The Centre for Laser Spectroscopy was established in April 1997, as a centre for advanced research in laser spectroscopy for biomedical application under the able
initiative of Prof. M.S. Valiathan, then the Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) (now Manipal University). The founder head was Dr. V.B. Kartha, FNA, FNASc, former head of spectroscopy division, BARC, who continued till 31st March, 2004. Over the period of a decade, the centre developed into a full-fledged
laboratory where basic and applied research in the area of laser spectroscopy and biophotonics progressed year after year. The need to widen the realm of studies into the atomic and molecular phenomena was the impetus to transform the centre into the Centre for Atomic and Molecular Physics in 2008.

Milestones

1997 - The Centre for Laser Spectroscopy (CLS) established

2005 - MoU with Tata Institute of Fundamental Research

2005 - University – Industry Collaboration

2008 - Centre for Atomic and Molecular Physics established

2009 - Post Graduate course in Photonics