing science experiments with a finer degree of control. A cost effective implementation of such a system is explained taking ExpEYES as an example. The hardware and software features of the setup are described along with an example experiment. This article is meant to be a pointer to the resources available on the Internet about this device.

Author Biography

Ajith Kumar B P, Former Scientist, Inter-University Accelerator Centre, New Delhi

Ajith Kumar B.P. obtained his M.Sc and PhD in nuclear physics from University of Calicut and M.Sc in Particle Accelerator Physics, from University of Manitoba, Canada. He worked at the Inter-University Accelerator Centre, New Delhi, as Scientist from 1986 to 2021. His field of expertise is mainly on the design and development of particle accelerators and associated experimental facilities. Contributions include indigenous development of accelerator control systems, radio-frequency power amplifiers and high speed data acquisition systems. A LINAC using multiple gap resonant cavities was successfully developed and tested under his leadership.

During 2005 he started a project, called PHOENIX, to develop low cost laboratory equipment leveraging the power of personal computers. The development used open source software and hardware tools. Hundreds of physics teachers from all over the country were given training to use such equipment. The training also exposed them to Free Software, mainly the GNU/Linux operating system and Python programming language. Campaigned for including Python as a tool for learning science and mathematics. A book written for this purpose can be downloaded freely. Other areas of interest include the open source Learning Management Systems like MOODLE.

Still continuing with the development of tools required for teaching science and engineering. Currently he is representing India in the IUPAP commission C13, Physics for development. Also an associated member of C14, Physics education.

https://scischool.in

https://expeyes.in