Dr. Krishna Sharma becomes first scholar from Sikkim to be awarded PhD in Semiconductor Quantum Plasma Physics

GANGTOK, :Dr. Krishna Sharma successfully defended his PhD thesis titled ‘Instabilities in Semiconductor Quantum Plasma in the Presence of Electric and Magnetic Fields’ at Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) on April 29.

With this achievement, Dr. Sharma becomes the first person from Sikkim to earn a PhD in this field, informs a SMU press release.

His research was supervised by Dr. Utpal Deka, Professor, Department of Physics, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT), SMU, and co-supervised by Dr. Rustam Ali, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, SMIT, SMU.

The external examiner for the PhD viva was professor Pralay Kumar Karmakar from Tezpur University.

Son of Dina Nath Sharma and Yasoda Sharma, Dr. Krishna Sharma hails from Assam Lingzey under Namcheybong constituency.

The doctoral work explored the complex behavior of wave instabilities in semiconductor quantum plasmas under the influence of electric and magnetic fields. It analyzed how quantum effects such as exchange-correlation potential, spin forces, and particle degeneracy influence the growth and dynamics of various plasma waves, including magnetosonic and hybrid waves.

One of the key findings was the identification of stability gaps linked to temperature and nanoparticle implantation—offering new possibilities for controlling plasma behavior.

These insights have potential applications in quantum device design and plasma-based technologies like antennas, sensors, and thrusters, as well as in semiconductor components such as transistors, diodes, and memory systems. His doctoral research has led to multiple publications in prestigious international journals.

Dr. Sharma’s academic journey began at Assam Lingzey Government Senior Secondary School and continued at TNSS School, Gangtok, where he completed his higher secondary education.He earned his B.Sc. in Physics (Hons.) from NBBGC, Tadong, graduating with a Gold Medal (2011–2014 batch), and pursued an M.Sc. in Physics at SMIT, again securing a Gold Medal (2014–2016 batch).

Later, he qualified for prestigious national-level exams, including UGC-NET with JRF, SLET, and GATE—establishing a strong foundation for research.

Currently, he is serving as an assistant professor in the Department of Physics at NBBGC, Tadong, where he continues to mentor and inspire students in the field of science.

Dr. Sharma expressed heartfelt gratitude to his supervisor, co-supervisor, all faculty and staff members of the Department of Physics, SMIT, fellow research scholars, the Directorate of Research (SMU), DRC and IRC Committees, and the university leadership, including the Vice Chancellor and Registrar of SMU and the Director of SMIT.

He also expressed gratitude to the Education department and acknowledged the encouragement received from Dr. D. Purohit, principal of NBBGC Tadong, and Dr.Sudhan Pradhan, principal of SGSC Chakung, as well as the Head of Department and colleagues from the Department of Physics at NBBGC Tadong for their constant academic support.

He further conveyed his sincere thanks to everyone who stood by him during his academic journey and helped make this achievement possible.

The Doctor of Philosophy will be awarded to him during the forthcoming convocation of Sikkim Manipal University (SMU), the release mentions.