Podcast Link : Quantum Sensing Physicist Podcast
Low cost innovations in healthcare can be game-changers by improving the lives of millions around the world !
Ijee Mohanty, our next pathbreaker, works as Quantum Sensing Physicist at Chipiron (France), a MedTech startup trying to build a portable, low-cost MRI machine.
Ijee talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about opting to pursue her PhD in a very rare field that involved developing an instrument using SQUID sensors for electromagnetic geophysical exploration.
For students, sometimes your career path might not be clearly laid out, but it still makes sense to take calculated risks by trusting your instincts !
Ijee, can you share your background with our young readers?
When someone says that in India, parents don’t prioritize girls’ education, I cite the example of my parents to prove the contrary. My education had been their topmost priority even when they couldn’t afford life’s basics.
Well, my childhood was no fun and I wish no child should have to go through those difficulties. I was born and brought up in a small town of Odisha called Agarpada. My father used to work in a private firm and he lost his job when the company shut down in the 1999 super cyclone. I was 8 and my brother was 3. We returned back to our village but my father’s family, including my grandmother, weren’t happy about this. Since I was doing well at studies, my mother didn’t want to send me to just any school. They stood together and fought every adverse situation just to provide me with the best education. Sometimes, they had to sell some assets and at other times, they slept hungry. They struggled to provide for us and moved from one place to another. My mother’s family stood by us throughout. I never had the privilege to go for private tuitions nor could participate in school activities that involved paying money. I had to travel 20 km everyday by local buses to attend my school. Sometimes, I would start as early as 6 in the morning and would reach home at 4 or 5 in the evening because those buses did not always run on time. But, like my mother, I was always very optimistic. Their struggle provided me with a lot of courage to fight. Whenever I felt weak, I always asked myself if someone else could do this, why can’t I. I learnt to be courageous from my mother and to be humble from my father.
My mother has always been a very curious person. She had a lot of interest in understanding and knowing more. She never told me fancy stories about how the moon is our uncle! Rather, she used to read to me about the moon-landing, about astronauts and especially, Kalpana Chawla. I was lucky to have found good teachers in school and I developed a strong interest in Physics. I used to ask a lot of questions. I aimed at becoming an astronaut. However, at that time, no one had the information on how to become one!
I scored good at high school and went to study science at one of the best colleges in Odisha, BJB Junior College. After that, I wanted to join IIT. However, I could not qualify for IIT in my first attempt.
I knew my parents could not afford to send me to a coaching center. So, I decided to pursue bachelors in Physics and I was lucky to have been qualified to study at Ravenshaw University, Cuttack. I decided to learn more about astronomy because at that time, I did not know that astronomy and astronautics are 2 very different areas. As I was always very active in class, I would participate in every event. During this time, I applied for a summer school at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and was selected to attend the school for 15 days at the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory during summer of 2012. The trip was all paid, along with travel by train. It was very encouraging and I was extremely excited. I have never even sat in a train till that time and I was going to board a flight to return back, due to unavailability of train tickets. A friend, who also travelled with me, helped me with the flight tickets and later, I repaid him slowly. It was at this summer school that I learnt the difference between astronomy and astronautics. I realized I could not become an astronaut because that would require me to have an engineering degree.
Nevertheless, I decided to continue my studies in physics because I really liked physics in every way. I aimed to pursue masters and PhD abroad in some of the world’s best universities. However, due to various constraints, I decided to continue masters in physics in India.
What did you do for graduation/post graduation?
I did my BSc in Physics. Later, I wrote entrance tests and qualified to pursue masters in Physics at Utkal University, Bhubaneswar. Here, I met Professor Naresh Chandra Mishra, who is the best teacher a student could ever find. He raised my interest in solid states, instruments and electronics. I enjoyed working in the lab more than reading and solving problems on paper. I realized I want to become an experimentalist and chose Solid state physics as my specialization during my masters. After my masters, I wrote entrance tests for pursuing PhD in Physics and qualified to enroll at Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam.
What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional career in Quantum Sensing?
As I joined IGCAR for my PhD, I honestly did not have a subject in mind, but I did know that I want to do something that has an immediate and direct application in the real world. I did not rank very well in the entrance results and so I had few options to choose for my thesis subject. I did seek help from Professor Mishra, and upon hearing the subjects, he immediately said to go for something that involves SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) sensors. He said, they are new and they have tremendous potential for many real-world applications, which are yet to be explored. So, I chose my research topic “Development of geophysical systems based on SQUID sensors”. It was not a common research topic for physics. It involved physics, engineering and geophysics. When I started, there were at most 3-4 companies in the world who were developing such instruments. It wasn’t easy to find information or literature as there weren’t many available. The research also involved a lot of physically strenuous field work including geophysical surveys. At times, I felt demotivated, not because of the hard work, but because I would hear people telling me that it is too difficult, as a girl I can’t do all the physical work and field surveys, etc. During this time, I made acquaintance with a classmate, Surojit, who was very supportive and always boosted my confidence. We became very good friends and he was my constant support and strength. Well, he still is, but as my husband now!
Eventually, I completed my PhD and completed my research that included not just one but two different subjects. I wrote and successfully defended my thesis titled “Development of TDEM system with SQUID and fluxgate for geophysical and NDE applications” in 2021, after being delayed by the pandemic.
A part of my thesis was on developing an instrument using SQUID sensors for electromagnetic geophysical exploration. SQUIDs work at temperature below 4K or -269.15oC, so they have to be operated inside liquid Helium. They are the most sensitive magnetic field sensors that can measure changing magnetic field of order of femto-Tesla (10-15 T). For reference, earth’s magnetic field is around 40-50 micro-Tesla (10-6 T). So, SQUIDs can detect very small changes in magnetic field. Since the earth is similar to a huge conductor, a changing magnetic field can induce currents (called Eddy Currents) in the layers of earth. These eddy currents decay with time depending on the properties of the layers into which they were induced. Such small magnetic field changes due to these decaying eddy currents can then be detected using sensitive magnetic field sensors such as the SQUID. The pattern of decay or changes in these magnetic fields provide us information about depth and electrical properties of the layers of earth from where they originate. For example, a layer of conductive metal such as conductive copper will have stronger eddy currents and the decay pattern will be different from that of an insulating layer of limestone. This helps geophysicists/geologists detect presence of buried minerals/metals before starting to dig into the earth.
Another part of my thesis was related to the development of an efficient technique to detect defects inside metal objects. A room-temperature fluxgate magnetic field sensor can be used for this purpose. The principle of operation is same as the one for electromagnetic geophysical exploration. A defect inside a metal implies loss of small conductive volume and thus, the decay pattern of eddy currents in these metals can show depth and property of defects. This is particularly useful in manufacturing industries, during structural health monitoring tests of finished parts.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path
Being independent and having a successful career has always been my top priority. I knew I wanted to make a difference, I wanted to do something that mattered. As my area of research was quite rare, I found it difficult to find a postdoctoral position. During the last year of my PhD, I attended an international conference where Professor Pascal Febvre, from University of Savoie Mont Blanc (France) wanted to discuss a future position with me. He said he wanted someone with knowledge on SQUIDs and superconducting circuits, but he found it difficult to identify someone with those skills. At that point, I was far from my thesis defense. However, after my submission, I contacted him and realized that he was still looking for a suitable candidate. He was happy to consider me and eventually offered me a 1-year postdoctoral position with CNRS France at the University of Savoie Mont Blanc (France). I moved to a small town called Chambery in the midst of the French Alps. That year was lonely, because I did not speak French, and being in a small town, it was difficult to find English-speaking people. So, I left after that year and looked for a new opportunity in Germany because my fiancé Surojit was working as postdoc in Germany at that time. I found few options there. However, I rejected some and some others rejected me!
How did you get your first break?
Since I did not have a great experience in my first year in France, I had decided not to come back to France. However, fate had other plans. Towards the end of my postdoc in France, I received messages on my LinkedIn from the CTO of this particular startup called Chipiron (literally meaning a squid in Spanish) in Paris. I looked at the domain of work at Chipiron, I was thrilled. Although we had no plans of moving to France, I found the job very interesting. It was perfect for my experience. Challenging, new, innovative and maybe, exactly what I wanted to do. After an online interview and a technical visit to the lab, they offered me a permanent position as Quantum Sensing Physicist. I decided to move to Paris. So, I became part of an innovative startup that is trying to build a portable, low-cost MRI machine using quantum detection.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
Challenge 1: I would say the most important challenge I faced since childhood was financial. While studying, I could only think of reaching a stage so as to support myself and my family. This has also served my motivation, because I knew there was no plan B for me! I had to be successful at whatever I chose to do.
Challenge 2: Until I joined my PhD, I was a very confident and optimistic person. However, during my PhD, I suffered a lot of emotional setbacks. I did experience failures and was subject to a lot of judgement based on the choice of my subject. For some, it was not a usual subject for PhD in physics, and for others, it was a very futuristic technologically advanced area which did not have much scope at that time. I started doubting myself for a while and I believe I still have some of that remaining. But the good thing is that I have recognized my shortcomings. And I am trying to improve my confidence a little every day. I know I will be there soon!
Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?
As I mentioned above, I work as a Quantum Sensing Physicist at Chipiron, a MedTech startup based in Paris, France. We are trying to build a portable, low-cost MRI machine that could be accessible to everyone around the world. I am working in the research and development team. My job mostly involves developing the required instrumentation that could transfer MRI signals from a patient to the detecting sensor.
What skills are required for your role? How did you acquire the skills?
The skills required for this role range from know-how of superconducting sensors and electronics, being able to identify problems and find solutions from my knowledge in physics, mechanics and electronics. I acquired most of these skills during my PhD, where I worked extensively on similar sensors and instrumentation.
What is a typical day like?
My working day starts at 9 in the morning and ends somewhere around 6 in the evening. Most of the time, I work with hardware and instruments, trying to solve issues related to the sensors, connections and other-low temperature instrumentation. I also spend a lot of time researching and implementing new ideas and techniques to improve our present setup, discussing with colleagues about different approaches and maintaining documentation of the ongoing work.
What is it you love about this job?
The fact that I have something new to do almost every day, that I get to work on problems that have never been solved before and the fact that I have the know-how to solve them motivates me to come to work and get going every day. Sometimes, this could be frustrating but I keep challenging my abilities to do better.
How does your work benefit society?
My work is directly benefiting society in 2 major ways: First I am part of a team trying to solve some of the complex scientific issues related to magnetic field sensing, biomedical science and signal processing. Secondly, the outcome will be the first low-field portable MRI machine.
How does your work benefit society?
This innovation will be accessible to everyone. This MRI machine could help millions around the world, who do not have access to conventional high-field MRI machines. I am part of a team trying to build something for the future of healthcare and I am grateful for it.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
When I joined Chipiron, there was no working system that could carry the signal from room temperature samples to the superconducting sensors. I worked a lot for the first six months, and finally there was the day when we were able to connect them and observe the first signal successfully transmitted. After that, there was no looking back. We improved the setup and now we can have images of very good resolution. There is still a lot of work to do and I am sure we will be successful in delivering a great tool for the future of healthcare.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
a. Find what you love to do. You need to identify your passion. Once you realize what gives you that kick, you are bound to be successful. It won’t be just a job anymore, it will feel like your leisure and fun activity and you will enjoy it.
b. Prioritize your health. Your body and mind are the most important assets you possess in the world. You need to take good care of them.
Future Plans?
I don’t really think of the far future and believe in living the present to the fullest. I am grateful for what I have right now. I want to keep doing what makes me happy. I want to have a peaceful, healthy and happy life and enjoy my time doing what drives me every day. Apart from these, I would like to be capable enough to help others when in need, be it financial or just supporting someone morally in their endeavors.