Ateneo - UPO

Basic concepts of photovoltaic solar energy; laboratory evaluation of solar panel efficiency, field measurements of solar radiation; laboratory electrical characterization of semiconductor devices; computer practice on MonteCarlo methods for the simulation of the propagation of neutrons and photons in a nuclear reactor.
Data analysis using statistical and graphical software. Preparation of a report with experimental data and interpretation of results.

Simon M. Sze, Yiming Li, Kwok K. Ng - Physics of Semiconductor Devices, 4th Edition, Wiley 2021 - ISBN: 9781119618003;
Luis Castañer, Santiago Silvestre, Modelling Photovoltaic Systems Using PSpice®, Wiley 2002 - ISBN: 9780470845271;
C. Julian Chen, Physics of solar energy, Wiley 2011 - ISBN: 9780470647806;
Spanier & Gelbard, Monte Carlo principles and neutron transport problems, Courier Corporation (Dover Publications) 2008 – ISBN: 9780486462936;
Lewis & Miller, Computational methods of neutron transport, John Wiley and Sons 1984 – ISBN: 9780471092452

Enabling students to conduct experiments autonomously, facing and solving experimental problems. Acquiring the ability to elaborate data with statistical packages and to develop MonteCarlo simulation. Students must be able to communicate effectively the results of experiments and simulations.

Topics developed in the courses “Physics Laboratory I”, “Physics Laboratory II” and in the laboratory part of the course “Structure of matter, statistical mechanics and laboratory”.

Lectures on experimental techniques for the evaluation of new renewable energies, particularly photovoltaic electricity generation; laboratory practice on the characterization of photovoltaic modules and on the electrical characterization of semiconductors; computer practice on MonteCarlo methods for the simulation of the propagation of neutrons and photons in a nuclear reactor.

Monitoring the learning process: this will be achieved by posing questions to students during lectures and laboratory practice.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti,
consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Evaluation of the written reports on the laboratory practice. Oral examination on the physics principles of the laboratory practice and on the statistical analysis of data, discussion on the written reports.
To pass the test, the student must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic concepts and their applications to collect and analyze experimental data. Excellence is achieved if the laboratory reports are perfect, proving that the student has reached a level of knowledge and skill appropriate throughout the course program, and proving to know clearly all the arguments required during the oral test.

Basic concepts of photovoltaic and wind power generation. Techniques for measuring efficiency of photovoltaic cells and modules. Simulation of photovoltaic systems. Laboratory evaluation of solar panel characterization with self-built and commercial equipment. Field measurements of solar radiation. Principles of electrical characterization (I-V, C-V and other) of semiconductor devices. Laboratory electrical characterization of semiconductor devices, both discrete and on wafer.
General principles of the MonteCarlo method; introduction to the physics of fourth-generation nuclear fission reactors;
computer practice on MonteCarlo methods for the simulation of the propagation of neutrons and photons in a nuclear reactor.

- Knowledge and understanding: knowing the basic principles of photovoltaic solar power generation, MonteCarlo techniques for the simulation of neutron and photon propagation in a nuclear reactor, experimental techniques for the characterization of semiconductor devices.
- Applying knowledge and understanding: being able to conduct experiments and measurements both in the laboratory and on the field.
- Making judgements: Being able to critically evaluate recent publications on experimentation about renewable energies, nuclear energy, semiconductor characterization.
- Communication skills: Being able to organize team work (also in view of future job placement), to communicate the experimental procedure and experimental results by means of a laboratory report using text, plots and tables.
- Learning skills: being able to analyse problems related to renewable energies and to correlate measured data with theory.