Good day, Dr. Rana Pratap. I'm Arjun. I've had a look through your background and your professional record. I'm interested in hearing more about your work and how you see yourself fitting in here with our faculty. Ready to start?

Thank you. I am Doctor Rana Prata.

Please start by introducing your professional journey in academia.

Working as a senior project associate in Electrical department of IIT Madras.

I completed my PhD in the area of RF and photonics and the work.

Basically contains about the quantum theory of optical communication and it is about the.

Theoretical part of quantum theory of and semi classical theory of the current optical link. And I have completed my me in the background of optical communication in the government university on anniversary. And I completed my B.Tech is in EC department, Electronic and communication department that is also affiliated by the Anna University.

Chennai and I am keen to looking to the join to the VIT.

University for my research and.

Teaching Career.

Thank you for the overview, Professor. I'd like to delve deeper into your expertise and experience to assess alignment with the role of a Professor. Let's start with your research and teaching experience. Could you summarize how your research in RF and photonics, especially in quantum and semi-classical optical communication theory, has influenced your approach to teaching at the undergraduate or postgraduate level?

Yeah. So basically in the current scenario, the current optical link is used for the our basic communication system for transmission of our voice speech images. So it's the theory behind of these optical communication link. It is based on semi classical theory. So we have started with. Quantum theory. How the quantum theory can be applicable for the current optical link design?

And how then at what condition will coherent quantum theory is required? And when in the semi classical theory is required? And what condition the convergence of quantum and semi classical theory at which point it converges and which point it not does not converge in the current scenario. So that will give. So in the example I can suggest you when you think as a light as a terms of photon when number of photons is very high.

Then we can treat as a semi classical theory, that's why we exist. But in the current scenario when we go for the communication in the safer security advice and for the low number of intensity, then quantum theory is the more suitable of that. So I applied the quantum theory from the physics background and applied for the optical link design and we see that where is this can be applied and we applied the.

Phase that we have the during the communication we have lot of challenges like intensity noise and the phase noises. So we have treated that what is the phase noise in the current scenario how we can treat in the quantum way and we apply into the semi classical theory. So in the combinedly we can say that we have seen the photon statistics it means the quantum theory. Of of current optical link and compare with the existing semi classical theory in the presence of phase noise.

This is Mitav PhD work and after that I have done my 4th Doctor fellowship that is uh, under Professor Deepavali and Balaji's University in IIT Madras. There I have seen in the, we have an along radio over Fiverr in the communication and we have the limiting, there is a laser phase noise. The phase noise arises from the source that is coming from the antenna or analog signals and the noises exist from the fiber itself.

And when it goes to reaches to the detector that is a receiver and how this noises affect my current communication system like A55G and 6G beyond that for the analog radio or fiber signal and that then what is the limitation And we have given to the theoretical point of view and as well as we have given to the experimental and we have seen that how the deviation is there and we found that it converges and that phase noise limitation is helpful.

To design my what my limiting factor so which Ledger on what condition of Ledger phase noise it will my link will work properly. So that is my first part of my during my senior project associate post. And the second part is that since we need of high data communication. So currently in India we have a single fiber communication.

A single mode fiber in that we have a single core, so the data is limited in only the single core. And we try to develop the with the many company. We in this project we have collaborated with multiple company. For the fiber we collaborated with Astral Light that is a company in India. And we gave the design and to that instead of single core we have used 4 core inside the same cladding. So if you are considered the single mode fiber, we have a core and we have cladding of 125 micrometer. So in that same design we have.

Instead of 1 core, we have used 4 core. So we designed that what should be the core pitch and what should be the my bending? What should be the other limiting factor so that the crosstalk. So crosstalk means here the inter channel crosstalk between the four channel it is going. So what would be the forgiven this crosstalk? What will be by the core piece. So we have done the simulation part and we have given shared with. A still light company and based on that they have manufactured the.

4 core fiber and we used in the our advanced optical communication testware in IIT Madras and we compare with the experimental results of what we have done and then we saw that it is we are perfectly it is near about matching with us little variance and we submitted to the journal paper that paper and 3rd part the main thing was there is a fabrication part. So I have done the experimental part also.

So for the existing have a single mode fiber and we here we are using multi core fiber that is 4 core MCF in the same cladding. If you see the in the 125 micrometer. So I need a within existing element of SMF single mode fiber to combine with the multi core fiber. So we use 4 independent core single mode fiber and we. Done the fan in and fan out device that give the pathway from the single mode firewall 2000.

Multi core fiber. So we developed and fabricated in our lab for this and we maintain make sure that our insertion loss lie between the given specification what we need and what is the cross talks must be less than the desired value what we have given for deliverable and we develop these devices and we done the packaging with another collaboration with my company of. Indian company that SFO next that is located in Cochin for commercialization.

So in if we see my research background, so according to me we have done the fully washed theoretical background. We have developed the quantum theory in the analytical probability in the theoretical part and we started and then we have done the simulation part of that. And after that I moved to the experimental part of the currently the phase noise. And then we have done the simulation in comps or simulation in RP power photonics and then.

Like a fan in fan device fabrication and at the end we make the product level of commercialization. So my work it consists of all theoretical simulation, experimental and as well as collaboration with the two company. And currently that we are working with another company that called Apna Tech based on the we are working on the sensor on the for optical fiber. How this?

After simulation we have done the product waste.

Bending microbending losses will help me detect to the load of the train how it will be there. So we are currently on working. So we are working on the collaboration with our research is collaborative with the companies. So in that way we can say that how it will be helpful for my Btech and that So what were the work we are having in the courses in that course is what we are reading optical communication we are implementing to the research level and product.

So what are work we are doing just it is directly coming from our be subject oriented and we are transferring that. So this is my research background.

Yes.

Yes.

Understood, Professor. I’d like to now focus on your teaching methodology. How do you approach explaining complex concepts, like quantum theory or optical communication systems, to students who may have little or no prior knowledge in these areas?

Yes. So for the like how I learn the quantum theory because my background was the electrical engineering department. So it's there is for quantum theory we have a two language that is a probability of of signal processing and second thing the electromagnetic field theory. So both courses it is a integral part of electrical communication that whatever the domain I applied and then I have.

To start with how the electromagnetic field theory and it is treated in the quantum theory. So the two approaches that the whatever the existing thing we have in electromagnetic field theory, I will transfer in the quantum theory concept how it can be go to means in the sense of I can say like if you have the intensity. So when you talk the intensity that in electrical field in our EC department or electrical engine background, you have more E square or intensity and directly I will.

Transfer to the number of photons. So in that way we can make corresponding learning from how the electrical department can be very easy to understand our quantum theory. And based on the another way of approach is there always diagrammatic approach to make them to understand how the intensity evolve how the total energy. So concept of total energy is remains same in our EC department and as well as in the quantum theory. So in that connecting each other. By the existing subject knowledge of electrical department and then what we know the new subject in quantum through that, I want to link up with that with, uh, multiple application oriented like, uh, how we use in the communication channel, how we use in the how it can be what they people know and how it can be goes to the given the quantum theory. So that way I can make the separate like you can say the course frame. Like what is your quantum theory for electrical engineer?

And it will be very easier for them once they know this basic subject, whatever that you're taught in the electrical record.

Yes.

Got it, Professor. Let’s move to your experience guiding students. Could you share a specific example of a student research project you mentored, and how you helped the student achieve their goals?

OK, so.

Yeah. So just I want to say one, we can say the one example of like during my.

Multi core fiber, so want to simulate it 4 core fiber. So what it means here that we are transferring the signal single core initially and now we have transferred to 4 core. So signal will transmitted parallely to the all four core to the MCF. All right. So in that MCF we have a problem of the signals we'll start.

Please take your time, Professor. Let me

So what I have done mentoring to the student, I have asked them to design because existing technology we have a single core SMF. So I asked them to design the single core. Just take the example of single core and you see how the power is propagating inside the core. So once you develop the core and then we see that what is the decaying component. So I will consider the two the one student and I ask him to simulate it and I have guided in the how to single.

Talking from the one core to other core.

Will be converted and then I transform to the four core. So in that my part is more important because, uh, some part they don't know, uh, mathematics behind that and they don't know, uh, some simulation like a comp source. So that time I used to toward the basic let's a single mount fiber how they can derive the mode. So it is a teaching to the student and as well give the basic of that to understand the theory and then let him.

Understand it and then come to the back to us and solve the issues or problem. So it's always to teach them because the research level is whatever they are teaching, it is just slightly above what they know. So it is a moment of that how he's going to apply their theory. So in that we have to I am acting like bridge between the research and the given theory, what we need to read it, how to guide them for as example, we have guided them to how to simulate.

Single core 5 and then how what are the extra crosstalks, how it coming and how we can perform? How can we reduce the inter channel crosstalk so that concept and gives to them and then we want to get output of what is we are absorbing. So that way I mentor them in that one example and other examples are there for making like other than my research work like. Power over fiber so in that I will give the how they are doing literature survey in that base of literature survey, let I will ask him to.

To simulate the existing one, once they simulated existing one, they have the basic knowledge. Then I will ask if in the existing system is there we have a design for power or fiber, how can you modify that? So with that?

Interdisciplinary. The what we talk where he's lagging, we will ask him to teach them according to their level and then we'll go move forward.

Yeah.

Understood, Professor. Next, let's focus on your ability to assess and evaluate students. Can you share how you design and evaluate examinations or assignments to ensure they accurately measure a student's understanding?

I don't have the experience on like autonomous university, but I have taught three years experience in the cases College of Engineering and Technology. But in the case of recently when I was working as a teaching assistantship in IIT Madras. So in in there what I have to do that generally I used to set up the whatever the my faculty. Teaches that in that I will make the from.

Uh, design problem. So I will whatever theory have given, I will formulate my question so that they can understand the design based of that. So as example, you can think about that I want to design current optical link. So I will give them what are the components are there. I will try give the basic equation. No need to remind them regularly. I will see that if forgiven this, I have this my Ledger language and this channel I want.

Data speed. So in that way they have to think differently for how do I will achieve this? So suppose I want to say that I want 10 Gigabit per second. So there they can have a multiple way of there can approach it. They can use multiple fiber, they can use the different modulation format, they can a single format even that with a so their approach.

To basically based on my design oriented. So whatever the subject is there this is application and how this theory can be applied to the application oriented. So my problem will be totally based on the application oriented and some problem too I will design to conceptual problem. Conceptual problem means that here like I have teach some subject or my professor have taught to some subject and this topic is very very important to understand so that I will ask.

The very conceptual related to that topic. So some question will be like the conceptual oriented. So he understood clearly or not and after that it will go to the design based on the problem.

Thank you, Professor. Your approach of blending conceptual clarity with design and application-based problems is thoughtful and reflects a strong dedication to nurturing both foundational understanding and practical problem-solving skills in students.

Thank you.

You're welcome, Professor. Moving forward, I would like to understand your experience in publishing research. Could you share details about your published work in reputed journals and conferences, highlighting the impact of your research?

Yeah, so.

During M Tech I have published 1 conference and.

There and during my PhD, I published my.

Two, uh, a journal paper that is A1 paper is published in the Joseph B that uh, quantum theory of traveling wave will appropriate page modulator and how it is applied to the FCQKD system, how it can be useful for the current cryptography system in the presence of phase noise. That is one of the paper Josephi and the second paper I have published in the. IOP, the Journal of Optics. There I have.

Discuss the totally how the quantum theory given in the physics, it is totally applicable for the communication channel. So quantum theory I have given the brief description of the from a starting like how the photon statistics like if you have intensity noise and how the phase distribution from the basic. So it is published on the IOP journal and it's from the detailed description of the paper that is the second so it comes.

B for general in case of IIT for quantum optics in electrical departments, it come to the high rank journal. But if you say in the website it's sometime it's come Q2 in the current and I hope you also come Q2 and another journal I have published for.

To Joseph.

Impact like UH6G connection, so the impact of phase noise in analog radio or fiber signals and it can be used for the 6G and beyond. That is the Q1 journal that I have published in I triple E microwave theory. That is a Cuban journal in there and another journal I I have submitted in the Josa B that is the inter crosstalk. Simulation and accurate analysis of inter cross talk in the multi core fiber.

The.

That I have submitted in Joseph B and 4th one. We are currently I'm working on the another journal for fanning device, Fanning and fan out device. I have filed a patent file for fan in and fan out device in the What is the new one that I have? I did not receive the exact. But I have exact Fer kind of things like that. So we have filed a patent file in the for fan in device and I have the.

To conferences like 1 conference I have put that as you said, as I told that indoor Mtech another own conference I put it for I simulation for give from extending from four who core to 38 core how the simulation crosstalk will behave some that. So these are the my basic brief detail on the my journals and conference paper.

Thank you for sharing the details, Professor. Your research contributions, particularly in high-impact journals like IEEE Microwave Theory and Journals of Optics, are significant. The diversity in topics—from quantum theory applications in communication to multi-core fiber innovations—demonstrates your depth and breadth in the field of optical communication. Securing a patent and engaging in conferences further highlights your proactive role in advancing research. This aligns well with the expectations of a professorial role.

Thank you.

You're welcome, Professor. Let me now delve into your insights on collaboration. Can you elaborate on your experience working with industry partners, like Astral Light and SFO Next, and how such collaborations enhance both research and teaching?

So two things what I have learned from SFO. So at SFO company have the R&D in the photonics.

Photonics, RF and photonics. So certainly basically whatever like we have extended for four core. So after that we want to extend to data demands will be very high. So we want to move to the seven core and the higher cores core, multi core fiber. So instead of now 4 core, we move to 7 core and seven core to 14 core.

And people have in other country elaborated up to 19 course. So we will get a chance to know about the theory about the optical, what we are applying in that and we can share, we can always we have a consultancy with SFO and in the case of fiber manufacturing always will be the light company will be helpful for them. And other than that like when we are going for a long radio or Fiverr and basic many designs on that that we can always.

Be open to the SFO company and we can talk to them for product development as well as discussion other way of education. I will prefer always my student to visit to these two company when the curriculum and we want to give the opportunity to the student think in different way and we can do more further that also.

Thank you, Professor. Your active collaborations with SFO and Astral Light clearly provide valuable industry exposure for your research. Additionally, encouraging students to engage with these companies as part of their learning further enhances their practical understanding and ability to think beyond academic boundaries. This integrated approach is commendable.

Our scheduled time for the interview is now up. Before we conclude, do you have any questions related to the role or the company?

We don't have idea about that. I feel that it is the IT we have both highly good students are coming there and they have very high experience on the research and collaboration. So I feel.

It will be. I don't have any question regarding that.

Understood, Professor. Thank you for your time and thoughtful responses. Before we officially conclude, can you confirm if you would like to end the interview now?

Pardon, I didn't hear you clearly.

No, fine. I want to conclude that it's OK.

Of course, Professor. I was asking if you'd like to confirm that you're ready to conclude the interview, or if there's anything else you'd like me to address before we finish.