Research activities

The Atomic and Molecular Physics Laboratory deals with experimental research in molecular dynamics, astrochemistry, and chemical physics of non-equilibrium plasmas. The latter case focuses on the plasma conversion of CO2 and N2 into fuels and chemical compounds with a low carbon footprint.
The leading technologies available in the laboratory are octupolar radio frequency guides for the confinement of low energy ions; mass spectrometry; gas chromatography; laser, emission, and FTIR spectroscopy; plasma discharges.
As experimental scientists, we continuously pursue the improvement of our instrumentation and develop specialized devices that are not commercially available. This continuous advancement leads to know-how that can be progressively transferred to industry. The Atomic and Molecular Physics Laboratory has a successful track record of cooperation with high-tech companies and continues to endeavor to enhance this technological outcome.

National and international research projects

Pioneer

PIONEER is an European training network aiming at educating a generation of experts in the multidisciplinary field of plasma/catalysis for CO2 conversion. https://www.co2pioneer.eu/

ACO

The European training network ACO (AstroChemical Origins) has the goal of unveiling the early history of the Solar System using the chemical composition of today forming Solar-like planetary systems and comparing it with that of the Solar System primitive bodies. https://aco-itn.oapd.inaf.it/home

BEYOND-2p

This project is a spin-off of ACO and the aim is to extend the same combined interdisciplinary approach to the investigation of interstellar/extraterrestrial molecules including elements beyond the Second Period of the Periodic Table of the Elements. https://beyond2p.weebly.com/

Group members