Surendra P Singh

Surendra P Singh is a University Professor of Physics at the University of Arkansas, holding appointments in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences. Since joining the faculty in 1982 he has served twice as Chair of the Department of Physics (1995–2002 and 2005–2011) and was promoted through the ranks from Assistant to University Professor.

Education

• Ph.D. in Physics (Quantum Optics), University of Rochester, 1982 – Dissertation under Prof. Leonard Mandel
• M.Sc. in Physics (1st Class, Rank II), Banaras Hindu University, 1975
• B.Sc. in Physics (Hons), Chemistry & Mathematics (1st Class, Chancellor’s Gold Medal), Banaras Hindu University, 1973

Research Interests

Professor Singh’s research straddles experimental and theoretical quantum optics, laser physics, and nonlinear optics. He has conducted pioneering work on quantum and classical noise in lasers, nonlinear and quantum optical phenomena, and is currently expanding into applications of optical techniques for studying nanoparticles and biopolymers. His recent work explores orbital-angular-momentum-carrying beams, graphene optomechanics, fluctuation-induced transport, and novel polarization states of light.

He actively investigates light–matter interactions, geometric (Pancharatnam–Berry) phases, and relativistic spin–orbit coupling effects, bridging fundamental physics with emergent applications in sensing, energy harvesting, and biophotonics.

Publication Trends

Over the past decade Singh’s articles reveal a clear trajectory from foundational quantum-optics studies toward interdisciplinary applications: high-precision photodetection statistics, energy harvesting from 2D materials, thermal management in nonlinear optics, and exploitation of structured light for advanced imaging and metrology. The corpus demonstrates a seamless integration of rigorous theoretical constructs with state-of-the-art experimental demonstrations.

Scientific Honors & Awards

• Fellow, American Physical Society (2003)
• Hyer Award – Outstanding Mentor, APS Texas Section (2018)
• Outstanding Referee, American Physical Society Journals (2015)
• Dexter Prize – Outstanding Graduate Thesis, University of Rochester (1982)
• Chancellor’s Gold Medal, Banaras Hindu University (1973)
• Honorary Visiting Professor, IIT Madras (Spring 2019 & 2022)
• Visiting Fellow, JILA, University of Colorado (1989–90)

Teaching & Mentoring

Professor Singh has taught an extensive range of graduate and undergraduate courses including Mathematical Methods in Physics, Quantum Mechanics I & II, Advanced Electromagnetic Theory, Laser Physics, Applied Nonlinear Optics, Quantum Optics, Statistical Mechanics, and introductory physics sequences. His mentorship has been recognized with the Hyer Award, underscoring his commitment to student success.

Laboratories & Teams

While no formal laboratory name is provided, Singh leads an active research group within the Department of Physics at the University of Arkansas, focusing on experimental and theoretical quantum optics laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art laser systems, single-photon detection apparatus, and facilities for 2D-material characterization.