Programme

- Introduction to the course: purpose and presentation of the program.
- Outlines of Physics of Matter and Optics.
- Diffraction (X-rays and neutrons), Phase transitions, Nucleation of crystals and Gibbs free energy.
- Formation and processing of silica glasses
- Mechanical properties of materials.
- Description of soft matter, polymers and Random Walk.
- Entropy, entropic forces and free energy.
- Viscoelastic response and mechanical properties of soft matter.
- Processing of "soft" glass.
- Forced harmonic oscillator. Response of an electron distribution to an oscillating electric field.
- Origin of the refractive index and its dependence on the wavelength.
- Optical properties of metals and non-metals. Color. Absorption, dispersion and reflection of light. Diffusion of light. Abbe number and its relationship with the refractive index. Polarizers.
- Shape memory materials.
- Optical fibers.
- Surface treatments of the lenses.
- In-depth study of new materials for the production of contact lenses

Prerequisiti

It is required to have passed the preparatory exams if required by the Degree Course.

Core Documentation

Suggested book:
- William D. Callister, Jr – Scienza e ingegneria dei materiali. Un introduzione. Edises
- Lecture notes

Type of delivery of the course

Lessons in presence

Attendance

Students have to attend at least 75% of the total amount of lessons

Type of evaluation

The oral exam consists in the presentation of an in-depth study using a power point and an interview on the various topics of the course