1989/BT/MT Professor, Pennsylvania State University
Prof. Venkatraman Gopalan is a distinguished individual who has made immense contributions to the fields of material science and engineering, particularly in the research of nonlinear optical materials. He is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, with courtesy appointments in Physics, and Engineering Science and Mechanics. His academic journey, rooted in a Bachelor of Technology in Metallurgical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras in 1989, and culminating in a Master’s and Ph.D. in Material Science and Engineering from Cornell University in 1991 and 1995 respectively, set the foundation for a career marked by groundbreaking discoveries.
Prof. Gopalan is a world- renowned expert in the science and technology of nonlinear optical materials that power our internet and laser technologies. Over the past 20 years he has made impactful research contributions in the area of discovery of new optical crystals, for the discovery of new symmetries in these crystals, in probing them using nonlinear optics and x‐rays in polar, magnetic and optical materials, and in translating fundamental materials knowledge into technologies through optical devices and patents. His contributions have not only enriched academic knowledge but have also found practical applications in electronics storage, communication, and photonics, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical research and real-world impact.
With an impressive record of over 330 publications, a h-index of 75, and citations surpassing 23,000, Prof. Gopalan’s scholarly impact is profound and widespread. Prof. Gopalan is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and honours, reflecting his significant contributions to science and education. These include the NSF Career Award, the Robert R. Coble Award for Young Scholars, the Wilson Award for Excellence in Research, Fellow of the American Physical Society and the American Ceramics Society, and many others, each underscoring the breadth and depth of his contributions to the field of materials science and engineering.
For his achievements and contributions towards scientific research and innovation, the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras and its alumni are proud to confer Prof. Venkatraman Gopalan with the Distinguished Alumni Award for the year 2024.
