Nanotechnology Engineering

The course provides students with an adequate training support in relation to Physics, including the characteristics and capabilities of the various microscopy techniques (from the electronic to the scanning probe ones), both for R & D and industrial processes in which nanotechnologies are used or in which the knowledge of information and properties up to the atomic scale is required. During the course, adequate basic information on the main spectroscopy techniques able to complete a multiscale characterization of materials/systems of interest (based on the radiation-matter interaction) is also provided . In particular, the course aims to provide students enrolled in the Master’s Degree in Nanotechnology Engineering with the necessary knowledge to enable them to choose the best nanocharacterization techniques and methodologies within the processes and procedures that they will be called to define/design/exploit in the framework of their professional profile. The course provides an essential background about electron optics and electron optical devices aimed at developing a correct approach to electron microscopy, both for scanning methods and transmission electron microscopy. Throughout the course, the basic elements of Physics on the mechanisms at the basis of contrast are provided in order to allow the student to correctly interpret the results. The spectroscopic method on which the main analytical tools are based is described together with a survey of complementary methods of ion scanning microscopy and specimen preparation techniques, in order to ultimately allow students to use these methods in a professional frame. Moreover, the course provides a fundamental knowledge about scanning probe microscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, scanning near-field optical microscopy. Fundamental aspects of the main techniques based on the aforementioned microscopy methods for the nanometer scale characterization of chemical, structural, mechanical, magnetic, electric, and thermal properties are also provided, aiming to train students to select specific techniques on the basis of specific applications. The training objectives are expressed in terms of Dublin Descriptors in order to describe the knowledge acquired by students, 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 abilities, the course provides elements able to strengthen the knowledge in the field of micro- and nano-scale investigation methodologies, particularly on optical techniques based on electrons and ions and on scanning probe microscopy methods, allowing students 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 is meant to provide students with the operative tools to face and solve new and unfamiliar problems concerning the micro- and nanostructural aspects of nanotechnologies, even when they are required to operate in large and interdisciplinary contexts. With regard to the autonomy of judgment, the course provides the scientific elements on which micro- and nano-scale investigation technologies are based: in such context, students are required to make autonomous judgements concerning the interpretation of experimental data and be able to formulate an independent and non-preconceived judgment on the issues in question. The course provides the elements necessary to integrate the knowledge acquired in broader contexts in order to interpret and manage complex situations and provide judgments and interpretations even when partial or incomplete information is available, 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. With regard to the ability to independently pursue their own training and specialization, the course provides students with the main interpretative tools for subsequent readings and experiences capable of allowing a profitable expansion and focusing of the skills acquired. These competences can be summarized as follows: - Understanding the main nanocharacterization techniques for the physical, chemical and functional properties; in particular, the following techniques will be considered: electron microscopies for the morphological analysis of materials up to the atomic scale; diffractions for the structural analysis of materials; probe microscopies for morphological analyses and for the study of the physical-chemical and functional properties up to the nanometric scale; spectroscopies applied to the study of the functional properties of materials; - Understanding the different radiation-matter interaction mechanisms that can be employed in characterization; - Developing the ability to solve a characterization problem from the meso- to the nanoscale, identifying the appropriate techniques to apply considering a cost-effectiveness analysis. - Being able to evaluate the results achieved and drafting new metrological procedures; - Being able to work in team.