Francesca Monti

 

University of Verona

Department of Computer Science

francesca.monti@univr.it


  1. •Associate Professor (since 2005) - Experimental Physics (FIS01) - University of Verona

  2. •Assistant Professor - General Physics (B01B, then FIS01) - University of Verona,1997-2004

  3. •Post-doc - University of Verona, 1995 -1997

  4. •Technician - INFN National Laboratories of Legnaro, 1991 - 1993

  5. •PhD in Physics - 1993 - Thesis in Experimental Nuclear Physics-University of Padova

  6. •Degree in Physics cum laude - 1989 - Thesis in Theoretical Nuclear Physics on the Nuclear Shell Model - University of Bologna

My research activities


Past ......


Nuclear Physics and Synchrotron Radiation


After the initial research activity in Theoretical Nuclear Physics, I got some years of experience in the field of Experimental and Applied Nuclear Physics at various National and International Laboratories (INFN National Laboratories of Legnaro – LNL, and of Frascati - LNF, European Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory at Grenoble - ESRF), especially regarding the application of nuclear and optical techniques (based on the use of protons, neutrons and electromagnetic radiation from conventional and non conventional sources in different spectral ranges from IR to X-rays) in condensed matter as well as in biological and biomedical studies.


The research activity in Experimental and Applied Nuclear Physics, up to 1993, was devoted to trace element determination by PIXE (Proton Induced X-ray Emission) and to the experimental verification of nuclear force charge symmetry through the two “mirror” channels of the d-D reaction at the 2 MV Van de Graaff AN2000 and at the 7 MV Van de Graaff CN accelerator of the LNL.


In 1994, my interest went on Synchrotron Radiation research, especially devoted to the study of local structure of crystalline and amorphous materials by Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, to biological and biomedical applications of synchrotron radiation and to projecting and setting up Synchrotron Radiation beamlines and their optical and experimental apparata in the Infrared, X-ray and UV range in collaboration with the DAΦNE- light group of the LNF.



..... Present


Infrared Spectroscopy and X-ray Synchrotron Radiation for Interdisciplinary Studies


Since 2005, I perform and coordinate the interdisciplinary research activities at the new Laboratory of Infrared Spectroscopy Micro-Spectroscopy and Imaging - IRIS (Infra Red for Interdisciplinary Studies) of Verona University, including application of multivariate statistical analysis techniques.


My interests, mainly devoted to biotechnological, biological and biomedical applications of FTIR spectroscopy (including studies on microorganisms for oenological production, plant cell wall metabolism, biosynthesis of nano-particles), were recently extended to non invasive diagnostics for Cultural Heritage.


In these fields I have collaborations inside the University of Verona (Department of Biotechnology, Department of Neurological, Neuropsychological, Morphological and Movement Sciences, LANIAC Laboratory) as well as with external Research Institutions such as the MiNALab of the Bruno Kessler Foundation (FBK) in Trento, the National Institute of Optics (INO) in Florence and the Central Institute for Book Conservation and Restoration – ICPAL in Rome.


Since 2016 I returned on Synchrotron Radiation research devoted to studying the biosynthesis of Selenium nanoparticles by bacterial strains through X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES and EXAFS) and by X-ray micro-fluorescence.


Applied Optics


My research interests have then been devoted also to optical techniques and non linear optics, and to the setting up  of the new laboratory OpDATe (Optical Devices and Advanced Techniques) in collaboration with the Nice Non Linear Institute - INLN and with the National Institute of Optics (INO) in Florence.


In this field I have coordinated the Joint Project ‘LCVIR” (Liquid Crystal Valve in the Infrared - 2010-2011) of the University of Verona with the company “Adaptica” (Padova) for the “Realization of liquid crystal light valves for infrared radiation”: aim of the project is to realize a spatial light modulator with high contrast of refractive index in the near infrared, based on the coupling of a liquid crystal to a photoconductive material sensitive in the near infrared (CdTe and CdS) in cell of two glass+ITO windows.


As regards the devolpment and application of advanced optical techniques to Cultural Heritage, I have coordinated the project “AdOpTeCH” (Advanced Optical Techniques for Cultural Heritage - 2011-2013) recently funded by Fondazione CARIVERONA. Aim of the project was the development of a portable conoscopic profilometry system with micrometric resolution; an eye-tracking system optimized for studying perceptive and cognitive mechanisms during artwork fruition; and a multipsectral imaging system in the near infrared.


Physics Education and History of Physics


Since 2014 I have begun a research activity in the field of Physics Education following active learning strategies and in synergy with the History of Physics with reference to the Foundations of Physics and the Nature of Science and especially devoted to the teaching of Physics at the University level and to Teachers’ Education (primary and secondary school).