History
1947
Founded in 1947 by Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai, the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) had a modest beginning at his residence, the RETREAT, with research on Cosmic Rays.
1947
The Laboratory was formally established on November 11, 1947, in the M. G. Science College, Ahmedabad, with support from the Karmkshetra Educational Foundation and the Ahmedabad Education Society. The initial focus was research on Cosmic Rays and the properties of the Upper Atmosphere. Research in Theoretical Physics and Radio Physics were added later with grants from the Atomic Energy Commission.
1950
Formation of First Council of Management with following members:
Dr. S. S. Bhatnagar, FRS
Dr. K. S. Krishnan, FRS
Dr. Y. G. Naik
Dr. V. A. Sarabhai
Dr. K. R. Ramanathan
1951
First Ozone Measurement Station at Mt. Abu.
1952
Foundation of PRL Campus laid by Sir C.V. Raman.
1954
Inauguration of Main Campus by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
1954
PRL Main Campus.
1963
Registration as a Trust by a Quadripartite agreement between:
(Department of Atomic Energy) Govt. of India
Gujarat Of Government
Karmakshetra Education Foundation
Ahmedabad Education Society
1979
Infra-red Telescope at Mt.Abu.
1980
Udaipur Solar Observatory becomes a part of PRL.
1980
Thaltej Campus.
| Decade | Milestones |
|---|---|
| 1950s | Cosmic Rays, Atmospheric Sciences |
| 1960s | Theoretical Physics, Radio Physics |
| 1970s | Earth and Planetary Sciences, Infra-Red Astronomy |
| 1980s | Particle Physics, Solar Physics |
| 1990s | Laser Physics and Quantum Optics, Non-linear Dynamics and Computational Physics, Astroparticle Physics and Cosmology |
| 2000s | Quantum Information, Solar X-ray Astronomy (SOXS), Submillimeter Astronomy, Planetary Exploration |