OVERVIEW

The course will present the main experimental techniques for the analysis of the morphological, chemical, electronic, structural and optical properties of matter at the nanometric scale, distinguishing between techniques for surface and bulk analysis. The course is organized in introductory lectures, laboratory experiences with a dedicated apparatus and visits to different research laboratories.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to present and explore:

1. the main methods for investigating, at the nanoscale, the morphological, crystallographic and spectroscopic properties of matter, both in bulk and at the surface;
2. the main methods of optical and infrared spectroscopy for measuring light-matter interactions at the nanoscale;
3. the main methods of vibrational spectroscopy for characterising nanomaterials and molecular systems.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course has the following objectives:

1. To provide students with a basic knowledge of the most common techniques for the analysis of the morphological, structural, electronic, chemical and vibrational properties of materials (surface and volume).

2. To allow students to familiarize themselves with some of these methods of analysis through direct laboratory experience or practical demonstrations by experienced staff.

3. To provide a rudimentary 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

The lectures will be sided by laboratory activities on a dedicated experimental apparatus and on state-of-the-art instrumentation available at DIFI or CNR laboratories. Compilation of short written reports of laboratory experiences will be required.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction to vacuum technologies.

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

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

Optical (micro)-spectroscopies (transmission, reflection, absorption, near-field SNOM microscopy)

Raman micro-spectroscopy (characterization of films and molecules)

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

A copy of the slides presented in class will be available on aulaweb/TEAMS.

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

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

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.

FURTHER INFORMATION

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.