Course content

The course is taught normally every other year.

The objective is to provide students with a broad and deep understanding of the principles of optical, electrical and magnetic characterization techniques used in research and development of emerging electronic and photonic materials and devices.

Starting from the concept of probe-target interaction, the course gives insights into some of the most widespread used characterization techniques in nanoelectronics, photonics and solid-state physics. A theoretical framework is provided, in which basic phenomena involving electromagnetic radiation and charged particles are described and presented as means to access to a plethora of physical quantities. As photon-matter interactions are concerned, effects such as elastic scattering, diffraction, absorption, phase/polarization perturbation, photo-emission and photoelectric effect are addressed and discussed in relation to relevant techniques. As for charges-matter interactions, cathodoluminescence, electron scattering, absorption and diffraction, ion-induced photoemission are introduced and discussed in relation to relevant techniques. In the course, the main limitations and advantages of the presented characterization techniques will be discussed, particularly referring to specific application domains such as sensing and optoelectronics.

Learning outcome

Knowledge. The candidate has: (1) good knowledge about the fundamental mechanisms underlying the most important physical characterization techniques used in the framework of micro/nano structured materials and solid-state physics; (2) good knowledge about the relevant use and limitations of characterization techniques based on specific probe-target interactions; (3) good knowledge of the fundamental architectural elements used in practical setups and experimental configurations.

Skills. The candidate can: (1) identify what kind of physical interaction is best suited in order to access the desired physical quantity/characteristics in exemplary situations of practical interest; (2) evaluate the limit and the application range of each characterization technique presented; (3) identify practical strategies aimed at improving the performance of the presented experimental techniques.

General Competence. The candidate can: (1) apply basic research methodologies in photonic and electronic material and device development; (2) evaluate, integrate, and apply relevant information from numerous sources to create cohesive, persuasive arguments, and to propose solutions; (3) identify ethical issues related to implementations.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures by course teachers, guest teachers and students.

Recommended previous knowledge

Master of Science in electronics/photonics or equivalent

Required previous knowledge

Master of Science in electronics/photonics or equivalent

Course materials

Power point lectures and scientific articles.