Dr. Krishna Valleti is a senior scientist with over two decades of experience in thin film coatings and surface engineering, specializing in Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technologies such as Cathodic Arc (CA-PVD), Electron Beam (EB-PVD), and Magnetron Sputtering (DC, Pulsed, HiPIMS). He earned his Ph.D. in Physics (Thin Films) from IIT Madras, where his thesis focused on the development of rotating cylindrical magnetron cathodes and studies on tantalum-based hard coatings.
His research spans nanocomposite coatings, solar selective coatings for concentrated solar power (CSP) applications, and thin films for sensors and biomedical applications. Dr. Valleti has made significant contributions to advanced materials science, authoring 30+ peer-reviewed publications in leading international journals and presenting at major global conferences. His innovations have resulted in three granted patents, including technologies for corrosion-resistant coatings for fuel cell separators, solar selective multi-layer coatings, and improved cylindrical magnetron cathode designs.
Recognized for academic excellence and research impact, he qualified in CSIR-NET with fellowship, GATE, and JEST, and received the Best Poster Award at the Society of Vacuum Coaters (SVC) Tech Con, USA. He has successfully led and completed multiple nationally sponsored projects under initiatives such as DST’s Clean Energy Research Initiative and Solar Energy Research Initiative, focusing on high-performance coatings, hydrogen embrittlement prevention, and tungsten composites for plasma-facing components.
As a mentor and educator, Dr. Valleti has guided Ph.D. and M.Tech students, trained JRFs, SRFs, PDFs, and supervised numerous trainees, fostering talent in materials science and engineering. He actively contributes to the scientific community as a member of American Vacuum Society (AVS), Materials Research Society of India (MRSI), Indian Institute of Metals (IIM), and Society of Vacuum Coaters (SVC), and serves as a reviewer for top journals in surface engineering and materials science.
Currently, Dr. Valleti leads research at the Centre for Engineered Coatings (CEC), ARCI, Hyderabad, driving innovations in advanced coating technologies for strategic applications in defense, energy, and industrial sectors. His work continues to bridge fundamental research and industrial implementation, positioning him as a key contributor to India’s advanced materials ecosystem.