Courses 2024/2025

CORSI/COURSES 2024/2025
 
List of training activities planned for the academic year 2024/2025. For organization and didactic rules, please refer to "Didactic procedures". The following information are given in the language of the course.
For details on the schedules, please contact the lecturer.
 
Curriculum in 
MATEMATICA PER L'INGEGNERIA / MATHEMATICS FOR ENGINEERING
 
PhD courses

 
Title: Spectral Geometry
Lecturer: Luigi Provenzano (Sapienza) e Davide Buoso (U. Piemonte Orientale)
Dates: 03-05/2025
Hours: 24
Abstract: In the first part of the course we will provide a brief introduction to the spectrum of the Laplacian on Euclidean domains and Riemannian manifolds, along with a few basic examples, and their relations with physical phenomena (waves and vibrations). Then, we will focus on some classical problems in spectral geometry, such as eigenvalue bounds and isoperimetric inequalities for the eigenvalues. The questions that we will address are the following: how does the geometry and the topology of the ambient space influence the spectrum (the eigenvalues)? On the other hand, what information can give the knowledge of the spectrum on the geometry and topology of the ambient space? We will present a few classical techniques which have been adopted throughout the years to address these questions. In the final part of the course (if time allows) we will consider some recent developments on old and new problems, and we will present some open questions 
Verification: Short seminar/report on a research paper (possibly close to the student's interests)
 
Title: Neural Networks & Machine Learning
Lecturer: Adriano Barra
Dates: 01-02/2025
Hours: 30
Abstract: The course is meant to provide theoretical tools (both mathematical and computational) to allow the students to orient themselves in the proliferation of neural network techniques and machine learning algorithms that are nowadays broadly used in the processing of data and signals both in the world of research as well as in industry. Specifically, once shared the main mathematical methodological bases (a quick review of elements of probability and statistics), after a succinct historical introduction (e.g. the Turing machine, Rosenblatt's perceptron and AI’s winter time), modern neural networks will be addressed, both those biologically inspired (e.g. the Hopfield model and its variations on the theme) as well as those not-biologically inspired (Boltzmann machines and feed-forward networks), with the related algorithms for learning and automatic recognition (e.g., contrastive divergence and back -prograpation). The ultimate aim of the course is to share the salient concepts with the students and, at the same time, to provide them with the key tools, so that they can keep growing within the field of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: this transfer of information will be supplied both from a formal/mathematical point of view (e.g. showing during the course clear methods for setting up a relevant problem and solving it appropriately) and from a logical/deductive point of view (e.g. understanding what it is reasonable to be addressed by modern techniques of Machine Learning). To this end the course program is divided into two main sections. The former is to ensure that we share basic scientific knowledge (obviously a necessary pre-requisite to guarantee that we understand information processing in neural networks from a mathematical perspective later on). The latter is completely dedicated to neural networks: after a succinct description (always in mathematical terms) of the key mechanisms inherent to the neuron and the propagation of information between neurons, "networks of neurons" will be built (in other words they will explain " what are” -mathematically speaking- these neural networks) and we will study their emergent properties (i.e. those not immediately deducible by looking at the behavior of the single neuron): specifically, we will try to see how these networks are able to learn and abstract by looking at supplied examples from the external world and how, subsequently, they use what they have learned to respond appropriately, if stimulated, to the external world. We will also understand how these neural networks can sometimes make mistakes, and why. Ideally at the end of the course the students should be able to independently continue in-depth study of this discipline and benefit from it accordingly during their careers
Verification: Oral
 
Title: The Dirichlet problem for elliptic equations with rough data
Lecturer: Francescantonio Oliva
Dates: 04-05/2025
Hours: 20
Abstract: We will first consider Dirichlet problems associated to elliptic equations whose principal operator is in divergence form with bounded coefficients. We briefly present the weak setting for these equations with a measurable function f belonging to a suitable Lebesgue space or even a Radon measure as a source datum. In accordance with the regularity of f we introduce the concept of weak, distributional and renormalized solution and we prove their well-posedness. In the second part, we deal with source terms of the form f(x)h(u) which can also depend on the solution u itself. We deal with the case of a function h(s) which has a finite limit at infinity, continuous and possibly blowing up at the s=0; as a prototypical example one should have in mind a negative power. For these equations we show existence, regularity, and uniqueness of finite and infinite energy solutions. If the time allows, we could also deal with the case of equations involving first order terms with natural growth with respect to the gradient. Depending on the attendees background knowledge, the course will mainly focus on the first and/or the second part.
Verification: Seminar
 
Title: An introduction to cluster algebras
Lecturer: Giovanni Cerulli Irelli
Dates: 03-04/2025
Hours: 16
Abstract: We review the theory of cluster algebras intiated by Fomin and Zelevinsky in 2001 and its connection with the rapresentation theory of associative algebras, following Derksen, Weyman and Zelevinsky.
Verification: Seminar
 
Title: Modelling and Simulations of Collective Dynamics
Lecturer: Marta Menci (Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma)
Dates: Second semester
Hours: 20
Abstract: The study of collective dynamics is attracting the interest of different research fields, both due to their wide range of applications and to their ability to model self-organization. The emergence of global patterns from local interactions can be easily observed in flock of birds, schools of fish, human crowds, but also cells exhibit collective behaviors in different biological processes characterizing the human body (e.g. in embryogenesis, wound healing, immune response, tumor growth). The main feature of collective cells migration is that the emergent behavior is also driven by chemical stimuli, and not only by mechanical interactions. This course aims to give participants a brief but complete introduction to the research field of modelling and simulation of collective dynamics. Starting with a survey of influential works of the literature, recent mathematical developments and new directions and applications will be presented. A specific focus will be on different numerical techniques proposed to simulate the different kind of equations involved in the presented models.
Verification: Final project on a specific topic
 
Useful courses from other programmes

Title: Metodi Numerici per l'Ingegneria Biomedica (in Italian)
Lecturer: Francesca Pitolli 
Period: First semester (details within the beginning of the semester)
Abstract: Prima parte: Metodi numerici per la soluzione di problemi differenziali, metodi di Runge-Kutta, metodi alle differenze finite (3CFU).
Seconda parte: Approssimazione ai minimi quadrati per l'identificazione di un modello e la stima dei parametri. Soluzione di sistemi lineari sovradeterminati. Decomposizione ai valori singolari e sue applicazioni.  Problemi inversi mal posti e tecniche di regolarizzazione. Soluzione di sistemi lineari sottodeterminati. Analisi delle componenti principali e sue applicazioni (3CFU).
Per ogni argomento verranno svolte delle esercitazioni in cui si utilizzeranno i metodi numerici illustrati a lezione per risolvere alcuni problemi applicativi.
 
Curriculum in  
ELETTROMAGNETISMO/ELECTROMAGNETISM
 
PhD courses

 
Title: Analytical Techniques for Wave Phenomena
Lecturer: Paolo Burghignoli
Duration: 36 hrs, 5 CFU
Period: 09-10/2025
Abstract: The course aims at providing Ph.D. students with analytical tools useful in applied research on general wave phenomena. The unifying theme is that of complex analysis, of which a compact, self-contained introduction is presented. Fundamental techniques for the asymptotic evaluation of integrals are then illustrated, including the Laplace and saddle-point methods. Applications are focused on the analysis of time-harmonic waves excited in planar layered structures by canonical sources and on scattering from half planes and spheres. As concerns the former, different wave species will be defined and physically discussed (space waves, surface waves, leaky waves, lateral waves). As concerns the latter, the Wiener-Hopf method and the Watson transformation will be introduced.
Verification: Oral discussion of course's topics

 
Title: Nanophotonics and Plasmonics
Lecturer: Concita Sibilia
Duration: 20 hrs, 3 CFU
Period: 03-04/2025
Abstract: The part of seminars related to Nanophotonics aims to introduce to students some exciting concepts that differ from conventional wave optics, with particular emphasis to the role of the evanescent fields in many practical applications, such as near field optical microscopy. The field of plasmonics (interaction of light with electrons in metals) has attracted a great deal of interest over the past two decades, but despite the many fundamental breakthroughs and exciting science it has produced, it is yet to deliver on the applications that were initially targeted as most promising. The seminars proposed examine the primary fundamental hurdles in the physics of plasmons that have been hampering practical applications and highlights some of the promising areas in which the field of plasmonics can realistically deliver.
Verification: Oral discussion of course's topics
 
Title: Basics of Nonlinear Optics
Lecturer: Concita Sibilia
Duration: 20 hrs, 3 CFU
Period: 04-05/2025
Abstract: Nonlinear Optics (NLO) is the study of phenomena that occur as a consequence of the modification of the optical properties of a material system by the presence of light. Basics and more recent applications of NLO to new light sources and devices will be presented in a series of seminars.
Verification: Oral discussion of course's topics

Title: Experiences in Optics
Lecturer: Alessandro Belardini
Duration: 20 hrs
Period: 11/2024-02/2025
Abstract: The course gives the theoretical basis of optics, geometrical optics and physical optics, polarisation, diffraction, interference, use of simple optical elements such as lenses, prisms, polarisers, waveplate. After the theoretical introduction, the course provides a series of optics laboratory experiences were the students can experimentally verify the laws of optics that they have studied. The experiences are divided into three groups. The first concerns geometric optics, in particular Snell's law. The second and third groups concern physical optics, in particular polarization, interference and diffraction.
Verification: Oral discussion of course's topics
 
Title: Numerical methods for simulations of electromagnetic wave – matter interactions
Lecturer: Emilija Petronijevic
Dates: First semester
Hours: 20
Abstract: The course gives practical basis for the numerical investigation of interaction between matter and electromagnetic waves in different spectral ranges. After the theoretical introduction focusing on finite difference time domain, the course makes use of a commercial solver to show how different materials, in micro-and nanoscaled geometries, tailor electromagnetic wave distribution. The course then provides two simulation experiences: the first treats a single nanostructure, and the second periodically organized nanostructures. Both experiences treat transmission and absorption of the waves, near- and far-field spatial and spectral properties, electromagnetic behavior at resonances, and the influence of the excitation wave polarization.
Verification: Discussion of course's topics
 
Useful courses from other programmes

 
Title: Thermal Radiation and Infrared Signature
Lecturer: Roberto Li Voti
Duration: 30 hrs
Period: January-March 2025
Abstract: The course will cover the following topics: spontaneous emission, thermal radiation, Planck's law, Stephan-Bolzmann law. Emissivity, black body theory and selective radiators. Electromagnetic spectrum, light radiation, infrared radiation. Characteristic parameters of a radiant element: radiance, spectral radiance, power, spectral power. Propagation of the light signal in air, atmospheric absorption bands. Atmospheric effects: absorption, self-emission, diffusion, deflection, turbulence. Numerical techniques for the evaluation of the variable emissivity of materials; and nondestructive photoacoustic and photothermal techniques for the characterization of materials.
  
 
Title: Laboratory for Industrial Applications of Photothermal and Photoacoustic Optical Technologies
Lecturer: Roberto Li Voti 
Duration: 30 hrs
Period: March-May 2025
Abstract: The course will provide the theoretical bases of the photothermal, photoacoustic, radiometric, and infrared techniques for nondestructive evaluation and testing of materials (nanomaterials and metamaterials). Many applications will be introduced in different fields: industry, environment, energy, but also biology, medicine, agrifood. Final comparisons will be introduced among the diagnostic techniques. The course also contains some experimental activities in the laboratory and the relative data analysis and data processing.
 
Title: Optics
Lecturer: Eugenio Fazio
Duration: 6 CFU
Period: Second semester
Abstract:  https://corsidilaurea.uniroma1.it/en/view-course-details/2023/32384/20190322090929/b11487b2-73a1-4c99-a3cc-2028e7f41e1a/9f2cf951-1b4b-4f0e-8789-9962791dee1b/0823b198-fe5e-4797-a86d-56da889c58c2/3a953bb2-bb39-47d5-9c49-053336965a36
 
Title: Molecular dynamics and atomistic simulations
Lecturer: Giuseppe Zollo
Duration: 3+3 CFU: Statistical physics and Monte Carlo Techniques (3 cfu), Molecular Dynamics (3 cfu)
Period 2024: First semester
Abstract: The main purpose of the course is to transfer to the students the basic knowledge concerning the multidisciplinary topics that are the basis of the atomistic simulations techniques and methods. The course is focused on the main aspects of the classical models with a brief mention to the quantum mechanical approaches.
 
Title: Laser Fundamentals
Lecturer:  Concita Sibilia
Duration: 6 CFU
Period: Second semester
Abstract: The purpose of the course is to provide the student with an understanding of the working principles of active optical devices based on the interaction of light with nanoscale systems; It also wants to provide a knowledge of the most current techniques of design and realization of pulsed lasers, including miniaturized lasers (q-dots, photonic crystal lasers) and their uses in the field of Optoelectronics, quantum information and also in diagnostics employing the miniaturized Optical sources.
 
Title: Quantum Information, I
Lecturer:  Fabio Bovino
Duration: 5 CFU
Period: First semester
Abstract: Classical Electrodynamics: fundamental equations and dynamical variables. Quantum
Electrodynamics in the Coulomb Gauge: general framework, time evolution, observables and states of the quantized free field, the Hamiltonian for the Interaction between particles and field. Coherent interaction: two state dynamics, Jaynes-Cummings model. Quantum Statistics of the field. Dissipative processes. Dressed states.
 
Title: Quantum Information, II
Lecturer:  Fabio Bovino
Duration: 5 CFU
Period: Second semester
Abstract: Finite-Dimensional Hilbert Spaces: Quantum bits, Multiple qubits, Quantum Tomography, Entanglement, Bell Inequality, Teleportation, Nocloning. Quantum Information
Theory: Entropy and Information, the Holevo Bound, Communication over noise quantum channels, entanglement as physical resource. Quantum dense coding and quantum cryptography. Infinite-Dimensional Hilbert Spaces.
 
Title: Advanced Electromagnetics and Scattering
Lecturer:  Fabrizio Frezza
Duration: 6 CFU
Period: Second semester
Abstract: The course is aimed to present an overview of some advanced topics in Electromagnetics, of considerable importance for the applications, and an introduction to electromagnetic scattering. Key instruments extensively used for their physical intuition and representative power are the modal expansion with the relevant equivalent distributed circuits, and the plane‐wave spectra. The concepts of Green’s function and integral representation are also studied in depth.
 
Title: Microwaves
Lecturers: Marta Cavagnaro, Fabrizio Frezza 
Duration: 9 CFU
Period 2024: First semester
Period 2025: First semester
Abstract: Scope of the Course is to provide the student with both the basic knowledge concerning guided propagation of electromagnetic fields, and the most important microwave structures and circuits. In particular, the teaching will deal with distributed-constant analysis, typical of microwave circuits; an overview of the principal microwave guiding structures and circuit elements, and the methodologies to analyze them.
 
Title: Artificial materials, metamaterials and plasmonics for electromagnetic applications
Lecturer: Fabrizio Frezza 
Duration: 6 CFU
Period 2024: First semester
Period 2025: First semester
Abstract: The Course is aimed to provide the general electromagnetic theory of artificial materials, metamaterials and plasmonic structures, of considerable importance in many recent applications.
 
Curriculum in
SCIENZA DEI MATERIALI / MATERIALS SCIENCE
 
PhD courses
 
Title: Radiation-Matter Interaction, Photoemission and Photoabsorption Spectroscopy, I module
Lecturers: Carlo Mariani, Settimio Mobilio, Francesco Offi, Alessandro Ruocco
Duration: 20 hours, 3 CFU
Period: 02-03/2025
Abstract: Introduction to the photoelectron spectroscopy: theoretical background, the three-step model, atoms and molecules, low-dimensional solid systems, experiments with angular resolution, time-resolved experiments. Instrumentation: charged particles, Auger electron spectroscopy and resonant photoemission.  Surfaces and low-dimensional systems, electronic properties. Core-level photoemission and surface core-level shifts. Angular resolved photoemission, electronic band structure. Band structure of exemplary 1D and 2D systems.
Verification: Oral presentation of a current research topic which uses the methods presented in the course.
 
Title: Radiation-Matter Interaction, Photoemission and Photoabsorption Spectroscopy, II module
Lecturers: Carlo Mariani, Settimio Mobilio, Francesco Offi, Alessandro Ruocco
Duration: 20 hours, 3 CFU
Period: 04-05/2025
Abstract: Electromagnetic radiation sources, synchrotron radiation, theoretical background, storage rings, beamlines, photoemission. Introduction to the free-electron laser: a coherent source of radiation from UV to X rays. X ray absorption spectroscopy, theoretical background of absorption. Multiple scattering theory: a method for the observation of the electronic states and spectroscopy measurements. EXAFS and XANES/NEXAFS: fundamentals and applications. X ray elastic and anelastic scattering. High energy photoemission, application to buried interfaces/materials.
Verification: Oral presentation of a current research topic which uses the methods presented in the course.
 
Title: Advances in Raman spectroscopy: from traditional vibrational spectroscopy to surface enhanced approaches
Lecturer: Angela Capocefalo
Period: 04-05/2025
Hours: 10
Abstract: The aim of the course is to provide doctoral students with a thorough understanding of Raman spectroscopy, covering both the traditional technique and the more advanced surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. After introducing the fundamentals of the Raman scattering, the experimental aspects of the technique will be examined, including the description of the measurement apparatus and the analysis and interpretation of data. Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy will be then introduced, discussing the different mechanisms underlying signal amplification. The plasmonic properties of commonly used nanostructured metal substrates and the recent advances in the technique, such as tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy will be presented. Finally, innovative applications of the technique in various research fields such as sensing, nanomedicine, materials science, and cultural heritage will be discussed.
Verification: Oral presentation of a current research topic which uses the methods presented in the course.
 
Title: Introduction to Optical Spectroscopic Techniques and Applications to Low Dimensional Semiconductors
Lecturer: Elena Stellino
Period: 04-05/2025
Hours: 30
Abstract: The course aims to introduce three of the most common techniques in optical spectroscopy (Infrared, Raman, and photoluminescence) by providing a comprehensive approach that begins with theoretical foundations and then leads the students to handle real experimental cases. The key objectives of the course include: • gain familiarity with the theoretical framework underpinning the presented spectroscopic techniques, covering phenomenology, classical models, and some aspects of the quantum approach; • identify what kind of physical information can be extracted from the theoretical models; • understand the working principles governing the setups used in experiments; • engage in actual experimental work within research laboratories specialized in optical spectroscopies. This involves sample preparation, data acquisition, and the use of softwares for the data analysis. The course comprises frontal lessons (50%) and supervised laboratory experiences with data analysis activities (50%). The laboratory sessions will focus on samples belonging to the class of 2D semiconductors, exposing students to one of the most studied research topics in the field of material science.
Verification: Students, organized into groups, will prepare written reports for each module detailing the laboratory experience, scientific case, experimental setup, data analysis, and result interpretation. Finally, e ach student will present and discuss a scientific article from the literature that utilizes one of the discussed techniques
 
Useful courses from other programmes
 
Title: Surface Physics and Nanostructures (Corso di Laurea in Fisica)
Lecturer: Carlo Mariani 
Duration: 6 CFU
Period: First semester
Abstract: From surfaces to new atomic and molecular architectures - 1D and 2D systems - Low-dimensional crystalline structures – Symmetries – Surface thermodynamics - Relaxation and reconstruction processes - Structural properties and techniques (AFM, STM, LEED, GIXD) - Electronic properties (electron gas, band structure) of nanostructures- Giant magnetoresistance - Electron spectroscopic techniques (angular-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, ...) - Electronic properties and structure of nanostructures: etherostructures, nano-wires, self-assembled monolayers) – Graphene: electronic states, structure, supported graphene, growth, characterization, doping, ...).
 
Title: Chimica Fisica dello Stato Solido e dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (Corso di Laurea in Chimica Industriale, in Italian) 
Lecturer: Danilo Dini 
Duration: 6 CFU
Period: First semester
Abstract: I contenuti del corso includono la descrizione della materia allo stato solido e l'analisi  delle strutture cristalline di sistemi prototipici sulla base di considerazioni di tipo energetico tenendo conto dei legami caratteristici che tengono insieme i materiali allo stato solido. Viene inoltre offerta una analisi delle proprietà vibrazionali dei solidi e come queste controllano le propreta' termodinamiche dei sistemi solidi. Il corso comprende anche l'analisi dei fattori alla base dei fenomeni di conducibilità elettrica nei solidi e delle proprietà elettrochimiche di stato solido. Analisi delle proprietà  dei sistemi nanostrutturati con particolare riferimento ai nanotubi di carbonio.
 
Title: Sistemi di produzione ed accumulo dell'energia (Corso di Laurea in Chimica Industriale, in Italian) 
Lecturer: Maria Assunta Navarra 
Duration: 9 CFU
Period: First semester
Abstract: Il corso si inquadra nei processi formativi in ambito industriale e applicativo specifici del Corso di Laurea. Il corso intende ampliare le conoscenze proprie della Chimica Fisica e dell’Elettrochimica, con particolare riguardo alle problematiche energetiche e agli aspetti di gestione delle risorse. I contenuti concettuali e metodologici sono spesso affiancati da riferimenti agli aspetti economici e applicativi. Particolare enfasi è data alle metodologie più moderne per lo studio di sistemi avanzati di accumulo e conversione dell’energia per via elettrochimica. Viene introdotto il concetto di smart grid e della produzione di energia da fonti rinnovabili sostenuta da opportuni sistemi di accumulo. 
- link: https://elearning.uniroma1.it/course/view.php?id=11703
 
Title: Laboratorio Macromolecole (Corso di Laurea in Chimica Industriale, in Italian) 
Lecturer: Andrea Martinelli
Duration: 9 CFU
Period: Second semester
Abstract: Il corso è strutturato in modo da fornire informazioni su alcune tecniche sperimentali impiegate per la caratterizzazione dei materiali polimerici. Ogni argomento trattato si sviluppa in tre fasi: (1) esame delle grandezze che si misurano con la tecnica strumentale in oggetto e  le teorie che descrivono i fenomeni analizzati; (2) descrizione della strumentazione impiegata e le modalità sperimentali da utilizzare in relazione alle informazioni che si vogliono acquisire; (3) prove sperimentali e acquisizione dei dati per la successiva elaborazione. I risultati ottenuti verranno analizzati in base alle teorie descritte nella prima fase.
 
Title: Microscopies and nanocharacterization techniques
Lecturer: Marco Rossi
Duration: 9 CFU
Period: Second semester, Mon, Tue, Wed, and Fri  08:00 -10:00 room 17, RM031 (Via Eudossiana)
Abstract: The course provides students with essential skills in various microscopy techniques that are essential for R&D and industrial processes using nanotechnologies. It covers electron and scanning probe microscopy, spectroscopy and atomic scale materials characterisation. The course aims to enable the participants to select the best techniques for nano-characterisation. It includes training in electron optics, interpretation of results, and various microscopy (and also spectroscopical) methods for analysing chemical, structural and physical properties. The course also emphasises critical skills, communication, ethical judgement and continuous learning, preparing students for professional challenges in nanotechnology and related fields.
 
Title: Chimica e caratterizzazione dei materiali polimerici (Corso di Laurea in Chimica Analitica) 
Lecturer: Ilaria Fratoddi
Duration: 6 CFU
Period: Secondo semestre
Abstract: Chimica dei polimeri, metodiche di caratterizzazione, materiali nanostrutturati (principalmente polimeri, ma anche qualche altro outsider).
 
Title: Scanning Probe Microscopy (Corso di Laurea in Nanotechnology Engineering)
Lecturer: Daniele Passeri
Duration: 3 CFU
Period: Second semester
 

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