Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facilities (SAIFs)

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is providing facilities of sophisticated analytical instruments to researchers through its Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facilities (SAIF) Programme so that the non-availability of these instruments in their institutes may not come in the way of scientists in pursuing R&D activities requiring such facilities and they are able to keep pace with developments taking place globally. Thirteen Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facilities (SAIFs) which provide sophisticated analytical instruments to users are functioning at IIT, Chennai; IIT, Mumbai; Bose Institute, Kolkata; CDRI, Lucknow, Panjab University, Chandigarh; NEHU, Shillong; Nagpur University, Nagpur; IISc., Bangalore; AIIMS, New Delhi; Gauhati University, Guwahati; IIT, Roorkee; C.V.M., Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat and STIC, Cochin. The instruments available at the SAIFs include SEM, TEM, EPMA, Mass, ICP, NMR, EPR Spectrometers, XRD, Thermal Analysis Systems, Gel Permeation Chromatograph, Mercury Porosimeter and accessories such as Graphite Furnace and Hydride Generator.

About 8,000 scientists/users are utilizing the facilities at the SAIFs annually. The SAIFs regularly organize short term courses/training programmes on use and application of various instruments and analytical techniques to create awareness among the users about them and on maintenance/repair/operation of instruments for technicians.

Objectives of the SAIFs

• to carry out analysis of samples received from the scientists/institutes;
  
• to provide facilities of sophisticated analytical instruments to scientists and other users from academic institutes, R&D laboratories and industries to enable them to carry out measurements for R&D work;
  
• to acquire and develop capability for preventive maintenance and repair of sophisticated instruments;
  
• to organize short term courses/workshops on the use and application of various instruments and analytical techniques;
  
• to train technicians for maintenance and operation of sophisticated instruments; and
  
• to undertake design and development of instruments/accessories of existing instruments.

Location/Addresses of the SAIFs

At present the SAIFs are functioning at IIT, Chennai; IIT, Mumbai; Bose Institute, Kolkata; CDRI, Lucknow; Panjab University, Chandigarh; NEHU, Shillong; Nagpur University, Nagpur; IISc., Bangalore; AIIMS, New Delhi; Gauhati University, Guwahati; IIT, Roorkee; C.V.M., Vallabh Vidyanagar and STIC, Kochi.

Analytical Instruments/Facilities Available at the SAIFs

The SAIFs are equipped with sophisticated analytical instruments in the areas of Optical spectroscopy, NMR and EPR spectroscopy, X-ray based analysis, Electron microscopy, Mass spectrometry, Chromatography, Organic elemental analysis, Thermal analysis etc. to meet the needs of users in various areas of science & technology. A wide range of analytical methods/techniques for chemical/material analysis/testing/characterization including qualitative and quantitative elemental, molecular/compound analysis, structure determination, surface topographic studies, study of physical, optical and electrical properties of materials etc. are available to the users at these Facilities for helping them in their research work.

Click Below for Details About the Facilities Available at the Individual SAIFs

SAIF, IIT-Madras, Chennai	SAIF, IISc., Bangalore
SAIF, IIT-Bombay, Mumbai	SAIF, AIIMS, New Delhi
SAIF, Bose Institute, Kolkata	SAIF, Guwahati Univ., Guwahati
SAIF, CDRI, Lucknow	EPMA Facility, IIT, Roorkee
SAIF, Punjab Univ., Chandigarh	SICART, CVM, Vallabh Vidyanagar
SAIF, NEHU, Shillong	SAIF, Kochi
SAIF, Nagpur Univ., Nagpur

Services Provided/Other Activities Undertaken by the SAIFs

(i) Analytical Services: The SAIFs offer the following analytical services:

• Sample analysis: The SAIFs carry out analysis of samples received from scientists/institutions and provide spectra/results of analysis on routine basis.
  
• Facilities and assistance for sample preparation are provided to the users, if needed.
  
• Testing of quality of raw material and end products is done for industry/users.
  

Some of the SAIFs provide complete range of analytical services including interpretation of results etc. The present emphasis is to provide total quality of analysis to the users.

(ii) Short term Courses/Training Programmes: The SAIFs organize the following types of short term courses/training programmes/workshops:

• on use and applications of various instruments and analytical techniques for research students, teachers and personnel from academic institutions, R&D labs and industries.
  
• on repair/maintenance and operation of sophisticated instruments for technicians. Such training programmes are also organized by some of the SAIFs on specific requests.

(iii) Development of new measurement/analytical techniques: Apart from providing routine analytical techniques/methods of analysis available on the instruments, efforts are made by the SAIFs to develop new techniques/methods of analysis to put the instruments to their full use and offer them to the scientists for exploring new dimensions in research in various areas of science and technology.

(iv) Consultancy on Analytical Problems: The SAIFs offer consultancy on solution to analytical problems including development of analytical methods for specific needs, sampling problems, spectrum analysis and interpretation of results etc. as well as on R&D problems/issues.

(v) Repair and Maintenance of sophisticated instruments: Some of the SAIFs have over the years developed expertise to repair and maintain sophisticated instruments available with them and on specific request undertake servicing of such instruments at other institutions.

General Information

The facilities provided by the SAIFs may be utilized by any user/organization on payment of nominal charges. The details about the procedure for using the facilities and the charges for sample analysis, information about short term courses/training programmes/workshops etc. can be obtained from the respective Heads of the SAIFs or the websites of the Facilities.

For any other Information/Suggestions, Please Contact:

Dr. P.K. Malhotra
Scientist G
SERC Division
Department of Science & Technology
Technology Bhawan
New Mehrauli Road
New Delhi-110016.
Telephone: 26590457
Telefax: 011- 26963695
Email: idpkm at nic dot in