Post Date
Aug 11 2023

Physicist Wardah Mahmood Shines at International Science Symposium -Awarded First Prize for Quantum Optics Research

Authors
Zubia Ahmad
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Dr Manzoor Ikram, Executive Secretary, National Institute of Lasers and Optronics (left) and  
Dr Shafqat Karim, Scientific Secretary, Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science & Technology (centre) presenting the prize certificate to Wardah Mahmood.

 

In a stunning display of scientific prowess, a PhD student from the Department of Physics at SBASSE, Wardah Mahmood, secured the first position in the Quantum Optics and Devices category at the 48th International Nathiagali Summer College (INSC). This prestigious event, organised annually by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), showcases cutting-edge advancements in science and technology.

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Wardah Mahmood presenting her poster to Dr Irfan Siddiqi from the University of California, Berkeley, USA

 

Wardah represented SBASSE at the INSC, a platform that has been fostering scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange since its inception in 1976. This year's event delved into a range of critical topics including Advances in Plasma Physics and Allied Technologies, Semiconductor Materials and Devices, Quantum Optics and Devices, Advances in Pulsed Power Technology and its applications, and New Trends in High Energy Physics. Esteemed experts hailing from around the globe, including the United States, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, and Turkey, graced the occasion with their insightful lectures throughout the two-week symposium.

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Local newspapers and media channels have also covered Wardha’s achievement

 

One of the highlights of the event was the poster session, where Wardah showcased her research on "Quantum weak measurements of magneto-optic and spintronic effects." In simple terms, Wardah's work aimed to peek into the behaviour of particles at the quantum level without disturbing them significantly. By utilising weak value measurement, she managed to observe magneto-optic and spintronic effects in a delicate and non-invasive manner. This achievement holds immense significance as it not only advances our understanding of these fundamental phenomena but also opens up new avenues for sensitive measurements in quantum research.
Among fierce competition from 15 participants representing universities such as PIEAS, COMSATS, and NUST, Wardah emerged as the Quantum Optics and Devices category winner.


Wardah expressed deep gratitude towards her supervisor and mentor, Prof Muhammad Sabieh Anwar, and their research group "Physlab" at the Department of Physics. She also took the opportunity to credit the Syed Babar Ali Research Award (SBARA) 2022, recognising its pivotal role in facilitating the groundbreaking research that was presented at the INSC. With her achievement, Wardah hopes to inspire future scientists to foster a culture of scientific curiosity and creativity.