Details about funded positions - 40th Cycle - Curriculum 5

(5A) Development of rad-hard, single-photon detectors optimised for satellite missions and astroparticle physics experiments

Funding institution: Fondazione Bruno Kessler - FBK
Doctoral site: Fondazione Bruno Kessler - FBK
Contact: Dr. Maria Ruzzarin [m.ruzzarin [at] fbk.eu]
Funds: Own Funds
Mobility abroad: compulsory, minimum 6 months
Periods in companies/research centres/public administrations: optional

Single-photon solid-state sensors, such as Single Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) and Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs), are gradually replacing the traditional Photomultiplier in several applications, ranging from big scientific experiments at CERN to space missions, to Positron Emission Tomography to automotive LiDAR. On the other hand, an important factor limiting the use of SIPMs and SPADs in space, as well as in HEP, is the qualification and improvement of their radiation tolerance. To this end, Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) is dedicating significant research effort to the study of the radiation damage in SiPMs, through experimental characterization of their characteristics after irradiation, and to the development of innovative structures featuring enhanced radiation tolerance, which will enable a whole set of new applications in space. In this context, the PhD candidate will carry out her/his research in FBK, which is one of the worldwide recognized leaders in the development of SiPMs and SPADs. The activity will focus on the experimental characterization of the electro-optical properties of the devices after irradiation with both ionising and non-ionizing particles, employing and possibly improving the advanced setups and analysis software already available at FBK and exploiting different irradiation facilities that FBK has access to, providing sources of protons, neutrons or x-rays. The PhD candidate will also study innovative detector structures with enhanced radiation tolerance, contributing to their development and becoming proficient in the understanding, characterization and use of silicon detectors for science and industrial applications. Furthermore, she/he will investigate solutions to increase the lifetime and preserve the performances of detectors in space through optimised packaging. The activity will benefit from the strong scientific network built by FBK in the space sector, including GSSI, several partners from INFN, and ESA. The research will be carried out in the context of different, space-focused projects, in which FBK is a partner or coordinator, with the role of developing single-photon sensors optimised for space applications: ASTRA, funded by Italian PNRR and coordinated by GSSI, SpaceItUp, funded by ASI / PNRR, and ORBITS, funded by ESA and coordinated by FBK.

(5B) Advanced integration of optical and RF spatial data using reduction algorithms, processing and data fusion (CUP E66E24000000001)

Funding institution: ARCA Dynamics
Doctoral site: ARCA Dynamics & University of Florence
Contact: Prof. Fabrizio Argenti [fabrizio.argenti [at] unifi.it]; Dr. Dario Spiller [dario [at] arcadynamics.com]
Funds: NRRP, M4C2 Inv. 3.3, Innovative PhDs
Mobility abroad: compulsory, minimum 6 months
Periods in companies/research centres/public administrations: compulsory, minimum 6 months

Integration and improvement of the processes of analysis of data from radio frequency (RF) and optical sources, referred to spatial observation and remote sensing. Development and implementation of advanced algorithms for the processing of RF and optical data from satellites and space devices. These algorithms will be designed for the extraction of features, classification and reconstruction of information. Development of data fusion algorithms, for the integration of information from from RF and optical sources and the optimization of the accuracy and completeness of analyses. Creation of tools and methodologies for the interpretation of spatial and remote sensing, applied to Earth and space observation, environmental and security monitoring. Realisation of optimised algorithms for processing and data extrapolation downloaded both at the ground and on nanoplatforms

(5C) Development of reconfigurable and intelligent RF active components and systems for space applications (CUP E66E24000000001)

Funding institution: RF Microtech
Doctoral site: RF Microtech & University of Trento
Contact: Prof. Roberto Passerone [roberto.passerone [at] unitn.it]
Funds: NRRP, M4C2 Inv. 3.3, Innovative PhDs
Mobility abroad: compulsory, minimum 6 months
Periods in companies/research centres/public administrations: compulsory, minimum 6 months

The focus of the proposal is on the development of intelligent radio frequency components and systems, and the associated design methodologies. The main innovative aspect lies in the use of electronic and optical active and passive elements (e.g., filters and antennas) to form analogue integrated systems (e.g., up/down converters), integrated and controlled by digital and computing systems that can reconfigure the system to adapt to different operating and signal conditions.
Thus, in addition to the characteristic aspects of radio-frequency circuits, the project will include the development of control algorithms based on artificial intelligence and machine learning that are able to assess the parameters of the circuit and the environment and make autonomous decisions to meet specifications and optimise performance at the same time. In parallel, it is planned to exploit the experience gained in prototyping for the development of software for automatic or assisted design, such as simulation, synthesis and verification systems for the aforementioned components, which make use of the same AI algorithms for parameter estimation and architectural exploration. The activity plan therefore includes both the development of the design method and its application to case studies. The aim is then to use the research results in projects for space applications, possibly in flight. The expected results are devices and systems characterised by improved performance and reliability that can be independently reconfigured.

(5D) Photonics for Space applications

Funding institution: CNIT - National Inter-University Consortium for Telecommunications
Doctoral site: CNIT - National Inter-University Consortium for Telecommunications - PNTLab - Pisa
Contact: Dr. Paolo Ghelfi [paolo.ghelfi [at] cnit.it]; Dr. Luca Rinaldi [luca.rinaldi [at] cnit.it]
Funds: Own Funds
Mobility abroad: compulsory, minimum 6 months
Periods in companies/research centres/public administrations: optional

Photonics is an emerging technology for the space sector, transforming applications such as telecommunications, navigation, remote sensing, and Earth observation (EO).
The research group at PNTLab has a renowned experience in microwave photonics, with running activities on (i) RF over fibre for signal distribution, (ii) optical feeder links for high throughput satellites, (iii) photonics-based radars and SARs for EO, including photonic RF beamforming, (iv) synchronised radar constellations, and (v) photonic generation of RF signals. The group is also approaching the field of astro-photonics (astronomical instrumentation, e.g., wideband spectrographs). These activities have a system-focused approach, designing and developing architectures to boost the systems’ performance, using the most up-to-date photonic technologies, including integrated photonics, hybrid integration, and space-compliant photonic packaging.
The PhD activity will be inserted in this vivid environment, taking advantage of the network of direct contacts with world-level academic and industrial partners.

(5E) Design and prototype characterization of innovative high-energy particle detectors for space application

Funding institution: National Institute of Nuclear Physics - INFN
Doctoral site: University of Bari “Aldo Moro” or University of Rome “Tor Vergata”
Contact: Dr. Fabio Gargano [fabio.gargano [at] ba.infn.it]; Dr. Roberta Sparvoli [roberta.sparvoli [at] roma2.infn.it]
Funds: Own Funds
Mobility abroad: compulsory, minimum 6 months
Periods in companies/research centres/public administrations: optional

The design and characterization of innovative high-energy particle detectors for space applications is a critical area of research that seeks to develop advanced technology capable of detecting and measuring high-energy particles in space. These detectors are essential for studying the space environment, such as the radiation levels in space, the properties of cosmic rays, and the behaviour of high-energy particles. The design process involves the development of advanced prototypes, which are then characterised using a range of techniques to evaluate their performance and suitability for use in space missions. Ultimately, this research aims to improve our understanding of the space environment and support the development of space-based technologies.

(5F) Study of synergies between CTA and space-based observatories for the exploration of the transient sky

Funding institution: University of Palermo
Doctoral site: University of Palermo
Contact: Dr. Manuela Mallamaci [manuela.mallamaci [at] unipa.it]; Prof. Giovanni Marsella [giovanni.marsella [at] unipa.it]
Funds: Own funds
Mobility abroad: compulsory, minimum 6 months
Periods in companies/research centres/public administrations: optional

The Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) is designed to be the next major observatory in the Very High Energy gamma-ray band. Based on the imaging atmospheric Cherenkov technique, it will reach unprecedented performances with respect to the current generation of instruments. In particular, its sensitivity at short timescales combined with the rapid repointing system will make CTA a leading observatory of the gamma-ray transient sky.
The development of synergies between CTA and space-based observatories will have a key role in this scenario. Satellites are important in order to provide external triggers and accurate locations for the CTA follow-up of transients. This work aims at investigating this research area starting from current observations performed among the first CTA telescope, LST1, and the actually operating satellites (AMS, FERMI, DAMPE etc.).

(5G) ASI SPACE IT UP SPOKE 6 - Development of a particle detector for a CubeSat mission (CUP E63C24000530003)

Funding institution: University of Trento
Doctoral site: University of Trento
Contact: Prof. Paolo Zuccon [paolo.zuccon [at] unitn.it]
Funds: Project Funds
Mobility abroad: compulsory, minimum 6 months
Periods in companies/research centres/public administrations: Optional

Time-resolved measurements of differential fluxes of low energy charged particles, trapped in the magnetosphere, are interesting for Space Weather characterization and to study the coupling between the lithosphere and magnetosphere.

The PhD candidate will join the UniTN-INFN-FBK group that will develop a compact (10x10x10cm3) particle detector, based on the use of SiPM and LGAD technologies.

(5H) Development of high-performance microwave passive components for space applications (CUP F63C24000410005)

Funding institution: ASI – Italian Space Agency
Doctoral site: University of Milan / INFN - Milan
Contact: Prof. Aniello Mennella [aniello.mennella [at] unimi.it]
Funds: Own funds
Mobility abroad: compulsory, minimum 6 months
Periods in companies/research centres/public administrations: Optional

This is a proposal for a three-year doctoral scholarship at the Department of Physics of the University of Milan to develop high-performance passive microwave components (horn antennas and polarization discriminators) for high-frequency space applications (> 100 GHz). These components are essential in many space applications, from astrophysics and cosmology to remote sensing and Earth monitoring. The proposer and their group have over 20 years of experience in this field applied to space (Planck satellite) and ground-based instruments (LSPE-Strip, QUBIC, COSMO). The proposal builds on two previous technology projects funded by ASI that explored combining plate production with chemical etching and laser micromachining to develop high-performance, low-cost horn antennas and polarization discriminator arrays up to 240 GHz. The objectives are to optimize the laser micromachining process to improve electromagnetic performance up to 240 GHz and apply the technique to higher frequencies, up to 500 GHz. The plan includes electromagnetic and mechanical design, fabrication, and testing activities. Design, testing, and CNC milling will be carried out internally, while laser micromachining will be done in collaboration with companies such as Kirana Laser and EV-Laser.

Research plan:

First year: electromagnetic design of a feedhorn-OMT array in the millimetre wave region (150-250 GHz) for a detector array based on KIDs, with a period in Grenoble to study and design optical coupling.
Second year: mechanical design and optimization of the fabrication process in collaboration with micromachining companies, with part of the fabrication done internally.
Third year: fabrication and testing of the prototype at the Department of Physics laboratory of the University of Milan, with an additional period in Grenoble to test the array with KIDs detectors.