Active Learning in Optics

The Active Learning in Optics (ALO) group resumed its outreach activities following the month of Ramazan and the Eid break.Our fifth outreach activity of 2025 was held in loving memory of the official electrician of the Department of Physics, Quaid-i-Azam University, who tragically passed away in a road accident near the university last month.He was an integral part of our outreach events, always offering his assistance with multimedia, sound, and lighting. His consistent presence and appreciation for our efforts made him more than just a colleague—he was part of our outreach family.On May 16th, 2024, we invited his son’s school to participate in the OPTICS Fair organized for the International Day of Light. That gesture deeply touched him, and since then, he often expressed his wish that we invite or visit the schools where his daughter and son were studying.In March 2025, we mutually decided on April 9th to host a special one-day optics outreach activity for both schools. He was genuinely excited about it, even taking the lead in arranging the university transport to bring the students.Sadly, fate had other plans. He passed away in a tragic accident before the event could take place. It was my promise to him that we would still carry it out—and we did.On April 9th, students from both schools were brought to the university using the university bus, just as he had planned. Both of his children attended. As a small tribute, we prepared a framed flyer for them—a token of remembrance to show that their father was valued, respected, and remembered.

The Pak-ICTP Alumni Society (PIAS) and the ICTP Global Science Portal have started their 2025 activities with an online talk in connection with the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ).
Join us for the first lecture of 2025 on:

"Cosmology in the Age of Machine Learning"by Muntazir Abidi

Date: 7th February 2025⏰ Time: 1 PM GMT | 2 PM CET | 6 PM PST
Muntazir Abidi is a theoretical physicist and applied mathematician with a deep passion for cosmology and machine learning. He completed his Master’s in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (Part III) at the University of Cambridge and earned his PhD from the Stephen Hawking Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at Cambridge.His doctoral research focused on galaxy bias modeling, particularly on cubic halo bias, leading to a highly cited paper with over 100 citations.Currently, his research interests lie in:
🔹 Machine learning for science
🔹 Development of foundation models
🔹 Bridging the gap between advanced computational methods and practical applications in education and research.
The ZOOM link for meeting is:https://zoom.us/j/96846574058
Meeting ID: 968 4657 4058

The Pak-ICTP Alumni Society invites you all to the non-scientific talk entitled “My interaction with Abdus Salam”, by Prof. Dr. Asghar Qadir, a Pakistani mathematician and a prominent cosmologist.

You can attend the talk online on 21st Feb 2024 at 6:00 PST (2:00 PM CET) via the link below

The ZOOM link for meeting is:https://lnkd.in/dyfrFDgi ID: 916 187 3161

Active Learning in Optics( ALO) Group at Department of Physics Quaid-i-Azam University organized one-day workshop on Optics and fiber Optics Communications to celebrate the International Day of Light, 2023 at the Department of Applied Physical and Materials Sciences at the University of Swat. The event took place on December 8, 2023. The Vice-Chancellor University of Swat, Prof. Dr. Hasan Sher (SAARC Gold medalist), was the chief guest of the occasion. Personally I gave a talks on the 'Light and Light based technologies” ‘ used in our daily life without appreciation then Dr. Muhammad Zahid, former DG NESCOM, delivered captivating talks on, “How to manufacturing Fibers for Communication purposes and Applications and benefits of Fiber Optics Communication”. Then we conducted engaging demonstrations elucidating intricate concepts such as LED, Lasers ,interference diffraction, polarizers and fiber.The predominantly female audience filled the auditorium, creating an interactive and vibrant atmosphere. Despite limited seating, students actively participated in the discourse and subsequent Q&A session. Following the talks, my team facilitated a hands-on activity, allowing students to explore instruments and collaborate in groups. The seminar aimed at cultivating an interactive learning environment, with students displaying keen interest and enthusiasm throughout. Overall, the event offered a valuable platform for students to delve into physics concepts, ask insightful questions, and actively engage in scientific exploration. It significantly elevated interest and participation in the subject, making it a fruitful and impactful one-day seminar at the University of Swat.

On December 01, 2023, a vibrant seminar on Optics unfolded at Quaid-i-Azam University, creating an engaging and educational experience for the students of BS Physics. The seminar, meticulously organized, spanned from 9 am to 12 pm, offering a comprehensive exploration of various optical principles and providing students with hands-on learning opportunities.The seminar commenced with a captivating demonstration aimed at elucidating fundamental Optics laws. The primary audience, consisting of BS Physics students, eagerly gathered to witness the practical application of concepts such as Reflection, Refraction, and Total Internal Reflection. The demonstrators skillfully showcased these optical phenomena, employing a diverse range of optical setups and instruments.Throughout the demonstration session, explanations were seamlessly integrated, ensuring that students grasped the theoretical underpinnings behind each showcased optical law. The presenters fostered an interactive environment, encouraging students to pose questions and seek clarification on any aspects of the demonstrated principles. This interactive segment persisted until 11 am, allowing for a thorough exploration of the intricate world of optics.Following the enlightening session, a well-deserved tea break provided an opportunity for attendees to engage in informal discussions and network with fellow students and presenters. This interlude served as a catalyst for fostering a sense of camaraderie among the participants, creating an atmosphere conducive to collaborative learning.The seminar took a dynamic turn post-tea break as students were organized into five groups, each assigned specific hands-on activities. These activities were designed to reinforce the theoretical knowledge gained during the demonstration and allow students to delve deeper into the practical aspects of optics. Each group was entrusted with unique tasks, ranging from constructing optical setups to conducting experiments that elucidated the nuances of optical principles.The diverse nature of the hands-on activities ensured that students encountered a spectrum of optical phenomena. From manipulating lenses to observing the effects of different materials on light propagation, the activities were meticulously crafted to cover a broad range of optical concepts. The emphasis on practical exploration complemented the theoretical foundation laid during the initial demonstration, creating a holistic learning experience.In summary, the Optics seminar at Quaid-i-Azam University on December 01, 2023, stood as a testament to the institution's commitment to providing a robust and immersive educational experience. The combination of informative demonstrations, interactive discussions, and hands-on activities fostered a multifaceted understanding of optics among the BS Physics students. This seminar not only expanded their knowledge but also cultivated essential skills for future scientific inquiry and exploration.

Active Learning in Optics( ALO) Group at Department of Physics Quaid-i-Azam University organized a One Day educational Workshop on Optics for Graduate and Undergraduate Students at Department of Physics at Swabi Women University SWABI, KPK on Wednesday, 27th September, 2023.

Active Learning in Optics( ALO) Group at Department of Physics QAU is organised a One Day Workshop on Optics for Graduate and Undergraduate Students”Physics Department, Women University Mardan, KPK on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.
The field of Optics is at the heart of modern technology such as laser printers, bar code scanners, remote sensing, communication, micro- and nanofabrication, medical imaging among many applications. The primary purpose of this workshop was to provide hands on and inquiry based training to students of Physics in the field of Optics with interactive activities and experiments such as; • Optical illusions• Optical Fiber• Laws of geometrical optics• Optical Lenses• Geometrical Optics and optical Phenomenas of Diffraction, Interference, Scattering and Polarization • Observation of absorption Spectrum through liquid media.
The focus is to provide basic knowledge of optics to undergraduate students for better understanding of basic laws of optics. Additionally it highlights the significance of Optics (science) in everyday life. Our Primary objectives are:
• To provide hands on and inquiry based training to college and university students and teachers
• To help young students to actively contribute to the learning process
• To reason in support of the significance of optics (science) to everyday life
• To foster science as a force that can build up active citizens• To emphasize the relationship between science skills and future employability.

Make them Shine with Light


Active learning in Optics Group has planed a one day Optics workshop at Rawalpindi Women University with 4rth Semester undergraduate girls student. We will start with oral presentation on " LIGHT” followed by demonstration on:

• Different kinds of light sources, Scattering of Light, Reflection, refraction, transmission and total internal reflection, Proving laws of Geometrical optics, finding critical angle, Working principle of Fiber optics communication, Interference of light, Single and double slit diffraction, Measuring Stress with polarisers

3.Illuminating Young Minds with Light
Active learning in Optics Group has organised a one day Optics workshop for Fatima Jinnah Women university in Rawalpindi. The event was started with an oral presentation on “ Say it with Light ". It was followed by demonstration on :Different kinds of Light Sources like Sun, ordinary light, LEDs and Lasers, Properties of light, Light as Wave, particle, ray description of light, Reflection, Refraction and Transmission, Total internal reflection. Working principle of Fiber optics communication, Interference of light, Single and double slit diffraction, experiments with polarisers...At the end we made groups of girls and let them do hands on activities by themselves.

Science for Everyone
International Islamic University Female Campus on 18th May
Active learning in Optics Group has planed a one day Optics workshop for International Islamic university female campus in Islamabad . The event started with an oral presentation on "Light and Light based technologies". It was followed by demonstration on • Different kinds of Light Sources like Sun, ordinary light, LEDs and Lasers, Properties of light,Scattering of LightReflection, refraction, transmission and total internal reflectionProving laws of Geometrical optics, finding critical angleWorking principle of Fiber optics communicationInterference of lightSingle and double slit diffractionMeasuring Stress with polarisersAt the end we did Hands on session with 70 girls.

Active learning in Optics ( ALO) Group has planed a one day Optics workshop at Department of Physics at QAU on 16th of May, at 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

The event will start with an oral presentation on “ SEE IT WITH LIGHT” by Imrana Ashraf

It will followed by demonstration on :

Different kinds of Light Sources like Sun, ordinary light, LEDs and Lasers, Properties of light, Scattering of Light, Reflection, refraction, transmission and total internal reflection, Proving laws of Geometrical optics, finding critical angle, Working principle of Fiber optics communication, Interference of light, Single and double slit diffraction, Measuring Stress with polarisers, Michelson Interferometer

Afternoon session will have Scientific talk on

Ultra-high repetition-rate fiber lasers: A new horizon in laser micromanaging and microsurgery
By Prof. Parviz Elahi Department of Physics, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey

It will be telecast live via Zoom on our facebook.