
Physics of Disordered Systems
The research activities in the field of Physics of disordered systems are both experimental and theoretical, and all with the aim of deepening the connection between macroscopic properties (thermodynamic, optical, transport) and microscopic properties (structure and dynamics at the atomic scale). This approach is functional to the identification and then the creation of materials with a structural disorder optimized for typical applications of modern Materials Science.
Staff
Full Professors:Giulio Monaco
Associate Professors: Marco Bazzan, Andrea Sanson, Paolo Umari
Assistant Professors: Valeria Milotti, Peihao Sun
Technical staff: Daniele Lideo, Hanna Skliarova
Post-doc
Francesco Dallari, Elham Moharramzadeh Goliaei
PhD students
Jacopo Baglioni, Lara Piemontese, Muhammad Umair
Research activities
Physics of liquids, glasses and soft-matter
Many macroscopic properties of obvious interest for materials characterized by structural disorder (for example thermodynamic properties, transport coefficients, elastic modules) are not yet described accurately using a microscopic approach, as is generally possible for crystalline materials. This line of research is therefore aimed at filling this gap, and the approach used is essentially experimental.
The materials of interest are prepared by melt-quenching but also using sputtering techniques; they are then characterized with laboratory techniques (calorimetry, rheology, light scattering, absorption) but also with techniques based on X-rays and which therefore give access to information on the structure and dynamics at the atomic level (elastic and inelastic scattering of X-rays, X-ray absorption, time-domain interferometry of gamma rays, …). These latter experiments are carried out at international synchrotron light and free electron laser sources.
The applications of these studies are in the field of modern Materials Science and range, for example, from the creation of glasses with controllable ductility for applications in the mechanical field, to the optimization of phase change materials with suitable glass-crystal transformation times for applications as non-volatile memories, and to the creation of superconducting qubits with sufficient coherence for applications in quantum computers.
Contacts: Giulio Monaco,
Website: https://disorderedsystems.dfa.unipd.it/
Coatings for gravitational astronomy
Modern gravitational interferometers are among the most sensitive measurement instruments ever built, with the capability to detect length variations on the order of one part in 10^21 . To achieve these incredible sensitivities, every part of the interferometers must be made in such a way as to minimize experimental noise. In particular, the surfaces of the mirrors of the interferometer require amorphous optical materials with extremely low optical and mechanical dissipation properties. The search for new and improved materials will improve the performance of gravitational interferometers and, with it, in our ability to explore the Universe.
Our experimental activity consists in the study of innovative glasses for the coatings of the mirrors of existing (LIGO, Virgo) and next-generation (Einstein Telescope) interferometers, putting materials physics at the service of 'astrophysics. Our study aims to understand the microscopic mechanisms that determine the properties of materials of interest for applications in gravitational interferometry. The activity includes experimental activities of producing the samples in the brand new CoMET laboratory and their study with analytical techniques available at the DFA and at the nearby INFN Legnaro National Laboratories, as well as theoretical modelling by means of ab initio techniques.
Contacts: Marco Bazzan, Paolo Umari
Study of Local Disorder
Local disorder, understood as short-range structural disorder, plays a key role in understanding the physical properties of materials. This disorder can significantly affect various properties, such as mechanical, thermal and electrical behavior, as well as phase transitions and optical properties. Understanding the nature and behavior of local disorder is crucial for tailoring material properties to specific applications and for the development of advanced functional materials. One of our main research areas is the study of local disorder around specific atoms, in particular using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAFS). This technique requires highly brilliant X-rays, available at international synchrotron light laboratories, such as the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble or the nearby ELETTRA Synchrotron Laboratory in Trieste. The materials investigated include both amorphous materials, such as metallic glasses, and crystalline materials with significant local disorder, including multiferroic materials and relaxor ferroelectrics.
Contacts: Andrea Sanson
Utilizing Plasma at Atmospheric Pressure for Nano- and Micro-Structures
Plasma at room temperature and atmospheric pressure provides a unique environment rich in ions, electrons, electric fields, and radicals. Our research endeavors focus on harnessing these components to direct the growth of nano- and micro-structures, both on surfaces and within liquid synthesis.
This research initiative stems from the development of an innovative, internationally unparalleled system utilizing dual-frequency power supplies. While the propagation of plasmas at atmospheric pressure is typically governed by instability, our devised solution enables precise control over propagation, species generation, and plasma interaction with surfaces.
These distinctive characteristics offer avenues for synthesizing both organic and inorganic materials, even on thermally sensitive substrates. Moreover, they facilitate control over orientation and aggregation, with applications ranging from controlling the alignment of 1D or 2D materials within hydrogels to influencing the aggregation of macromolecules such as peptides. These applications span diverse fields, including water purification, hydrogen synthesis, tissue engineering, and drug delivery.
Our research encompasses several key areas:
> Investigating the controlled aggregation of macromolecules.
> Synthesizing materials with different degree of order/disorder.
Exploring surface treatments to modify chemical and morphologica
Contacts: Alessandro Patelli