Nanotechnology Engineering

The course provides the basic knowledge about electron optics, and electron optical devices able to allow the student a correct approach to electron microscopy both for the scanning methods and for transmission electron microscopy. In the course the basic physical knowledge on the mechanisms at the basis of contrast are provided in order to allow the student to correctly interpret the results. The spectroscopic method at the basis of analytical tools are described together with a survey of complementary methods, of ion scanning microscopy and of specimen preparation techniques in order to provide to the student a complete set of knowledge sufficient for the use of these methods in a professional frame. The training objectives are expressed in terms of Dublin Descriptors able to describe the knowledge acquired by the student, the skills of application and growth in terms of critical skills, communication and in-depth study. With regards to the acquired knowledge and to the increase of the comprehension capacity, the course provides elements able to strengthen the knowledge in the field of microstructural investigation methodologies and in particular on optical techniques based on electrons and ions, allowing the student to elaborate or apply original ideas and insert themselves in a context of advanced technologies and in the field of technological research. With regard to the ability to apply the acquired knowledge and the understanding of the connected phenomena, the acquired knowledge provides the student with the operative tools to face and solve new and unfamiliar problems concerning the micro and nano structural aspects of nanotechnologies, even when inserted in large and interdisciplinary contexts, also related to adjacent cultural fields. Regarding the autonomy of judgment, the course provides the scientific elements at the base of microstructural investigation technologies for which the student becomes autonomous in the interpretation of experimental data and able to formulate an independent and non-preconceived judgment on the issues under consideration. The course provides the elements necessary to integrate the knowledge acquired in broader contexts in order to interpret and govern complex situations and provide judgments and interpretations even in the case of partial or incomplete information, also taking into account the ethical and social aspects connected. With regard to the ability to communicate what has been learned, the course provides both semantic and terminology elements that allow to the student a profitable interaction on the issues themselves and on the methodologies involved, with both the specialists of the sector in the field of professional problems and the non-professional subjects in the context of interlocutions in which the specific skills of the student are basic. Regarding the ability to independently pursue its own training and specialization, the course provides the student with the main interpretative tools for subsequent readings and experiences capable of allowing a profitable expansion and focusing of the acquired skills.