08/06/2026
The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) of Southeast University (SEU) in association with IEEE and WIE recently organized an industrial and research-focused visit to the Atomic Energy Research Establishment (AERE) in Savar, the largest nuclear research facility in Bangladesh.
The student delegation was accompanied and guided by distinguished faculty members and club officials:
Dr.Nur Hossain Md Ariful Azim, Professor, Department of EEE, SEU
Dr. Abdullah Al Mahfuz, Coordinator, Department of EEE, SEU
Rounakul Islam, Moderator, SEU EEE Club
Key Highlights and Research Insights
The visit provided students with rare, hands-on exposure to cutting-edge nuclear engineering, semiconductor manufacturing, and advanced medical physics. The experiential learning journey was divided into four major segments:
1. The Nuclear Research Reactor Core( Triga Mark 2) : Customed designed.
The tour began at the centerpiece of the facility: the main research reactor structure. Students studied a comprehensive 3D model detailing the reactor's construction, fuel assemblies (utilizing enriched Uranium), and its complex cooling systems.
The reactor relies on controlled nuclear fission reactions (splitting of atoms) conducted primarily for academic research and commercial isotope production. To ensure absolute safety, the reactor zone is heavily shielded with massive layers of lead and specialized high-density concrete.
Note on the Experience: Due to the high-voltage electromagnetic fields, strict environmental controls, and the profound psychological anticipation of standing near a nuclear core, several students noted experiencing a mild, temporary headache immediately after exiting the secure containment area.
2. Particle Acceleration & Proton Generation
(Tandem accelerator)
Next, the team visited the particle accelerator division, where protons are generated using Hydrogen (H_2) gas. Students observed how scientists manipulate and control these proton beams using powerful magnetic forces to analyze material compositions and identify atomic variations. This lab highlighted the vital role of EEE in automated magnetic field control systems.
3. VLSI Fabrication Laboratory
A major highlight for the EEE students was the highly restricted VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) Fabrication Lab. Scientists demonstrated the meticulous step-by-step manufacturing cycle of semiconductor chips. The demonstration covered micro-masking, chemical doping, structural layout design, strict quality control protocols, and the extreme cleanroom safety management required to manufacture modern microelectronics.
4. Advanced Nuclear Medicine: PET-CT Systems
The final leg of the tour focused on biomedical engineering. The experts demonstrated a combined PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and CT Scan system. Students were shown the engineering backend of how these machines map metabolic activity to detect early-stage cancer cells, alongside an overview of how targeted radiation is calibrated to destroy malignant cells without damaging healthy tissue.
Bridging Classrooms to Cutting-Edge Research
This industrial tour successfully bridged the gap between theoretical textbook concepts—such as electromagnetic theory, semiconductor physics, and power engineering—and real-world, high-impact scientific applications. The Department of EEE and the SEU EEE Club extend their deepest gratitude to the authority of AERE Savar for hosting our students and inspiring the next generation of Bangladeshi engineers.
