Precision optics lab inaugurated at CSIO

A new facility to create integrated optical instruments was inaugurated at a premier national laboratory here today.

The 'Precision Optics Laboratory' was unveiled on the occasion of National Technology Day at the Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO) -- a constituent unit of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) dedicated to research, design and development of scientific and industrial instruments.

It was inaugurated by Dr T Ramasami, former secretary, department of science and technology. With this laboratory, it will be possible to develop space-saving integrated optical instruments for the armed forces and strategic sector, an official release said.

Delivering a lecture, Ramasami emphasised that India, with an established research and development (R&D) infrastructure, low expertise costs and ability to create affordable innovations, is in an ideal and unique position to provide an alternative model for serving the technological needs to more than 60 per cent of the world.

National Technology Day is observed to mark the anniversary of the Pokhran nuclear test, which was held on this day in 1998.

The day is celebrated to mark the Indian technological advancement in order to commemorate the history of India's technological capability and expertise, said CSIR-CSIO director R K Sinha.

Many visitors, including students from various schools, colleges, universities, went around the CSIO laboratories, which was kept open for the public till afternoon.