The Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, KMUTT, emphasizes hands-on research experience for undergraduate students, alongside the development of innovations that address current societal and industrial challenges. Student research spans a wide range of fields, including materials science, medical physics, energy, healthcare technology, theoretical physics, data analysis, and artificial intelligence applications. These works reflect the students’ potential to creatively integrate physics knowledge into real-world technological advancements.

Outstanding Research and Innovation of the Year 2024

Student: Mr. Thanaworrapan Napitchsid — 4th‑year Physics student
Advisors: Asst. Prof. Dr. Chittra Kedkaew & Dr. Arpaporn Oros (Department of Highways, Thailand)

This project studied the factors that affect the coefficient of retroreflected luminance (RL) of glass beads applied to thermoplastic road markings in both dry and wet conditions. Glass beads can help drivers see road markings clearly at night by reflecting light back toward the driver. However, when the road is wet, these markings can be difficult to see. To better understand this problem, the study focused on the impact of different types of glass beads on RL, with the goal of finding the type that gives the best reflection in all conditions. This study provides useful information for choosing the right type of glass bead for actual road use based on environmental conditions. By balancing performance and cost, road visibility and nighttime driving safety can be improved in all weather conditions.

Student: Ms. Bangon Prasutham — 4th‑year Physics student

Advisors: Dr.Suwat Tangwancharoen, Dr. Chanisa Kanjanasakul (Center for Optics and Photonic, NARIT), Col. Dr. Nawapong Unsuree (Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy)

This project investigates the theoretical principles behind the operation and design of basic spectrographs, with a focus on the Czerny-Turner configuration, covering both Uncrossed and Crossed Czerny-Turner configurations. Optical system models were created using Ansys Zemax OpticStudio, with component dimensions based on commercially available devices, to evaluate the spectrograph’s performance. This evaluation was based on the Root Mean Square (RMS) Radius, which ideally should be small and approach the Airy Radius. From the design process, it was found that reducing the distance and angles of the mirrors and grating led to a lower RMS Radius. However, the result still did not approach the Airy Radius due to coma aberration. A cylindrical lens was introduced to correct this aberration, which successfully reduced the RMS Radius and brought it closer to the Airy Radius. Nevertheless, the final results showed that there was no significant difference in performance between the Uncrossed and Crossed Czerny-Turner configurations.