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.
The teaching aims to present and experiment with the main methods of investigating at the nanoscopic level the morphological-crystallographic and spectroscopic properties of matter both in volume and at the surface.
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.
Fundamentals of solid state physics.
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.
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.
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.
Ricevimento: On demand.
LETIZIA SAVIO (President)
MARCO SMERIERI
GIANANGELO BRACCO (Substitute)
LUCA VATTUONE (Substitute)
Second semester. Please visit link:
https://corsi.unige.it/corsi/8758/studenti-orario
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.
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.
Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sergio Di Domizio (sergio.didomizio@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.
