OVERVIEW

The course aims at presenting the main experimental techniques for the analysis of the morphological, chemical, electronic and structural properties of matter at the nanometric scale, distinguishing between techniques for the analysis of the surface and volume. It consists of lectures accompanied by activities in a dedicated laboratory, as well as visits to various research laboratories.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will learn about the main investigation methods of the morphological, crystallographic and spectroscopic properties of matter 

at the nanoscopic level, both in volume and on the surface.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course has the following objectives:

- To provide students with a basic knowledge of the most common techniques for the analysis of the morphological, structural, electronic and chemical properties of materials (surface and volume).
- To allow students to get familiar with some of these analysis methods  through direct experience in the laboratory or practical demonstrations carried out by expert personnel.
- To provide a basic methodology for the analysis, interpretation and presentation of the experimental results obtained, by compiling short written reports.

PREREQUISITES

Fundamentals of solid state physics.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures will be sided by laboratory sessions on a dedicated experimental apparatus and by visits to university or CNR laboratories for practical demonstrations of some of the investigation techniques discussed in class. Brief written reports of the activity carried out in the laboratory will be required.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction to vacuum technologies.

Probe particles. Methods of production and detection.

Spectroscopic techniques for the analysis of surfaces and interfaces: photoemission, Auger spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy.

Microscopic techniques: electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) and scanning probe microscopy (STM, AFM).

Diffractive techniques for the analysis of surfaces and volume: electron diffraction, basics of X-ray diffraction, neutron scattering, scattering of neutral atoms.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

A copy of the slides presented in class will be available on aulaweb/TEAMS group. For the spectroscopy part, we recommend the text (available in the library):

P.H. Woodruff and T.A. Delchar, Modern Techniques of Surface Science, Cambridge University Press (1986)

In-depth articles on specific topics covered in class will be made available during the course.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

LETIZIA SAVIO (President)

GIANANGELO BRACCO

MARCO SMERIERI

LUCA VATTUONE

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Second semester. Please visit  link: 

https://corsi.unige.it/corsi/8758/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an interview on the topics covered in class.

A prerequisite for being able to take the oral exam is the delivery of reports on the experiences carried out during the year.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral exam is always conducted by the teacher and by the co-teacher or another expert in the subject. It lasts typically  30-40 minutes and it consists of  three questions that cover the  main topics of the course (spectroscopy, microscopy, diffraction). These questions allow the commission to judge not only the candidate's  preparation but also his/her  ability to synthetise and communicate the essential concepts.  In this way, the commission is able to verify with high accuracy the achievement of the educational objectives of the course. When these are not achieved, the student is invited to deepen the study and to ask the teachers for further explanations.

Exam schedule