The Centre for Advanced Studies in Physics (CASP) has emerged, in recent years, as hub for research and development (R&D) activities at GC University
Lahore. The Centre aims at achieving high quality R & D activities in experimental physics by imparting training to researchers in high tech equipment.
Establishment of new research laboratories equipped with sophisticated machinery like Pelletron Accelerator, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM),
Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Scanning Probe Microscope (5PM), Lasers, Universal Material Testing Machine and RF Induction Furnace have
made the Centre distinct among other Departments of the University.
The Centre began as the "High Tension Laboratory" in I 954 which was established by Dr. Rafi Muhammad Chaudhry (Sitara-e-Khidmat, Sitarae-lmtiaz, and Hilal-e-lmtiaz) for carrying out research in Atomic and Nuclear Physics. Intensive research was carried out in this laboratory by Dr. R. M. Chaudhry, his students and colleagues. This laboratory had among other facilities, a 1.2 million Volts Cockcroft-Walton particle accelerator for conducting experiments in Atomic and Nuclear Physics. In 1967, the first student of the Centre, Mr. Mustafa Yar Khan, was awarded the PhD Degree.
Dr. Samar Mubarakmand, an Old Ravian remained Director Nuclear Research Laboratory from 1974 to 1977. Research activities during his tenure were re-initiated under his dynamic leadership. In recognition of his meritorious services and outstanding contribution in the field of Nuclear Physics, Dr. Mubarakmand was awarded- SitaraeImtiaz (1993), HiIaI-e-lmtiaz (1998) and NishaneImtiaz (2003).
In 1986, Dr. Muhammad Zakria Butt was instrumental in establishing the Metal Research Laboratories, equipped with a microprocessor controlled Universal Materials Testing Machine (100KN capacity) along with other equipment to study mechanical properties of crystals and their relationship with microstructure. The Laser Physics Laboratory was also set up with carbon di-oxide laser to carry out research in laser induced.
In 1991, the Board of Governors of Government College Lahore amalgamated all these laboratories and renamed it as Centre for Advanced Studies in
Physics (CASP) and a new building was constructed for the same.
Major advancements were made in research facilities and infrastructure during 2002-2008. Degree awarding academic Programmes, at both Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels were launched in Electronics and Telecommunications. Both the programmes got nation-wide recognition and now these programmes have successfully been shifted under a separate /independent Faculty of Engineering.
Centre is privileged to have Eminent Scientists like Dr. Rafi Muhammad Chaudhry ( 1954- 1965), Dr. Tahir Hussain (1965-1968), Nasir Ahmad Qureshi (1968- 1969), Dr. Mannan Yaseen (1969- 1972), Dr. Mustafa Yar Khan (1972-1974), Dr. Samar Mubarakmand (1974- 1977), Sh. Aftab Ahmad (1977- 1979), Noor Muhammad Chaudhry (1979- 1985), Dr. Muhammad Zakria Butt (1985- 1997), Dr. Shujaat Mahmood KhaIid (1997- 1998), Dr. Ijaz Mujtaba Ghauri (2000 to 20I I ), Dr. Riaz Ahmad (2011- till to date).
Keeping in view the tremendous advancements in science and technology, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan was approached in 2002 for the provision of funds. Grants of Rs. I 90 millions were obtained from the HEC for revamping the existing facilities and for establishing new research laboratories. A new multi-story building was constructed to house
