EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS WITH ACCELERATOR MACHINES

The course aims to provide the student with the basic elements, use and possible applications of experimental physics explored through the use of accelerator machines. The operating principles of the main particle accelerator machines will be illustrated, and their use in research applied to materials science, nuclear and subnuclear physics, cultural heritage and medicine.

Knowledge and Understanding

Remarkable knowledge of the scientific method, understanding of nature and  research procedures in Experimental Physics. During the course the student will familiarize with main fundamentals of experimental physics explored with the use of accelerators. 

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

Ability to identify the essential elements in an experimental activity aimed at investigating material science, nuclear structure and nuclear and subnuclear interactions and physics applied to medicine and cultural heritage. Ability to estimate orders of magnitude and main experimental techniques. Ability to develop new and innovative approaches and methods. Ability to use the tool of analogy to apply known solutions to new problems (problem solving).
Making Judgements

Development of a sense of independent judgment and responsibility through the understanding of experimental investigations aimed at studying physical phenomena involving different sectors of physics. Development of a sense of responsibility through the choice of optional courses and the topic of the final degree thesis and the possibility of orientation on the different curricula of the master's degree.

Communication Skills

Ability to communicate on research topics and experimental procedures in various advanced fields of experimental physics.

Learning Skills

Ability to acquire cognitive tools with a broad general vision and basic notions on topics that will be addressed in depth in the courses of the last year of the bachelor degree course.
Ability to use databases and bibliographic and scientific resources to extract information and ideas aimed at better framing and developing one's study and research work.

Lectures and theoretical-practical lessons, with some in-depth seminars.

Cooperative teaching (student-teacher) through sharing of teaching materials and multimedia supports.

Attendance at the course is normally mandatory (consult the Teaching Regulations of the Course of Studies)

Accelerating Machines: linear and circular accelerators;  operating principle of tandem, singletron, cyclotron, synchrotron, collider.

Research applied to materials science: use of intense beams of photons, neutrons and ions and diffraction and spectroscopy techniques to study the characteristics of samples .

Research applied to nuclear physics: use of particle beams to study the nuclear structure, the reaction mechanisms between interacting nuclei and the nuclear quantities involved.

Accelerator machines and applied physics: conservation of cultural heritage and characterization and dating methods; Diagnostics and radiation therapy in medicine.

Laboratory experience: design and execution of an experiment to be carried out at the DFA's Singletron accelerator on current topics of interest.

Slides provided by the teacher

Lecture slides and informative or academic articles, provided by the teacher during the lessons.

For further information on general physics:

R. Mazzoldi, M. Nigro, C. Voci, Fisica – Vol. I e II , EdiSES - Napoli (Italia)

For further information on general physics:

W.S.C. Williams, Nuclear and particle physics, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1995

The exam will take place with an oral interview on the contents of the course.

The criteria for evaluation: 1) relevance of the answers to the questions asked; 2) level of depth of the contents exposed; 3) ability to connect with other topics covered by the program.

Linear accelerators

Cyclotron and its main uses

The synchroton and examples of use

Study of material samples 

Dating methods

Study of the nuclear structure

Study of nuclear reactions