Vipin Kumar Tripathi

Vipin Kumar Tripathi (alternately known as VK Tripathi; born 11 March 1948) is an Indian plasma physicist, activist, and a professor emeritus at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi). Known for his contributions to plasma physics, particularly in microwave-plasma interactions and laser-plasma studies, Tripathi has also gained recognition for his social activism through the Sadbhav Mission, which promotes communal harmony and education in India.

Early life and education Vipin Kumar Tripathi was born on 11 March 1948 to Indian freedom fighter and wrestler Hardas Sharma in Piprai, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Raised in a multicultural environment, he was influenced by his father's Muslim mentor Ahmed Baksh, whom he credits for his upbringing, fostering his commitment to social harmony.

Academic career Tripathi began his academic career as a lecturer at IIT Delhi in 1970, focusing on the nonlinear interaction of electromagnetic waves with plasmas.

In 1976, he joined the University of Maryland, College Park, as a postdoctoral researcher and later as a research associate, working on radio frequency heating of fusion plasmas.

Returning to IIT Delhi in 1983, he served as a Professor of Physics for nearly three decades, retiring as Professor Emeritus. During his tenure, he established the Plasma Group at IIT Delhi, which conducted pioneering research on gyrotrons, free-electron lasers, laser-plasma interactions, and material processing.

His research contributions include studies on parametric instabilities in laser-produced plasmas, thermonuclear fusion, plasma-aided radiation guiding, and Cherenkov terahertz generation.

Notable publications include works on stimulated Brillouin scattering, plasmonics, and high-power laser-plasma interactions. Tripathi’s Plasma Lab at IIT Delhi, initiated in 1980, developed innovative plasma sources like the Compact ECR Plasma Source (CEPS) and Large Volume Plasma System (LVPS), with applications in semiconductor processing, ion implantation, and waste mitigation. His team also designed high-power microwave components, including coaxial triple stub tuners and low-cost power supplies for plasma applications.

Activism In 1990, he formed a Forum for Secular Indians in United States which was later named as 'Sadbhav Mission' in response to the Bhagalpur riots, aiming to foster grassroots resistance against communalism and promote education.

Tripathi left the USA saddened by the 1982 Lebanon War, when Israel attacked Lebanon and around 20,000 people were killed and the US supported Israel.

Through the Sadbhav Mission, he has written and distributed pamphlets on issues like the Abrogation of Article 370 and CAA as a mode of protest.

Awards and recognition Tripathi has received several accolades for his academic and social contributions:

• Fellow, Indian National Science Academy (INSA): Recognized for his contributions to plasma physics.

• Fellow, National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI): Honored for his scientific achievements.

• JC Bose Memorial Award, Indian Physics Association: Acknowledged for his research in plasma physics.

• Honorary Professor, Banaras Hindu University: For his contributions to physics education and research.

Personal life Tripathi is married and has two sons and a daughter, Rakhi Tripathi, who has publicly supported his activism efforts. He resides in Sarvodaya Enclave, Delhi and remains active in both academic and social spheres. Parametric instabilities in laser produced plasmas. Thermonuclear fusion Plasma-aided radiation guiding in a free-electron laser Stimulated Brillouin scattering of a laser beam in a plasma channel Cherenkov Terahertz Generation by Electron Bunches in a Dielectric Lined Resonator Theoretical Modeling and Experimental Verification of the Permeability Measurements of Thick Films at Microwave Frequencies Laser wakefield bubble regime acceleration of electrons in a preformed non uniform plasma channel Plasmonics High power laser plasma interaction Fundamentals of plasma physics