Modern Applied Physics


course ID

Lecturer

CFU

8

Length

14 Weeks

Semester DD

Second


Course details

1. Study of structural, optical and electronic properties of bulk and surface of condensed matter systems. Neutron and X-Ray spectrosopies. Surface electronic spectroscopies (LEED, Auger, RHEED, photoemission) and surface optical spectroscopies (ellipsometry, SDR: Surface Differential Reflectance, RAS: Reflectance Anisotropy spectroscopy). Microscopies (STM, AFM).
2. The Solid/liquid interface. The Scanning Tunneling Microscope.
3. Simulations of neutron scattering experiments for condensed matter studies

The students will be involved in eight experiments performed in eight laboratories. In particular, they will contribute to the data acquisition and to the discussion of results. In conclusion, they will prepare a report which will be evaluated for the final exam.

 

Objectives

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Detailed knowledge of experimental methods of usage in modern condensed matter laboratories, with special reference to experimental methods for the preparation and characterization of materials with surface and bulk- sensitive techniques.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
Students have to acquire a comprehension of the experimental methods for the investigation of condensed matter in research laboratories, understanding the characteristics of each technique and their complementarity, with reference to the state of the art in materials characterization. Verification of knowledge and understanding is carried out through practicals in the laboratories and the final oral exam.

APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:
Students will be able to identify requirements and solutions for the experimental characterization of systems of interest for condensed matter physics, using a modular approach to adapt to problems of increasing complexity.


MAKING JUDGEMENTS:
Students will be able to identify their responsibilities within an experimental team, mantaining their autonomous role and adequate communications trhoughout their assigned tasks. They will be able to form and dentify strategies based on their estimates and evaluations, as well as tests, towards preparation and execution of experiments.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
Students must be able to manage and monitor their activity within their course while mantaining effective communication with their team mates and propose solutions in case of contingent events or failure in completing the experiments, and they must be able to communicate their results to apecialists as well as to a broader audience.

LEARNING SKILLS:
Students must be able to transfer their knowledge and methods to other sectors through non assisted study. They must acquire the capability to continue their learning careers in higher education degrees such as professional Master courses or PhD Schools in national and international environments.