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AML - Antimatter Laboratory
Precise single-photon spectroscopy measurements of positronium (Mariazzi)
Topic: Study of many positronium atoms interaction in buried microcavities
Research group link: https://www.physics.unitn.it/837/antimateria
Contacts: Sebastiano Mariazzi (sebastiano.mariazzi@unitn.it); Ruggero Caravita (ruggero.caravita@cern.ch)
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: Positronium, the boundstate of an electron and its antiparticle, the positron, is the lightest matter-antimatter system. In the past years, at the AML (AntiMatter Laboratory) of the Department of Physics of UNITN, nanochanneled silicon targets with high positron to positronium conversion efficiency have been developed. Recently, samples with a network of nanochannels connected to buried microcavities have been realized. Combined with an advanced bunched positron beam recently set up in the lab, clouds of positronium could be created in these microcavities. The collection of many positronium atoms in such cavities would offer the possibility to study positronium-positronium interactions. The goal of the thesis is the production of clouds of positronium atoms confined in buried microcavities for the investigation of the mechanisms of interaction among positronium atoms. In prospective, this study could pave the way to the first demonstration of a positronium Bose Einstein Condensate.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): The candidate has been supposed to have followed courses of experimental physics. Knowledge about gamma ray detection and beam physics is welcome.
Study of the entanglement of 3 gammas from positronium annihilation (Mariazzi)
Topic: Study of the entanglement of 3 gammas from positronium annihilation
Research group link: https://www.physics.unitn.it/837/antimateria
Contacts: Sebastiano Mariazzi (sebastiano.mariazzi@unitn.it); Ruggero Caravita (ruggero.caravita@cern.ch)
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: Clouds of positronium (the lightest atom in nature composed by two leptons: an electron and a positron) emitted into the vacuum can be obtained by injecting positron bunches in a nanochanneled silicon positron-positronium converter. Bunches of positrons can be produced via manipulation of positrons randomly produced by radioactive sources. In the last decade the AML (AntiMatter Laboratory group) of the Department of Physics of UNITN has developed two systems for the production of positron bunches one at CERN in the AEgIS experiment and one in UNITN. Through laser manipulation, positronium clouds will be selected in specific quantum numbers and their annihilation in three gamma rays will be studied with a dedicated plastic detector. The thesis work deals with the preparation of positronium in selected quantum states and the study of the entangled states of the three gamma rays emerging by its annihilation.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): The candidate has been supposed to have followed courses of experimental physics. Knowledge of charged particle manipulation and gamma spectroscopy is welcome.
APP- Astroparticle Physics
Development of the LEM particle spectrometer for the NUSES mission Research group (Nozzoli)
Topic: Development of the LEM particle spectrometer for the NUSES mission
Research group link: https://www.physics.unitn.it/en/852/astro-particle-physics
Contacts: francesco.nozzoli@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: NUSES is a space mission scheduled for launch in late 2026. Over its nominal three-year lifetime, the satellite will test innovative techniques for observing charged particles, gamma rays, and astrophysical neutrinos. The PhD candidate will join the UniTN-INFN research group, which is responsible for developing the LEM particle spectrometer, currently in an advanced stage of realization. The candidate will participate in beam tests of the LEM detector and is expected to take on responsibilities within the NUSES collaboration, contributing to the analysis of scientific data collected after launch. Additionally, the candidate will be involved in the development and testing of similar innovative detectors for future space missions.
Further details are available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments7040040
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): The ideal candidate should possess problem solving skills and interest in experimental particle physics techniques.
Knowledge of C++ or Python programming languages.
Measurements of light nuclei composition and temporal modulation at low energies with HEPD-02 aboard CSES-02 (Follega)
Topic: Measurements of light nuclei composition and temporal modulation at low energies with HEPD-02 aboard CSES-02
Research group link: Astro-Particle Physics Group (APP), University of Trento https://www.physics.unitn.it/en/852/astro-particle-physics
Contacts: Francesco Maria Follega (francesco.follega@unitn.it); Francesco Dimiccoli (francesco.dimiccoli@tifpa.infn.it)
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: The High-Energy Particle Detector HEPD-02 on board the CSES-02 satellite offers a unique opportunity to investigate the composition of low-energy cosmic-ray nuclei in near-Earth space. Building on the scientific heritage of HEPD-01, HEPD-02 provides significantly enhanced capabilities thanks to improved trigger logic and tracking capabilities, upgraded calorimetry, and advanced particle-identification observables. This makes it an ideal instrument to explore the low-energy fluxes of light nuclei such as helium, lithium, carbon, and oxygen in an energy domain where direct measurements are still.
This PhD project will focus on the measurement of light nuclei species in the energy range from tens to hundres MeV/nucleon and on the study of their time dependence during solar cycle 25.
A central element of the project will be the development of advanced analysis strategies based on artificial intelligence for particle identification and event reconstruction. The candidate will combine the information provided by the different HEPD-02 sub-detectors and will use modern machine-learning techniques, including multivariate methods and deep-learning approaches, to optimize species separation, charge identification, background rejection, and energy reconstruction. These tools will be trained and validated using Monte Carlo simulations, beam-test information, and in-flight data.
The expected outcome is a new set of original measurements of helium and heavier light nuclei in a poorly explored energy range, together with the development of innovative AI-driven tools for the analysis of space-borne detector data. The project will provide new constraints on the charge- and mass-dependent effects of solar modulation and will contribute to a deeper understanding of low-energy cosmic-ray transport in the heliosphere and near-Earth environment.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): The ideal candidate should have a solid background in astroparticle/particle physics, or space physics, with a strong interest in the analysis of data from space-borne detectors. Good programming skills in Python and/or C++ are expected. Experience in data analysis, Monte Carlo simulation, and statistical methods is as well as in artificial intelligence methods for physics applications, including machine learning and deep learning for classification, reconstruction, and pattern recognition, will be considered a strong asset. Familiarity with detector physics, charged-particle identification techniques, or cosmic-ray composition studies will be appreciated. Motivation to work at the interface between detector development, artificial intelligence, and cosmic-ray physics in an international collaboration is essential.
BF- Biophotonics and Neurophysics
Neural Localisation and Quantum Biological Mechanisms of Magnetoreception (Haase)
Topic: Neural mapping of magnetoreception through quantum biology and neuroimaging
Research group link: https://r.unitn.it/en/cimec/nphys
Contacts: albrecht.haase@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: This PhD project will pioneer the neural mapping of magnetoreception, the ability of animal species to detect Earth’s magnetic field. By integrating quantum biology and systems neuroscience, we will experimentally test the radical pair mechanism, a leading hypothesis proposing that spin dynamics in cryptochrome proteins enable magnetic field detection. Using models, you will employ in vivo neuroimaging (e.g., two-photon calcium imaging) and automated behavioural assays to pinpoint where and how the brain processes magnetic cues. The project sits at the intersection of biophysics, neuroscience, and quantum biology, offering a rare opportunity to explore whether biological systems exploit quantum effects for sensory perception.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): Profound knowledge of the English language. Experience in scientific programming. Interest in research at the border between biophysics, quantum biology, and neurosciences.
Probing Stochastic Resonances in Neural Systems: From Physics to Brain Function (Haase)
Topic: Probing Stochastic Resonances in Neural Systems: From Physics to Brain
Research group link: https://r.unitn.it/en/cimec/nphys
Contacts: albrecht.haase@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: This project investigates the phenomenon of stochastic resonance in neural circuits, where the addition of optimal noise can paradoxically enhance signal detection and information processing. Originally discovered in physical systems, this counterintuitive principle may represent a fundamental mechanism for weak signal amplification in biological neural networks.
Using cutting-edge brain imaging techniques in insect models, and computational simulations of spiking neural networks we will:
• Quantitatively test theoretical models of stochastic resonance in living neural circuits
• Characterise how neural systems might exploit noise for enhanced sensory processing
• Simulate experimental observation to understand neural coding strategies
Our experimental approach combines precise noise modulation with simultaneous neural activity recording. The theoretical part creates realistic models of the imaged brain regions with Spiking Neural Networks.
Together, this offers exciting research combining computational modelling and advanced functional microscopy techniques.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): Profound knowledge of the English language. Experience in scientific programming. Interest in research at the border between physics and neurosciences.
Neural Impact of Climate Change: How Environmental Stressors Reshape Insect Brain Function (Haase)
Topic: Neuronal Impact of Climate Change: How Environmental Stressors Reshape Insect Brain Function
Research group link: https://r.unitn.it/en/cimec/nphys
Contacts: albrecht.haase@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: This project pioneers an experimental approach to investigate how rising temperatures, humidity fluctuations, electromagnetic pollution ("electrosmog"), and light pollution collectively impact neural circuits underlying critical behaviours in insects: navigation, communication, and memory.
Using insect models, we will:
• Employ in vivo calcium brain imaging to quantify changes in neuronal activity under simulated climate stress
• Develop behavioural assays to link neural dysfunction to impaired behaviour
• Map how combined stressors (e.g., heat + electrosmog) synergistically disrupt sensory processing
Together, this offers exciting experimental research bridging the gap between biophysics and neurosciences.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): Profound knowledge of the English language. Experience in scientific programming. Interest in research at the border between physics and neurosciences.
BIMER- Radiation biophysics and medical physics
Beam Modulation devices for conformal FLASH proton therapy (Tommasino)
Topic: Beam Modulation devices for conformal FLASH proton therapy
Research group link: https://sites.google.com/unitn.it/bimergroup/
Contacts: Francesco Tommasino (francesco.tommasino@unitn.it), Emanuele Scifoni (emanuele.scifoni@tifpa.infn.it)
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: FLASH radiotherapy consists in a new and promising approach for cancer treatment, based on the experimental observation that extremely reduced irradiation time (i.e. order of 100 ms) results in sparing of normal tissue toxicity and same effectiveness on tumor cells compared to conventional irradiation, which takes place on a longer time scale (i.e. tens of seconds to a few minutes). The radiobiological mechanisms behind the FLASH effect are not fully understood, and extensive research is ongoing also aiming at the clinical translation of this innovative approach. Thinking of clinical applications, protons currently appear as the ideal candidate to set up treatments at ultra-high dose rate, thus exploiting the FLASH effect. However, there is the need to implement robust treatment, able to exploit the full potential of the protons’ depth-dose curve (i.e. the Bragg peak). This project will be dedicated to the study of 3D range modulators that, combined with the delivery of a single layer of high energy protons, would result in conformal treatments, exploiting at the same time the advantages of the FLASH effect. The research project will include both optimization and implementation of 3D RM geometries into dedicated software, including Monte Carlo codes, and experimental validation of the proposed approach. The PhD student will also be involved in the characterization of the newly realized experimental FLASH beamline in Trento.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): The ideal candidate has a good knowledge of radiation-matter interaction, and a basic knowledge of radiation biophysics and medical physics. The candidate should preferentially have experience with coding and Monte Carlo software.
Mathematical and artificial intelligence modelling of radiation-induced biological damage (Scifoni)
Topic: Mathematical and artificial intelligence modelling of radiation-induced biological damage
Research group link: https://sites.google.com/unitn.it/bimergroup/home?authuser=0
Contacts: Francesco Giuseppe Cordoni (francesco.cordoni@unitn.it), Emanuele Scifoni (scifoni@infn.it)
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome:
Over the past decades, radiotherapy (RT) has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in curing cancer. The rationale for using hadrons in cancer treatment is based on their unique energy loss mechanisms, which offer significant biological benefits over photons, including enhanced tumor control and reduced damage to healthy tissues.
Despite the potential superiority of hadrons in theory, additional research is crucial to fully incorporate this treatment modality into clinical practice. One of the primary obstacles to the widespread use of hadrons is the difficulty of accurately estimating the biological effect caused by the specific radiation. Over the years, several mechanism-based mathematical models have been developed to understand and predict the effect of a given radiation on biological tissue.
Further, more recently, modern Machine and Deep Learning (MDL) algorithms have been proposed to tackle the same problem. Despite the collective efforts of the scientific community, there is currently no universally accepted superior model for predicting the biological effect of radiation. The absence of a reliable and all-encompassing model poses a significant obstacle to fully leveraging particle therapy, including the use of heavier ions like oxygen to treat radio-resistant tumors, and the adoption of multi-ion therapy, which is now technically feasible.
The project aims to develop a hybrid model to predict the biological effect of radiation, merging standard mathematical approaches with modern artificial intelligence-based models. The resulting model will have the interpretability and physically grounded foundation of mathematical models and the extreme flexibility and accuracy of modern MDL models. The model will be based on the advanced physical description of the radiation field, using microdosimetry and/or nanodosimetry, and will explore the relative importance of different radiation quality descriptors. An optional experimental verification part could be added upon the availability of the facility.
The project will be carried out in the BiMeR team, between TIFPA-INFN, UniTN, and the APSS proton therapy center.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): – Knowledge of radiation biophysics – Good programming skills – Interest in modeling and simulation of physical processes – Willingness to work in a multi-disciplinary and international team.
FT- Theoretical and computational physics
Analog Models of Gravity with Quantum Fluids of Light and/or Atoms (Carusotto)
Topic: Analog Models of Gravity with Quantum Fluids of Light and/or Atoms
Research group link: https://iacopo.carusotto.physics.unitn.it/ https://bec.science.unitn.it
Contacts: dr. Iacopo Carusotto iacopo.carusotto@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: The research activity will consist in a study of analog models of gravity based on quantum fluids of ultracold atoms and/or quantum fluids of light. The work will be mostly theoretical, but the PhD candidate will be actively involved in the on-going collaborations with experimental groups in Trento and at other major international institutions. The candidate will investigate quantum optical phenomena in curved space-times such as Hawking emission from black hole horizons, superradiance from rotating massive bodies, cosmological particle creation, and will explore new effects. A special attention will be given to interdisciplinary exchanges of ideas between gravity, condensed matter physics, optics and astrophysics. Ref.: https://arxiv.org/abs/2212.07337 (to appear on CRAS) https://arxiv.org/abs/2207.00311 https://arxiv.org/abs/2110.14452 (to appear on PRL)
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): Strong proficiency in basic electromagnetism and quantum mechanics. Good knowledge of quantum optics and/or quantum field theory and/or many-body physics and/or general relativity.
Strongly correlated quantum fluids of light (Carusotto)
Topic: Strongly correlated quantum fluids of light
Research group link: https://iacopo.carusotto.physics.unitn.it/ https://bec.science.unitn.it
Contacts: dr. Iacopo Carusotto iacopo.carusotto@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: The research will consist of a theoretical study of quantum fluids of light. The work will be mostly theoretical, but will be carried out in close collaboration with experimental colleagues at major international institutions. The candidate will investigate strongly correlated fluids of many interacting photons in photonic devices with exceptionally strong optical nonlinearities so that photons behave as impenetrable particles. He/she will investigate quantum phase transitions such as the Mott-superfluid transition in many cavity arrays or fractional quantum Hall fluids with topological order in the presence of synthetic gauge fields. While the research will have mostly fundamental character, potential applications to topological quantum computing schemes will be also addressed. Refs: https://journals.aps.org/rmp/abstract/10.1103/RevModPhys.85.299 https://www.nature.com/articles/s42254-022-00464-0 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-020-0815-y
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): Strong proficiency in basic electromagnetism and quantum mechanics. Good knowledge of quantum optics and/or condensed matter theory and/or many-body physics.
Cosmological coupling of black holes (Rinaldi)
Topic: Cosmological coupling of black holes
Research group link:https://sites.google.com/unitn.it/gravity-and-cosmology/home
Contacts: M. Rinaldi massimiliano.rinaldi@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: By the terms cosmological coupling we indicate a phenomenon for which the mass of black holes grows with the expansion of the Universe. In some models, this growth is even responsible for the dark energy content of the Universe, provided the usual Schwarzschild or Kerr metric is replaced by a suitable one. The possibility of a cosmological coupling is an old problem posed by McVittie and other authors on a pure mathematical ground. But it recently came back to being popular thanks to some evidence obtained by observing a certain class of elliptic galaxies. The aim of the project is to explore in depth the mathematical and physical consistency of this idea and to root it in some fundamental theory of gravity, classical or quantum, with an eye on possible phenomenological implications. For more details, please refer to: https://arxiv.org/abs/2407.14549; https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.01801; https://arxiv.org/abs/2302.07878 and references therein.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): A solid MSc level of competencies in general relativity and basic quantum field theory is mandatory. Some advanced notion in black hole physics and/or cosmic inflation and/or quantum field theory/quantum gravity is desirable but not mandatory. Symbolic or numerical computational skills are also desirable.
Fit for function – the fingerprint of biological activity in the structure and dynamics of proteins (Potestio)
Topic: Fit for function – the fingerprint of biological activity in the structure and dynamics of proteins
Research group link: https://sbp.physics.unitn.it/raffaello-potestio/
Contacts: raffaello.potestio@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: It is a well-established fact that the shape of proteins and particularly enzymes is determined by the specific biological activity they have to carry out. It is also known that large-scale, collective motions are often function-oriented, in that they favor binding, interaction, and catalysis through a tailored and concerted distortion of the structure. While it is possible to rationalize these features a posteriori, it is less clear, however, how to predict them in absence of previous biological information. In this project, leveraging computational methods developed in our team we aim at investigating the properties of proteins that are specifically shaped by evolution in order to perform a specific function, and derive rules of general applicability to figure out which specific parts of the molecule are involved in ligand binding and chemical activity.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies):
- Background in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering
- Previous experience or acquaintance with all atom/coarse-grained simulations and in silico modelling of biopolymers
- Excellent programming skills (unix os, C/C++, python, matlab, tensorflow)
Statistical physics of deep neural networks – from pattern imitation to emergent behaviour (Potestio)
Topic: Statistical physics of deep neural networks – from pattern imitation to emergent behaviour (Potestio)
Research group link: https://sbp.physics.unitn.it/raffaello-potestio/
Contacts: raffaello.potestio@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: Neural networks are no longer just powerful black-box tools—they are rich, complex systems whose function can be understood through the lens of statistical mechanics. This project explores deep neural networks as interacting many-body systems, leveraging concepts such as phase transitions, energy landscapes, and emergence to uncover how structure shapes function.
Rather than relying on idealized infinite-size approximations, we focus on realistic, finite networks, where fluctuations, correlations, and architecture-specific constraints play a crucial role. By combining analytical methods and advanced modeling techniques developed within our group, we investigate how network topology and training data jointly determine emergent behaviors, learning dynamics, and parameter organization.
This research offers a unique opportunity to bridge machine learning and theoretical physics, providing fundamental insights into why neural networks work—and how to design better ones. The proposed project sits at the frontier of interdisciplinary science, and is thus ideally aimed at students interested in statistical physics, complex systems, and AI.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies):
- Background in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering
- Excellent programming skills (unix os, C/C++, python, matlab, tensorflow)
Study of quantum mixtures using exact quantum Monte-Carlo numerical methods (Giorgini)
Topic: Study of quantum mixtures using exact quantum Monte-Carlo numerical methods
Research group link: https://bec.science.unitn.it/BEC/0_Home.html
Contacts: stefano.giorgini@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: Quantum Monte-Carlo numerical simulations provide a very powerful tool to investigate the equilibrium properties of many-body systems without limitations arising from restricted dimensionality, geometric constraints and strength of interactions. The result are exact for bosonic systems and different techniques allow one to calculate both ground-state properties (diffusion Monte-Carlo) and thermodynamic behavior (path-integral Monte-Carlo).
The project aims to the study of two-component mixtures of Bose gases subject to intespecies Rabi coupling, a platform which is presently of great experimental relevance. The system exhibits a rich physics including a Bose-Einstein transition driven by statistics and a ferromagnetic transition triggered by interactions. The plan is to characterize the ferromagnetic quantum phase transition beyond the regime where mean-field theories can be applied and the interplay between Bose-Einstein condensation and magnetic properties of the mixture.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): Applicants should hold an MSc in Physics and have a certain interest and taste toward exact solutions of many-body problems. Prior experience with numerical simulations is desirable, but not necessary.
Quantum simulation of strongly-correlated quantum many-body systems (Hauke)
Topic: Quantum simulation of strongly-correlated quantum many-body systems
Research group link: https://hauke-group.physics.unitn.it/
Contacts: Prof. Philipp Hauke (University of Trento)
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: Quantum many-body systems host a manifold of intriguing emerging phenomena, which appear due to strong correlations and the spread of quantum information between many particles. Yet, it remains extremely challenging to solve strongly-correlated quantum systems, both in and out of equilibrium. In recent years, however, two exciting and interrelated lines of progress are revolutionizing the field.
First, the pristine control over quantum systems such as ultracold atoms or trapped ions has now handed us the possibility to solve quantum many-body systems on devices that are themselves governed by quantum mechanics. These devices, first envisioned by Feynman in 1982, are now known as “quantum simulators”. Second, and hand in hand with the first development, new ways to think about quantum many-body systems in terms of their quantum information properties, such as entanglement, are ushering in new simulation methods on classical computers, new fundamental insights, and new research challenges.
The aim of this PhD project is to push the boundaries of the quantum-simulation and quantum-information approaches to many-body systems. Prime targets will be AMO implementations of systems with emerging phenomena such as topological states, gauge symmetries, extremely chaotic dynamics, or unconventional superconductivity, with relevance to quantum materials, cosmology, and high-energy physics. The project covers a wide range of possible work opportunities, from developing state-of-art computational and analytical tools for quantum many-body systems all the way to proposing and benchmarking experimental implementations.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): The ideal candidate has a strong background in quantum mechanics and quantum many-body physics, in particular, e.g., in atomic physics, quantum optics, quantum information, quantum computing, field theories, and condensed matter. Strong analytical and computational skills are required. They should have a high interest in cross-disciplinary research questions and in collaborating with leading theorists and experimentalists across the globe.
Many-body dynamics in monitored quantum matter (Biella)
Topic : Many-body dynamics in monitored quantum matter
Research group link : https://bec.science.unitn.it/BEC/0_Home.html
Contacts : dr. Alberto Biella alberto.biella@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome : Measurements lie at the heart of quantum mechanics — not just as passive observations, but as active agents that alter the course of quantum dynamics. A single measurement can collapse the wave function or drastically alter a system’s trajectory through Hilbert space. This PhD project dives deep into the role of measurements in quantum many-body systems, exploring how observation itself can drive fascinating and counterintuitive phenomena. A central focus will be on how measurements induce entanglement phase transitions — abrupt changes in the internal correlations of quantum systems triggered by the very act of observation. We'll also explore how continuous monitoring alters quantum dynamics, carving out forbidden regions in Hilbert space — a striking manifestation of the Quantum Zeno Effect, where watching too frequently can freeze motion. Beyond the fundamental interest in understanding nonequilibrium quantum dynamics, these insights have real-world impact. As quantum simulation and computation scale up, error correction becomes critical. In this project, we aim to design smart, tailored measurements that leverage the Zeno effect to actively suppress errors in simulations of interacting lattice models. This project offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of nonequilibrium quantum dynamics, statistical mechanics, and their applications to emerging quantum technologies. During the PhD project, the student will have the possibility of collaborating with an extended network of researchers worldwide. Refs: https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.22846 , https://quantum-journal.org/papers/q-2021-08-19-528/ , https://arxiv.org/abs/2103.09138
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies) : Strong proficiency in quantum mechanics. Genuine interest in quantum many-body physics and nonequilibrium dynamics. An open and flexible attitude towards tackling problems both computationally (using different numerical approaches) and theoretically.
Many-body physics in open quantum systems (Biella)
Topic : Many-body physics in open quantum systems
Research group link : https://bec.science.unitn.it/BEC/0_Home.html
Contacts : dr. Alberto Biella alberto.biella@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome : When a quantum system interacts with its environment, its dynamics is driven by the dynamic balance between coherent evolution and dissipative processes. In this project, we explore the rich collective behavior that emerges in quantum many-body systems coupled to an external bath. Our focus will be on understanding how correlated dissipation can give rise to novel thermodynamic phases, and how the interplay between interactions and openness can stabilize unconventional stationary states far from equilibrium. The PhD candidate will investigate how engineered dissipation and external driving can be harnessed to control and shape the nonequilibrium dynamics of these systems. Beyond its fundamental relevance, this research provides practical insights: studying open quantum systems equips students with powerful tools to model errors, decoherence, and imperfections, key challenges in the development of next-generation quantum technologies. During the PhD project, the student will have the possibility of collaborating with an extended network of researchers worldwide. Refs: https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.05824 , https://quantum-journal.org/papers/q-2023-11-07-1170/ , https://journals.aps.org/prx/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevX.6.031011, https://arxiv.org/abs/1902.10104
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies) : Strong proficiency in quantum mechanics. Genuine interest in quantum many-body physics and nonequilibrium dynamics. An open and flexible attitude towards tackling problems both computationally (using different numerical approaches) and theoretically.
Detailed microphysics in binary neutron star mergers and core-collapse supernovae (Perego)
Topic: Detailed microphysics in binary neutron star mergers and core-collapse supernovae
Research group link: https://relnucas.physics.unitn.it
Contacts: Albino Perego (albino.perego@unitn.it)
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: With the advent of gravitational wave detectors and in combination with neutrino detectors and telescopes, multimessenger astrophysics is now a blooming field at the forefront of research. High-energy, relativistic events, like the merger of compact objects or the explosion of a massive star, are among its primary targets. In our group at the University of Trento we focus on the theoretical modeling and interpretation of multimessenger signals from these kind of events. In particular, in this PhD project we would like to implement detailed neutrino rates and nuclear physics inside our numerical models to achieve a much high level of accuracy and robustness in our predictions and interpretation. In particular, our goal will be to study the sensitivity of many observables (e.g. gravitational waves, nucleosynthesis yields, electromagnetic emission) on the level of accuracy of the input physics.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): The ideal candidates is a motivated and dynamic students who is willing to broaden and widen her/his competences, both in terms of physics and of computer science. Collaborative and team-working oriented aptitudes are also relevant skills. The student is expected to have a solid theoretical background, possibly including General Relativity and Particle Physics. Moreover, basics knowledge about high-energy astrophysics and gravitational waves astrophysics is welcome. Good computing skills and aptitude are very much welcome.
R-process and kilonova modelling: modelling new transients in multimessenger astrophysics (Perego)
Topic: R-process and kilonova modelling: modelling new transients in multimessenger astrophysics
Research group link: https://relnucas.physics.unitn.it
Contacts: Albino Perego (albino.perego@unitn.it)
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: The detection of gravitational waves and electromagnetic radiation from compact binary mergers has opened the era of multimessenger astrophysics. One of the most relevant discoveries of the past decade was the first unambiguous detection of a kilonova: a new class of electromagnetic transients associated with compact binary mergers and powered by the radioactive decay of freshly synthesized radioactive heavy elements produced through the so called r-process nucleosynthesis. The goal of this project is to model kilonovae starting from the outcome of Numerical Relativity simulations, considering detailed r-process nucleosynthesis, and including all the relevant kilonova physics to produce synthetic observables (e.g. yields, light curves and spectral) and providing templates to be compared with present and future observations.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): The ideal candidates is a motivated and dynamic students who is willing to and broaden and widen her/his competences, both in terms of physics and of computer science. Collaborative and team-working oriented aptitudes are also relevant skills. The student is expected to have a solid theoretical background, possibly including General Relativity and Particle Physics. Moreover, basics knowledge about high-energy astrophysics and gravitational waves astrophysics is welcome. Good computing skills and aptitude are also welcome.
Computational strategies to investigate protein conformational changes (Lattanzi)
Topic: Computational strategies to investigate protein conformational changes
Research group link: https://sbp.physics.unitn.it/
Contacts: Prof. Gianluca Lattanzi
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: The successful candidate is expected to apply molecular dynamics simulations to investigate globular proteins, transmembrane proteins and proteins anchored to membrane bilayers. The chosen systems often present two or more resolved (or putative) structures: molecular dynamics simulations will be employed to explore and characterize the structures corresponding to these local minima, while enhanced sampling techniques will provide insights into the possible pathways for the required conformational changes. Coarse grained models will be also employed, whenever possible, and their validity will be assessed through comparison with all-atoms simulations. The candidate will collaborate with all the members of the Statistical and Biological Physics research group to explore the possibility of applications of the on-site developed multiscale approaches. The candidate is also expected to interact directly with experimental collaborators, with the aim to provide a molecular rationale for the biological mechanisms of the chosen systems.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies):
Good knowledge of statistical physics and computer programming. Ability to work in group and at the interface between different disciplines. Good communication skills.
Ultra-cold gases: Rotonised and Supersolid phase of Bose-Einstein condensates; Quantum Mixture and Magnetic Superfluids (Recati)
Topic: 1. Rotonised and Supersolid phase of Bose-Einstein condensates
2. Quantum Mixture and Magnetic Superfluids
Research group links: https://bec.science.unitn.it/BEC2026/BEC2025b.php ; https://recati.physics.unitn.it/
Contacts: Dr. Alessio Recati (alessio.recati@unitn.it) Tel.: +39 0461 283924
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: Over the past 20 years, ultra-cold gases have emerged as an ideal platform to study fundamental aspects of many-body systems, including Bose-Einstein condensation, Fermi superfluidity, out-of-equilibrium dynamics, and open quantum systems. At the Pitaevskii BEC Center, we have contributed to several areas of cold-atom research. We are currently seeking PhD candidates to work on two main topics:
1. Rotonised and Supersolid phase of Bose-Einstein condensates
The supersolid state of matter was experimentally realized in ultra-cold gas systems five years ago. Since then, we have been studying its remarkable properties. This PhD project focuses on the investigation of the dynamical properties of the system. The theoretical framework includes the Gross-Pitaevskii equation and its generalizations, as well as hydrodynamic theory. The specific platforms will be dipolar gases, spin-orbit coupled gases and polaritons.
Due to the novelty of the system, many of its properties remain to be fully understood, as, e.g., the proper definition of the superfluid and normal or lattice components,or the sound modes and their study in actual confined systems. The project is expected to advance our theoretical knowledge of supersolids and cold gases in general, with the potential to inspire new experimental studies, in close collaboration with leading laboratories across Europe.
2. Quantum Mixture and Magnetic Superfluids
This project will be developed in close synergy with experimental colleagues in Trento. It concerns a recently realized and unique system: the magnetic superfluid. The system is a bosonic mixture which present different magnetic phases to be characterised theoretically and experimentally. The mean-field theory has been developed, and starting from such a basis the study of the Kibble-Zurek mechanism, the fluctuation-dissipation theorem as well as the possibility of creating states with enhanced quantum correlations will be pursued.
The expected outcome includes theoretical predictions that may guide new experiments and reveal quantum effects and critical behavior in extended atomic samples.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): Applicants should hold an MSc in Physics and demonstrate strong proficiency in English. A collaborative attitude, both within national and international research contexts, is essential. Prior experience with scientific numerical simulations, knowledge of the theory of phase transitions and quantum fluids or magnets is desirable, but not a necessary requirement.
Computational investigation of topologically complex biopolymers (Tubiana)
Topic: Computational investigation of topologically complex biopolymers
Research group link: https://sbp.physics.unitn.it/
Contacts: Prof. Luca Tubiana
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: The successful candidate will apply coarse-grained langevin dynamics simulations to investigate the properties of knotted and linked polymeric materials, such as, for example mithocondrial genomes, polycatenanes, long DNA molecules used in single-molecule experimental assays. Through the application of extensive simulations, modelling and advanced mathematics related to knot theory the candidate will build and simulate models to shed light on recent experimental works on the kinetoplast DNA as well as on single-molecule experiments. The candidate will have the possibility to collaborate with world-leading theoretical and experimental groups both in Italy and abroad.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): Good knowledge of statistical physics and computer programming, coupled with a strong interest for interdisciplinary research at the interface between physics, biology and chemistry.
GS- Experimental Gravitation
Gravitational Wave Transients: searching for not-yet-observed source classes and reconstructing signal properties with data-driven methods (Prodi)
Topic: Gravitational Wave Transients: searching for not-yet-observed source classes and reconstructing signal properties with data-driven methods
Research group link: https://www.physics.unitn.it/en/855/experimental-gravitation
Contacts: Prof. Giovanni Prodi (giovanniandrea.prodi@unitn.it)
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: The exploration of the gravitational wave sky is rapidly advancing thanks to ongoing observations by the LIGO and Virgo detectors. The detection of around 400 gravitational wave transients to date has already revealed many properties of compact-object binaries and allowed new tests of General Relativity and of the nature of Black Holes.. Yet, we have only begun to uncover the full scientific potential of this field.
The last and the next LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observing runs provide excellent opportunities for research in gravitational wave data analysis.
The successful candidate will be involved in the search for new, previously unobserved classes of gravitational wave transients and the development of data-driven methods for signal characterization, source interpretation, and probing the fundamental nature of space-time. The project will build upon state-of-the-art techniques suitable for investigating gravitational wave bursts with generic morphologies. This activity is embedded within the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA scientific collaborations, offering a dynamic and highly stimulating international research environment.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): The ideal candidate is curious about data analysis methods, physical measurements, and gravitational physics, and adopts a critical and systematic approach to problem solving. Strong programming skills and a good understanding of statistics are highly desirable. A background in General Relativity and astrophysics is helpful but can also be developed during the course of the project. Teamwork and collaboration skills will be valuable for integration within the international research community.
Integrated squeezed vacuum source for measurements beyond the quantum limit (Leonardi)
Topic: Integrated squeezed vacuum source for measurements beyond the quantum limit
Research group link: https://www.physics.unitn.it/854/gravitazione-sperimentale
Contacts: Dr. Matteo Leonardi (matteo.leonardi.1@unitn.it)
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: Almost ten years after the first direct detection of gravitational waves by the LIGO-Virgo collaboration, over 100 gravitational wave events from stellar mergers have been observed. Despite their remarkable sensitivity, current gravitational wave detectors remain limited by noise. As a result, signals must be observed simultaneously in multiple detectors to be confirmed.
One of the dominant sources of noise is the quantum nature of light itself. In particular, quantum vacuum fluctuations of the electromagnetic field pose a major challenge for advancing gravitational wave astronomy. A solution to mitigate this quantum noise is the use of squeezed states of light — specially engineered quantum states that redistribute noise between amplitude and phase quadratures via nonlinear optical processes. This technique has already been implemented in the latest detector runs.
However, the production of squeezed light is technically demanding and limits its widespread adoption. The proposed PhD project aims to develop an integrated squeezed light source, making this powerful quantum enhancement technique more broadly accessible. While gravitational wave detection remains a primary target, the system may also benefit other quantum technologies, including quantum computing and quantum cryptography.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): The ideal candidate possesses strong critical thinking and teamwork skills. Prior experience in optics is highly desirable, as is familiarity with simulation techniques and finite element modeling software.
Low frequency vibrations in glasses as key factors limiting the sensitivity of gravitational wave interferometers (Leonardi, Baldi)
Topic: Low frequency vibrations in glasses as key factors limiting the sensitivity of gravitational wave interferometers
Research group: GS (https://www.physics.unitn.it/854/gravitazione-sperimentale) and SDSC (https://complexsystems.physics.unitn.it/)
Contacts: Matteo Leonardi (matteo.leonardi.1@unitn.it) and Giacomo Baldi (giacomo.baldi@unitn.it)
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: Almost Structural glasses are often considered as archetypes of out-of-equilibrium materials. The low temperature thermal properties of amorphous solids are heavily affected by the presence of both disorder and “defects”, phenomenologically described as two-level states, whose microscopic origin has remained mysterious [1]. This affects the atomic dynamics in such a way that excitations in structural glasses include tunneling between two-level states, thermally activated relaxations, and harmonic phonon-like vibrations [2]. Recent improvement in numerical simulations have evidenced the presence of quasi-localized vibrational modes besides the extended phonon-like excitations [3], but the experimental confirmation of this finding is lacking and is extremely challenging. Aim of the project is to probe the low-frequency vibrations and the sound propagation in structural glasses in previously unexplored frequency regions, exploiting recent improvements in experimental methods. Specifically, we will exploit recent beamlines developed at large scale facilities, including 4th-generation synchrotron sources (such as the recently upgraded ESRF synchrotron in Grenoble) and free electron lasers. The experimental work will be complemented by light spectroscopy measurements carried out in Trento. The work will be focused on the vibrational properties of a selection of amorphous solids, obtained exploiting different preparation protocols, both in bulk and as thin films. Thin films of amorphous materials are a key ingredient for the coatings of mirrors used in gravitational wave interferometers, such as Advanced LIGO (aLIGO) and Advanced Virgo (AdV). The low frequency vibrations of the coating, which are usually addressed as coating thermal noise or coating Brownian noise, are, at present, the major source of noise limiting the ultimate sensitivity of those instruments in the most sensitive part of the detection spectrum. Also, in the design of the future third generation gravitational wave detectors, the comprehension of the physics behind such noises is of paramount importance.
References:
[1] W. A. Phillips, Reports Prog. Phys. 50, 1657 (1987)
[2] G. Baldi et al., Vibrational dynamics of non-crystalline solids, arXiv:2011.10415
[3] Mizuno et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 114, E9767 (2017); L. Angelani et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 115, 8700 (2018); D. Richard et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 125, 085502 (2020); S. Bonfanti et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 125, 085501 (2020)
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): The successful candidate is expected to have a strong interest in condensed matter physics or materials science and should be able to work in an independent way carrying out an intense experimental program at national and international large-scale facilities as well as in our laboratories in Trento. Interest in developing high-level software (e.g., MatLab, Python, etc.) and designing new experimental setups as well as good teamwork capabilities would also be appreciated.
Squeezed states dephasing and multimode squeezed light production for gravitational wave detectors (Leonardi, Ciani)
Topic: Squeezed states dephasing and multimode squeezed light production for gravitational wave detectors
Research group link: https://www.physics.unitn.it/854/gravitazione-sperimentale
Contacts: Dr. Matteo Leonardi (matteo.leonardi.1@unitn.it) ; Dr. Giacomo Ciani (giacomo.ciani@unitn.it)
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: Over the past decade, the current generation of gravitational wave detectors has successfully recorded over a hundred astrophysical events. This achievement was made possible by numerous technological upgrades implemented following the first detection in 2016. As plans move forward for the next-generation detectors, such as the Einstein Telescope — expected to begin operations around 2035 — new challenges must be tackled to further enhance detector sensitivity.
This project focuses on addressing specific issues related to the implementation of quantum noise reduction strategies in future detectors. In particular, it aims to investigate the dephasing processes in squeezed states of light and the interactions between squeezed states across different transverse electromagnetic modes. Understanding and mitigating these effects is crucial for the effective application of squeezed light in high-precision interferometry.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): The ideal candidate should possess strong critical thinking and teamwork skills. A background in optics is particularly valuable, along with experience in numerical simulations and familiarity with finite element modeling software.
IdeA- Hydrogen, Energy, Environment
Solar photocatalysis for contaminated waters remediation: materials design, synthesis and field testing (Orlandi)
Topic: Solar photocatalysis for contaminated waters remediation: materials design, synthesis and field testing
Research group link: https://www.physics.unitn.it/en/858/idea-hydrogen-energy-environment
Contacts: Michele Orlandi, michele.orlandi@unitn.it, 0461282012
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: Water contamination by organic pollutants is one of the most serious environmental concerns today but also one that can be tackled by solar photocatalysis. The PhD student will: (1) design photocatalytic materials matching thermodynamics, optics and catalytic properties with application requirements; (2) synthesize them by using the most appropriate combination of physical and chemical methods; (3) test for performance at lab-scale under simulated sunlight; (4) optimize and bring to proof-of-concept level under concentrated sunlight with selected pollutants. The PhD student will be an integral part of the IdEA laboratory, a well-equipped multidisciplinary research group with decades of experience in the field.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): Experimental Physics, Solid state physics, Materials Physics and Chemistry, Nanomaterials, General and Inorganic Chemistry.
Green Hydrogen via solar energy conversion: materials and equipments (Orlandi)
Topic: Green Hydrogen via solar energy conversion: materials and equipments
Research group link: https://www.physics.unitn.it/en/858/idea-hydrogen-energy-environment
Contacts: Michele Orlandi: michele.orlandi@unitn.it, 0461282012
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: The use of hydrogen as a clean, carbon-free energy vector is both an opportunity and a challenge for the scientific community. The PhD student will be involved in research covering two of the main open issues in the field: (1) Water oxidation catalysis (WOC) is central for both electrolysis and the photoelectrochemical cells (PEC) technology. Overcoming the actual constrains of WOC requires designing novel catalysts which are both scalable, efficient and robust enough to operate on wastewaters. Promising candidates based on transition metals and their carbon-based composites will be designed, implemented and tested, following band-engineering principles, with optimized morphologies at the nanoscale. (2) Coupling concentrated sunlight to photoactive materials. The development of low-cost, small-scale and robust solar concentrators to provide low-to-moderate concentration factors (2-100) would open the way to PEC yield enhancement by increasing photon density, especially in the highly efficient near-UV range where natural light is lacking. Materials and equipments designed for this goal will be implemented by the PhD student.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): Experimental Physics, Solid state physics, Materials Physics and Chemistry, Nanomaterials, General and Inorganic Chemistry.
LBO- Bioorganic Chemistry
Synthesis and Characterization of New Biobased Plastics (Gioia)
Topic: Synthesis and characterization of new biobased plastics
Research group link: https://www.physics.unitn.it/845/chimica-bioorganica
Contacts: claudio.gioia@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome:This project focuses on the synthesis of biobased polymers derived from renewable building blocks as sustainable alternatives to fossil-based plastics. Through innovative chemical methods, the research activity aims to design and produce high-performance polymers with reduced environmental impact. Emphasis is placed on monomer synthesis, optimizing polymer structure and functionality, while targeting a scalable procedure and sustainable processing.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): The ideal candidate has a specific interest in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and material science. Good communication skills and teamwork capabilities will be appreciated.
Synthesis of Novel Vitrimeric Materials from Lignocellulosic Natural Feedstocks (Gioia)
Topic: Synthesis of novel vitrimeric materials from lignocellulosic natural feedstocks
Research group link: https://www.physics.unitn.it/845/chimica-bioorganica
Contacts: claudio.gioia@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: Vitrimers constitute a recent class of materials currently representing a brand-new frontier in the field of advanced polymers. Their unique performances derive from the presence of covalent bonds, which exhibit reversible behavior under specific stimuli or environmental conditions. Unlike traditional thermosetting polymers, this reactivity grants vitrimers properties such as recyclability, self-healing, and re-processability—opening up new possibilities in sustainable material science. While current research focuses on developing new reversible systems and understanding structure–kinetics relationships, the next challenge is creating high-performance vitrimers entirely from biobased sources. Among the promising candidates, lignin—a by-product of the pulp and paper industry—offers high thermal stability, reactive functional groups, and broad availability. However, its variability in structure, molecular weight, and functionality presents significant challenges.
This PhD project aims to develop the next generation of reliable vitrimeric bio-materials by valorizing lignin from agricultural and forestry residues and tailoring material properties through precise control of lignin structure and reactivity.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): The ideal candidate has a specific interest in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and material science. Good communication skills and teamwork capabilities will be appreciated.
Development of Lignin-First Isolation Approaches and Valorization of Winery Lignocellulosic Wastes (Gioia)
Topic: Development of lignin-first isolation approaches and valorization of winery lignocellulosic wastes
Research group link: https://www.physics.unitn.it/845/chimica-bioorganica
Contacts: claudio.gioia@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: This project aims to develop and optimize lignin-first biorefinery strategies for the efficient isolation and utilization of lignin from winery-derived lignocellulosic wastes, such as grapevine prunings, stems, and pomace. By prioritizing the preservation and valorization of lignin during biomass fractionation, the project seeks to produce high-value aromatic compounds and bio-based materials. This integrated approach contributes to sustainable waste management in the wine industry and supports the transition to a circular bioeconomy through the development of renewable chemical and material platforms.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): The ideal candidate has a specific interest in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and material science. Good communication skills and teamwork capabilities will be appreciated.
LCSF- Communication of Physical Sciences
Civic scientific literacy, public engagement with science and socially significant topicsfrom the physics education and communication perspective (Onorato - Oss)
Topic: Civic scientific literacy, public engagement with science and socially significant topics fromthe physics education and communication perspective
Research group link:https://lcsfunitn.wordpress.com/
Contacts: pasquale.onorato@unitn.it, stefano.oss@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: The civic scientificliteracy refers to the level and kinds of information that a citizen needs to know in order to followcurrent and emerging public policy issues. It is meaningful to do in-depth research from a PhysicsEducation perspective on the “citizenship” especially because the core outcome of ScienceEducation is to prepare scientifically literate students and responsible future citizens. Applicantsshould work in 1) exploring and developing conceptual paths and experimental approaches tovarious branches of physics research (classical and modern physics, science of terrestrialatmosphere and various science visualization methods in an educational and communicativeframework to support a more robust and grounded vision of contemporary and socially relevant topics; 2) examining the relationship of the science literacy and citizenship concepts andinvestigating how people’s attitudes to the environment and socio-environmental behaviourscorrelate with the civic scientific literacy - qualified rate 3) designing and implementing proposals forthe integration of a citizen science project into the secondary education curriculum
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): A specific training in science education or experiencein high school education will be welcome.
The role of laboratory in improving physics teaching: learning goals and environments,and new educational technologies in the school and university (Onorato - Oss)
Topic: The role of laboratory in improving physics teaching: learning goals and environments, andnew educational technologies in the school and university
Research group link: https://lcsfunitn.wordpress.com/
Contacts: pasquale.onorato@unitn.it, stefano.oss@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: The laboratory is anessential part of the physics curriculum both in high school and courses at university becausephysics is inherently an experimental science. Requests for reform to instructional labs mean manyinstructors are facing the formidable mission of identifying goals for their introductory lab courses.Starting from the previous researches, which include also the recent studies about the introductionof the experimental activities conducted remotely, applicants should work in 1. providing resourcesand ideas to the community of physics instructors, detailing what instructors do what was effectiveand what students can learn in physics laboratory 2. developing a set of common context-relatedgoals for laboratory instruction that can serve as a guide to those responsible for designing andevaluating high school physics laboratory programs 3. designing curricula for teaching and learningphysics which integrate multimedia and new technologies mainly in the laboratories
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): A specific training in science education or experiencein high school education will be welcome.
The possible role of Large Language Models in the development of teaching/learningpathways at high-school and undergraduate physics classes (Onorato - Oss)
Topic: The possible role of Large Language Models in the development of teaching/learningpathways at high-school and undergraduate physics classes.
Research group link:https://lcsfunitn.wordpress.com/
Contacts: stefano.oss@unitn.it, pasquale.onorato@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: New technologies basedon LLM and AI interfaces are of potentially great interest in educational settings. However, the use ofchatbots in schools is an approach characterized by great uncertainty and methodological,disciplinary, and pedagogical risks that can undermine the development of cognitive skills andcompetencies related to the understanding of physical sciences. There are many ongoingexperiments, but they are still poorly structured and documented, and a significant investment inresearch and analysis is expected in the immediate future. In our group, we have beguninvestigations into the possibilities of using chatgpt in the learning/teaching pathways of classicalphysics, but we intend to extend these works both in terms of areas of interest and the depth anddetail of AI approaches. Applicants will be asked to participate in this research by contributingpractical implementations and validating AI-based learning supports, including their critical analysis
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): A specific training in science education or experiencein high school education will be welcome.
Challenges in modern and quantum physics education (Onorato - Oss)
Topic: Challenges in modern and quantum physics education
Research group link: https://lcsfunitn.wordpress.com/
Contacts: pasquale.onorato@unitn.it, stefano.oss@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: In recent years,numerous studies have focused on the opportunity and effectiveness of developing effectivemethods to introduce some principles of quantum physics and, more generally, of modern physics toselected groups of high school students. Aligned with international research and drawing onestablished approaches in science education, the objective is to evaluate and design research-based teaching and learning sequences for these subjects. Applicants should work in : 1.Conducting an epistemological analysis to identify the essential, introductory quantum physicstopics deemed important for secondary education. 2. Comparing the outcomes of theepistemological analysis with the quantum physics contents in the Italian school guidelines,highlighting choices made by curriculum designers and identifying key concepts according totextbooks. 3. Exploring students' perspectives on modern physics through existing researchliterature and develop assessment tools to gauge their understanding. 4. Reviewing recenteducation research on modern and quantum physics and examine teaching/learning environmentsproposed by physics education researchers.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): A specific training in science education or experiencein high school education will be welcome.
NL- Nanoscience
Non-Hermitian Photonics (Pavesi)
Topic:Non-Hermitian Photonics
Research group link:http://nanolab.physics.unitn.it/
Contacts: Prof.Lorenzo Pavesi Dr. Stefano Biasi
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: Micro-resonator (MR)-based reconfigurable systems have received significant attention in recent years, driven by their potential applications in optical communication, sensing, and signal processing. Integrating reconfigurability with non-Hermitian systems further enhances their functionality, allowing dynamic control over non-reciprocal interactions. Here, we propose to study the nonlinear properties of arrays of reconfigurable non-hermitian microresonators with a specific interest to unique phenomena like topological edge states and enhanced stability against disorder.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): Interest in photonics
Neuromorphic Photonics (Pavesi)
Topic: Neuromorphic Photonics
Research group link: http://nanolab.physics.unitn.it/
Contacts: Prof. Lorenzo Pavesi (lorenzo.pavesi@unitn.it)
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: Hybrid photonic and biological integrated circuits form neural networks able to process incoming information. These are suitable platforms to experiment novel artificial intelligence applications and paradigms. In this framework, we have open in the laboratory several research opportunities for a PhD thesis: 1. development of neural networks for telecom applications where photonic circuits replace power-hungry and expensive DSP; 2. development of spiking neural networks based on massive microring arrays for dendritic computing; 3. development of hybrid biological and photonic network for biological and medical applications
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): Interest in photonics and artificial intelligence. Skills in photonics. such as a master's thesis, is highly recommended. Familiarity with programming languages is a plus, as are good communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team.
NSE- Non linear System and Electronics
Addressing physical problems with information-theoretical methods (Ricci)
Topic: Addressing physical problems with information-theoretical methods
Research group link: https://nse.physics.unitn.it/
Contacts: Leonardo Ricci leonardo.ricci@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: Addressing physical problems with information-theoretical – i.e. entropy-based – methods is a thriving field. Entropy-based methods provide a complementary approach to more conventional and established analytical techniques. The final goal is to apply these methods to complex systems ranging from neuroscience to climatology. The candidate is expected to achieve or deeply expand many skills (see below) that can help her/him to further pursue research.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): Competencies in statistics, statistical physics, andsignal and system analysis. Good knowledge of math. Ability to program in C++. An interest inelectronics is also welcome.
SDSC- Structure and dynamics of complex systems
Low frequency vibrations in glasses as key factors limiting the sensitivity of gravitational wave interferometers (Leonardi, Baldi)
Topic: Low frequency vibrations in glasses as key factors limiting the sensitivity of gravitational wave interferometers
Research group: GS (https://www.physics.unitn.it/854/gravitazione-sperimentale) and SDSC (https://complexsystems.physics.unitn.it/)
Contacts: Matteo Leonardi (matteo.leonardi.1@unitn.it) and Giacomo Baldi (giacomo.baldi@unitn.it)
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome: Structural glasses are often considered as archetypes of out-of-equilibrium materials. The low temperature thermal properties of amorphous solids are heavily affected by the presence of both disorder and “defects”, phenomenologically described as two-level states, whose microscopic origin has remained mysterious [1]. This affects the atomic dynamics in such a way that excitations in structural glasses include tunneling between two-level states, thermally activated relaxations, and harmonic phonon-like vibrations [2]. Recent improvement in numerical simulations have evidenced the presence of quasi-localized vibrational modes besides the extended phonon-like excitations [3], but the experimental confirmation of this finding is lacking and is extremely challenging. Aim of the project is to probe the low-frequency vibrations and the sound propagation in structural glasses in previously unexplored frequency regions, exploiting recent improvements in experimental methods. Specifically, we will exploit recent beamlines developed at large scale facilities, including 4th-generation synchrotron sources (such as the recently upgraded ESRF synchrotron in Grenoble) and free electron lasers. The experimental work will be complemented by light spectroscopy measurements carried out in Trento. The work will be focused on the vibrational properties of a selection of amorphous solids, obtained exploiting different preparation protocols, both in bulk and as thin films. Thin films of amorphous materials are a key ingredient for the coatings of mirrors used in gravitational wave interferometers, such as Advanced LIGO (aLIGO) and Advanced Virgo (AdV). The low frequency vibrations of the coating, which are usually addressed as coating thermal noise or coating Brownian noise, are, at present, the major source of noise limiting the ultimate sensitivity of those instruments in the most sensitive part of the detection spectrum. Also, in the design of the future third generation gravitational wave detectors, the comprehension of the physics behind such noises is of paramount importance.
References:
[1] W. A. Phillips, Reports Prog. Phys. 50, 1657 (1987)
[2] G. Baldi et al., Vibrational dynamics of non-crystalline solids, arXiv:2011.10415
[3] Mizuno et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 114, E9767 (2017); L. Angelani et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 115, 8700 (2018); D. Richard et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 125, 085502 (2020); S. Bonfanti et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 125, 085501 (2020)
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): The successful candidate is expected to have a strong interest in condensed matter physics or materials science and should be able to work in an independent way carrying out an intense experimental program at national and international large-scale facilities as well as in our laboratories in Trento. Interest in developing high-level software (e.g., MatLab, Python, etc.) and designing new experimental setups as well as good teamwork capabilities would also be appreciated