Learning objectives
At the end of the course, the student is expected to be able to:
[Knowledge and understanding]
- know the main physical properties of the solid-state functional materials of practical interest, with a phenomenological approach;
- explain the origin of the depicted phenomena on the basis of experimental findings and of the outlined physical models;
- classify and compare different solid state materials based on their physical characteristics and their applications;
[Applying knowledge and understanding]
- recognize the main problems of Physics of functional materials both at a theoretical and at an experimental level and apply the acquired knowledge to address the study of a topic in such field;
- carry out an autonomous study of a particular class of functional materials based on papers of the up-to-date literature, using the methodological approach developed during the course, which includes the synthesis techniques of the material, the characterization of its physical properties and the related applications; [Applying knowledge and understanding]
[Making judgments]
- recognize and draw connections not only between different parts of the course but also with the basic concepts acquired in other courses (for example Electromagnetism, Introductory Statistical Physics and Chemistry) for developing an ability for autonomous judgment based on an enlarged knowledge of the various aspects of the problem under consideration;
- evaluate critically the validity limits of the developed models and the advantages / disadvantages of the different methodologies;
[Learning skills]
- interpret in its essentials and summarize the content of the most recent literature papers in the field of Physics of functional materials;
[Ability to communicate]
- communicate the product of this study in a clear, synthetic and effective manner, using the correct jargon of the Physics of Matter and Materials Science.
Prerequisites
Suggested prerequisites: mechanics and thermodynamics, general chemistry, electromagnetism and optics, elements of statistical mechanics.
Course unit content
The first lectures of this course treat the definition and classification of functional materials based on their physical properties and applications, and general arguments such as the structure of solid-state materials, the solidification process, the defects, the diffusion, the phase diagrams and the phase transitions. Moreover, some important concepts are introduced, like as those of nanostructured, smart, composite and multi-functional material. The main physical methods for the synthesis of solid-state materials, both bulk and nano-structured, are also mentioned. A series of successive lessons is devoted to the deepening of specific physical properties of functional materials, based on the description of the corresponding materials’ classes and of their applications. In particular the mechanical, thermal, (electric) conduction, dielectric, electromagnetic, optical and magnetic properties are treated. Among the possible examples of classes of functional materials discussed in these lectures, one may cite ferroelectrics, piezoelectrics, semiconductors, superconductors, ferromagnets, ferroelastics, photoconductors, photonic materials, spintronic materials and shape-memory alloys. In the last part of the course, some cases are presented as examples of multi-functional materials with interesting application perspectives, which are currently the subject of research in the field of Physics of Materials. Among the possible examples treated, one can cite the multiferroic and magneto-electric materials, the shape-memory ferromagnets and the magneto-caloric materials.
Full programme
[provisional version]
0. Introduction: classification of functional materials based on their physical properties and applications
1. Advanced materials: composites, smart-, multi-functional and nano- materials; functional applications; economic and environmental considerations;
2. General properties of solid-state materials I: crystal structure, solidification process, imperfections
3. General properties of solid-state materials II: thermally activated processes, diffusion, phase diagrams, phase transitions
4. Preparation methods of bulk materials: metallurgical techniques for metals, alloys and ceramics, crystal growth
5. Nanostructured materials: classification, thin films, nano-wires, nano-particles, thin film deposition and nanoparticles synthesis methods, nano-lithography, self-assembly
6. Mechanical properties: elastic and plastic deformation, fracture; nanostructures, shape-memory materials, ferroelasticity and superelasticity
7. Thermal properties: heat capacity and thermal conductivity of conductors and insulators; nanostructured materials, phononic meta-materials
8. Electrical conduction properties: metals, insulators and semiconductors; short account on band theory, energy gap, intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors, p-n junction, microelectronic devices, nanostructured systems, thermo-electric effects
9. Dielectric properties: permittivity and dielectric resistance, polarization mechanisms, ferroelectricity, piezoelectricity, electrostriction, piroelectricity
10. Electromagnetic properties: propagation of em waves in a conductor and in a dielectric, absorption mechanisms, skin depth, em screens, plasmonics and plasmonic meta-materials;
11. Optical properties: appearance of metals, insulators and semiconductors, photoemission, photoconduction, luminescence, stimulated emission, electro-optics, photonics and photonic meta-materials
12. Magnetic properties: magnetic anisotropy and the magnetization process, soft and hard ferromagnetic materials; magnetostriction, maneto-optics; magnetic nanostructures, magnonics
13. Spintronic materials: normal and giant magneto-resistance, spin-valve and spintronic devices; magneto-electric materials; spin-caloritronics
14. Superconductor properties: classical and high critical temperature superconductors, magnetic properties; applications
15. Examples of multi-functional materials: multiferroics, magnetic shape-memory alloys, magneto-caloric materials
Bibliography
Teacher’s lecture notes W. Smith, J. Hashemi, Scienza e tecnologia dei materiali, 4ed, McGraw-Hill Education, Milano 2012; ISBN-13: 978-88-386-6765-7 H. Fredriksson and U. Åkerlind, Physics of Functional Materials, J. Wiley & Sons, Ltd., Chichester, England 2008; ISBN-13: 978-0-470-51757-4
Teaching methods
Teaching methodology:
Frontal lesson with help of audio-visual multimedia instruments. The slides of the lectures will be available weekly on the Elly web platform. To download slides, the students need to enroll in the online course. Slides are considered an integral part of teaching material.
To deepen some of the topics or classes of functional materials of particular relevance to the current research activity in Physics of Functional Materials at the SMFI Department, the teacher will rely on the collaboration of young researchers who will be able to hold short thematic seminars and stimulate a discussion with students. The course also includes a visit of selected labs at the SMFI Department, where research activity is carried out in the field of Physics of functional materials.
Students are also required, before the end of the course, to prepare a brief presentation, which should be the result of independent study, regarding the physical properties of a particular class of functional materials. During the presentations, which will be an integral part of the course, other students will be stimulated to ask questions and critically evaluate the presentation, discussing the content and the communication methods.
Assessment methods and criteria
The final verification of the acquired knowledge and understanding of the covered concepts is performed by an oral exam, evaluated on a scale 0-30. The application to the exam on the ESSE3 web platform is mandatory. The oral exam consists of two parts: in the first, the student performs a short presentation on the properties of a particular class of materials at his/her discretion (weight 1/3); the second part consist of a discussion of arguments chosen in the whole program of the course (weight 2/3).
During the first part of the exam (presentation), the student will be asked to:
- probe the ability to carry out an autonomous study of a particular class of functional materials based on papers of the up-to-date literature, using the methodological approach developed during the course;
- communicate the product of this study by a presentation in a clear, synthetic and effective manner and utilizing the correct jargon of the Physics of Matter and Materials Science.
During the second part of the exam (discussion), the student will be asked to:
- demonstrate the knowledge of the main physical properties of the solid-state functional materials of practical interest, with a phenomenological approach;
- explain the origin of the depicted phenomena on the basis of experimental findings and of the outlined physical models;
- classify and compare different solid state materials based on their physical characteristics and their applications;
- evaluate critically the validity limits of the developed models and the advantages / disadvantages of the different methodologies;
- utilize the correct jargon of the Physics of Matter and Materials Science.
A final sufficient evaluation is determined if the student is able to show that he/she has mastered the basic notions and contents of the course and is sufficiently able to apply and express them, even simply, to discuss the fundamental properties of studied physical systems and formulate independent critical judgements and opinions, at an acceptable level.
Other information
Office hours: upon appointment
