Optics,electronics and Modern Physics Laboratory
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course is dedicated to fundamental experiments in optics, electronics and modern physics. A first semester is dedicated to experiments on geometric as well as ondulatory optics and modern physics (measurements of fundamental quantities like the electron charge). A second semester is dedicated to electronics.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student has
1. Got experimental knowledge of physical phenomena related to optics
2. Learned the basic physics of experiments
3. Learned the basics of measurement, like direct/indirect measurement of physical quantities and the inductive method.
4. Got acquainted with basic instruments used in optics, like lens, diffraction grating, lasers, optical slits, optical bench
5. Gained ability to set the proper experimental conditions for the measurement of a physical quantity with a given apparatus
6. Gained ability to experimentally study a physics case. (The student handles a real system and learns to evaluate the limits under which its behavior may be described by physical models based on ideal systems)
7. Gained ability to calibrate an apparatus
8. Gained ability to describe simple linear circuits using the Fourier or Laplace transforms
9. Gained ability to compute and measure the output signal of a simple electric circuit under step, impulse or sinusoid excitation
10. Learned the concept of negative and positive feedback and how to use it in electronic circuits
11. Learned the concept of input and output impedance of a circuit
12. Gained ability to realize simple electrical circuits using operational amplifiers and passive components, like inverting and non-inverting amplifiers, active filters, astable multivibrators.
13. Learned the signal-transmission mechanism in coaxial cables and the concept of characteristic impedance of the line
14. Gained ability to work in teams
15. Gained ability to individuate same physics phenomena in different experiments
16. Gained ability to critically discuss experimental data
17. Gained ability to write a scientific report on an experiment
1. Got experimental knowledge of physical phenomena related to optics
2. Learned the basic physics of experiments
3. Learned the basics of measurement, like direct/indirect measurement of physical quantities and the inductive method.
4. Got acquainted with basic instruments used in optics, like lens, diffraction grating, lasers, optical slits, optical bench
5. Gained ability to set the proper experimental conditions for the measurement of a physical quantity with a given apparatus
6. Gained ability to experimentally study a physics case. (The student handles a real system and learns to evaluate the limits under which its behavior may be described by physical models based on ideal systems)
7. Gained ability to calibrate an apparatus
8. Gained ability to describe simple linear circuits using the Fourier or Laplace transforms
9. Gained ability to compute and measure the output signal of a simple electric circuit under step, impulse or sinusoid excitation
10. Learned the concept of negative and positive feedback and how to use it in electronic circuits
11. Learned the concept of input and output impedance of a circuit
12. Gained ability to realize simple electrical circuits using operational amplifiers and passive components, like inverting and non-inverting amplifiers, active filters, astable multivibrators.
13. Learned the signal-transmission mechanism in coaxial cables and the concept of characteristic impedance of the line
14. Gained ability to work in teams
15. Gained ability to individuate same physics phenomena in different experiments
16. Gained ability to critically discuss experimental data
17. Gained ability to write a scientific report on an experiment
Lesson period: Activity scheduled over several sessions (see Course syllabus and organization section for more detailed information).
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
CORSO A
Responsible
Lesson period
year
Course syllabus
The course is divided into two parts: the first is dedicated to the study
of optics and modern physics and the second to electronics.
During the first part some lessons are dedicated to the introduction to
the physical phenomena which will be explored during the laboratory and to
some basic explanations about the instrumentation which will be used.
In the laboratory the students have to face with the measurement of some
basic optical phenomena and of some fundamental quantity of modern
physics.
As an example:
- Use of a Michelson interferometer with laser and incoherent sources
- Determination of the refractive index as a function of the wavelength
- Measurement of the ratio charge to mass for the electron
- Measurement of the elementary charge
- Measurement of the light speed
- Measurement of the Avogadro number
The second part is focused on the basic concepts of electricity and electronics. Many simple experiments will be illustrated and performed on a lesson by lesson basis. All experimental tests are carried out with professional laboratory instruments, including breadboards, operational amplifiers, arbitrary waveform generators and a wide choice of electronic components.
Some of the considered topics are:
- Resistivity of materials, Ohm's law, Kirchoff's laws, Thevenin and Norton equivalent circuits
- Calibration and use of electronic instrumentation (multimeter, oscilloscope, waveform generator)
- Frequency response and transfer function of linear networks
- RC circuits, LC/RLC resonant circuits and impedance concept
- Negative and positive feedback: stable and unstable circuits/systems, like linear amplifiers and Schmitt triggers. Operational amplifiers and their use
- Shielded cables, signal propagation in cables, characteristic impedance of the cable, cable termination
- Electronic noises and pickups (highlights)
of optics and modern physics and the second to electronics.
During the first part some lessons are dedicated to the introduction to
the physical phenomena which will be explored during the laboratory and to
some basic explanations about the instrumentation which will be used.
In the laboratory the students have to face with the measurement of some
basic optical phenomena and of some fundamental quantity of modern
physics.
As an example:
- Use of a Michelson interferometer with laser and incoherent sources
- Determination of the refractive index as a function of the wavelength
- Measurement of the ratio charge to mass for the electron
- Measurement of the elementary charge
- Measurement of the light speed
- Measurement of the Avogadro number
The second part is focused on the basic concepts of electricity and electronics. Many simple experiments will be illustrated and performed on a lesson by lesson basis. All experimental tests are carried out with professional laboratory instruments, including breadboards, operational amplifiers, arbitrary waveform generators and a wide choice of electronic components.
Some of the considered topics are:
- Resistivity of materials, Ohm's law, Kirchoff's laws, Thevenin and Norton equivalent circuits
- Calibration and use of electronic instrumentation (multimeter, oscilloscope, waveform generator)
- Frequency response and transfer function of linear networks
- RC circuits, LC/RLC resonant circuits and impedance concept
- Negative and positive feedback: stable and unstable circuits/systems, like linear amplifiers and Schmitt triggers. Operational amplifiers and their use
- Shielded cables, signal propagation in cables, characteristic impedance of the cable, cable termination
- Electronic noises and pickups (highlights)
Prerequisites for admission
Fundamental concepts of statistics and uncertainty treatment. Basic concepts of optics (first semester) and electromagnetism (second semester)
Teaching methods
First semester: frontal lessons and experiments in laboratory to be afforded in small groups of students. Second semester: experiments in laboratory (short explanations will precede each of the experiments)
Teaching Resources
E. Acerbi, M.Sorbi "Laboratorio di Fisica" Cusl edizioni
K.C.A. Smith, R.E. Alley, "Electrical Circuits", Cambridge University Press
additional material on Ariel (website unimi)
K.C.A. Smith, R.E. Alley, "Electrical Circuits", Cambridge University Press
additional material on Ariel (website unimi)
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists in two orals, one on optics and modern physics and the other on electronics. The two orals can be taken in different moments and the final mark will be the average of the marks obtained in the orals. In case of emergency the exams could take place remotely via zoom, Teams, Skype, ecc...
For what concerns the oral on optics and modern physics, at the exam students shall bring a written laboratory report on each of the experiments done during the course (for each experiment each group of 3-4 people shall bring one laboratory report). The exam consists in a colloquium on one or more laboratory reports. During the colloquium, the student will be asked about physics principles involved in the experiments and about methodologies. Acquired competences and critical abilities in discussing problems faced during the experiments will be evaluated.
The part of the exam on electronics consists of the preparation and presentation of a lab report on one of the subjects elaborated in the semester, and of an interview. The interview is focused both on the lab report and on the course program. Every student must prepare his own lab report. In the exam the competences as well as the ability to discuss unknown problems will be evaluated.
For what concerns the oral on optics and modern physics, at the exam students shall bring a written laboratory report on each of the experiments done during the course (for each experiment each group of 3-4 people shall bring one laboratory report). The exam consists in a colloquium on one or more laboratory reports. During the colloquium, the student will be asked about physics principles involved in the experiments and about methodologies. Acquired competences and critical abilities in discussing problems faced during the experiments will be evaluated.
The part of the exam on electronics consists of the preparation and presentation of a lab report on one of the subjects elaborated in the semester, and of an interview. The interview is focused both on the lab report and on the course program. Every student must prepare his own lab report. In the exam the competences as well as the ability to discuss unknown problems will be evaluated.
Unita' didattica 1: Ottica e Fisica Moderna
FIS/01 - EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS - University credits: 5
Laboratories: 42 hours
Lessons: 12 hours
Lessons: 12 hours
Professors:
Bernardoni Vera, Depalo Rosanna, Guglielmetti Alessandra Ada Cecilia, Kwon Woo Jin, Paroli Bruno, Re Alessandra Carlotta, Sorbi Massimo
Unita' didattica 2: Elettronica
FIS/01 - EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS - University credits: 5
Laboratories: 42 hours
Lessons: 12 hours
Lessons: 12 hours
Professors:
Di Vece Marcel, Lazzaroni Massimo, Liberali Valentino, Pullia Alberto, Riboldi Stefano, Stabile Alberto
Shifts:
Professor:
Pullia Alberto
Turno 1
Professors:
Di Vece Marcel, Lazzaroni Massimo, Liberali Valentino, Pullia Alberto, Riboldi Stefano, Stabile AlbertoTurno 2
Professors:
Di Vece Marcel, Lazzaroni Massimo, Liberali Valentino, Pullia Alberto, Riboldi Stefano, Stabile AlbertoCORSO B
Responsible
Lesson period
year
Unita' didattica 1: Ottica e Fisica Moderna
FIS/01 - EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS - University credits: 5
Laboratories: 42 hours
Lessons: 12 hours
Lessons: 12 hours
Professors:
Bernardoni Vera, Depalo Rosanna, Guglielmetti Alessandra Ada Cecilia, Kwon Woo Jin, Paroli Bruno, Re Alessandra Carlotta, Sorbi Massimo
Shifts:
Unita' didattica 2: Elettronica
FIS/01 - EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS - University credits: 5
Laboratories: 42 hours
Lessons: 12 hours
Lessons: 12 hours
Professors:
Di Vece Marcel, Lazzaroni Massimo, Liberali Valentino, Pullia Alberto, Riboldi Stefano, Stabile Alberto
Shifts:
Professor:
Lazzaroni Massimo
Turno 2
Professors:
Di Vece Marcel, Lazzaroni Massimo, Liberali Valentino, Pullia Alberto, Riboldi Stefano, Stabile AlbertoTurno1
Professors:
Di Vece Marcel, Lazzaroni Massimo, Liberali Valentino, Pullia Alberto, Riboldi Stefano, Stabile AlbertoCORSO C
Responsible
Lesson period
year
Unita' didattica 1: Ottica e Fisica Moderna
FIS/01 - EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS - University credits: 5
Laboratories: 42 hours
Lessons: 12 hours
Lessons: 12 hours
Professors:
Bernardoni Vera, Depalo Rosanna, Guglielmetti Alessandra Ada Cecilia, Kwon Woo Jin, Paroli Bruno, Re Alessandra Carlotta, Sorbi Massimo
Shifts:
Unita' didattica 2: Elettronica
FIS/01 - EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS - University credits: 5
Laboratories: 42 hours
Lessons: 12 hours
Lessons: 12 hours
Professors:
Di Vece Marcel, Lazzaroni Massimo, Liberali Valentino, Pullia Alberto, Riboldi Stefano, Stabile Alberto
Shifts:
Professor:
Liberali Valentino
Turno 1
Professors:
Di Vece Marcel, Lazzaroni Massimo, Liberali Valentino, Pullia Alberto, Riboldi Stefano, Stabile AlbertoTurno 2
Professors:
Di Vece Marcel, Lazzaroni Massimo, Liberali Valentino, Pullia Alberto, Riboldi Stefano, Stabile AlbertoCORSO D
Responsible
Lesson period
year
Unita' didattica 1: Ottica e Fisica Moderna
FIS/01 - EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS - University credits: 5
Laboratories: 42 hours
Lessons: 12 hours
Lessons: 12 hours
Professors:
Bernardoni Vera, Depalo Rosanna, Guglielmetti Alessandra Ada Cecilia, Kwon Woo Jin, Paroli Bruno, Re Alessandra Carlotta, Sorbi Massimo
Shifts:
Professor:
Sorbi Massimo
Turno 2
Professors:
Bernardoni Vera, Guglielmetti Alessandra Ada Cecilia, Paroli Bruno, Re Alessandra Carlotta
Unita' didattica 2: Elettronica
FIS/01 - EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS - University credits: 5
Laboratories: 42 hours
Lessons: 12 hours
Lessons: 12 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
by appointment by email
via celoria 16
Reception:
15:00
Physics Department "Aldo Pontremoli" (Via G. Celoria, 16) - Dynamic Scattering Laboratory
Reception:
By appointment
Reception:
Upon appointment
Via Celoria 16, LITA building, 2nd floor
Reception:
Monday from h. 10 to h. 12
LASA lab. (or Physics Department, by appointment)