Research activities of the sections of the MIFT Department
The activity of the Physics Section is structured around themes that primarily involve Condensed Matter Physics, Applied and Plasma Physics, Environmental Physics, Nuclear and Particle Physics, addressed through both theoretical and experimental approaches. More recently, the section's activities have also expanded to include Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Theoretical Physics.
In the field of Condensed Matter Physics, theoretical research particularly focuses on the study of fluid systems and their statistical and self-assembly properties, the development of mesoscopic models for globular protein solutions, analysis of crystalline nucleation in simple and complex liquids, and the reconstruction of phases in ultra-cold bosonic systems. Interdisciplinary themes in the department are approached with a theoretical-formal method suitable for defining the universal characteristics of living systems. An experimental approach is used to investigate the structural and dynamic properties of supramolecular systems and bioprotective systems. Additionally, various theoretical and experimental approaches address topics related to nanophotonics, optoelectronics, spintronics, quantum optics, and scanning probe microscopy, along with the development and characterization of nanostructured materials.
In the field of Applied Physics and Plasmas, activities include archaeometry, the study of structural and dynamic properties of biophysical systems with a focus on drug-carrier systems for pharmaceutical applications, innovative materials with biomedical applications, Health Physics, and non-equilibrium Plasma Physics generated by high-power laser pulses.
In the field of Environmental Physics, environmental parameter monitoring is conducted, and high-resolution spatial climate models and meteorological prediction models are developed.
Within Nuclear Physics, participation in the NEWCHIM/CHIRONE experiment using the CHIMERA multireader at the Southern National Laboratories (National Institute of Nuclear Physics, Catania) provides the opportunity to study correlations among particles emitted in nuclear processes. Collaboration with INFN includes the CIMA Project (Carbon-based Innovative Materials for Nuclear Physics Applications), involving professors and researchers from our university, various Italian and foreign professors, and INFN units in Catania, Lecce, and L'Aquila. Research activities in Particle Physics involve participation in multiple international experiments, including studies of Ultra-Relativistic Energy Reactions (ALICE Experiment - CERN), Cosmic Ray Physics (Extreme Energy Events experiment), Kaon Physics (KLOE Experiment - INFN National Laboratory of Frascati), and studies of Baryonic and Mesonic Spectroscopy (BGOOD Experiment - ELSA, CLAS-JLAB).
Finally, as previously mentioned, the activities of the Physics Section have recently expanded to the fields of High-Energy Astronomy, particularly "Gamma-ray Bursts" (GRBs), Astroparticle Physics and Dark Matter, as well as Hadronic Spectroscopy.
The Mathematics and Computer Science Section carries out various activities in the fields of Geometry, Algebra, Mathematical Analysis, Mathematical Physics, Numerical Analysis, and Computer Science. Research activities are primarily directed towards the inherent topics of mathematics and computer science, without neglecting applications in various engineering, biology, and social science domains. The main themes developed include aspects of Commutative Algebra and Combinatorial Geometry with applications in Statistics and Code Theory; Digital Geometry and Topology with computational applications; Soft Topological Spaces and Neutrosophic Topological Spaces theory; Functional Analysis with applications in the economic field; Numerical Analysis with applications, among others, in image recognition; Continuum Mechanics with applications in biology and the study of wave propagation; Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics with applications to complex media; Integrable Systems in Analytical Mechanics and the study of Symmetries in mathematical models with applications in biology and both classical and quantum physics; Lie symmetries theory and its application to differential equations; Computer algebra applied to Lie symmetries; Operator Models (also generalized) of macroscopic systems using quantum mechanics techniques; Analysis of the second law for continuous systems with non-local constitutive laws; Computer Science with applications in "Cloud Computing", "Big Data", "Smart Cities", "Quantum Computing Information", "High-Performance Computing", "Network Science", and "Artificial Intelligence". The obtained results are published in reputable international journals and presented at national and international conferences.
The Earth Sciences Section is involved in activities related to geophysics and its territorial applications, as well as seismology. Studies focus on the active and recent geodynamics of the Calabrian Arc and the accretion complex in the Ionian Sea, with particular attention to the physics of seismic phenomena and their territorial implications. This involves territorial diagnostics and monitoring through innovative methods, such as the use of appropriately equipped drones.
In the field of stratigraphic geology and sedimentology, activities are carried out involving sedimentological-mineralogical-petrographic, geophysical, and environmental applications in the context of forensic sciences. These activities have an impact on the territory through collaborations within the judicial system.