Federico Boscherini

This research contract is hosted by the Istituto Officina dei Materiali (IOM) of the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche in Trieste , within the FOE 2024 BSBF – Big Science Business Forum project. The work is coordinated by Dott. Angelo Giglia and is embedded in a physically rich experimental environment linked to the BEAR@Elettra beamline and related light-source facilities. The project focuses on the study and development of advanced optical and spectroscopic capabilities for the UV to soft X-ray range. The selected researcher will contribute to investigations of the optical properties of new polarimetric devices and to fine characterization of functional nanostructured materials, surfaces, and interfaces using electron- and X-ray-based spectroscopies. A substantial part of the activity concerns the enhancement and optimization of the BEAR beamline to take full advantage of the brilliance and coherence of the Elettra 2.0 source. The position also involves practical beamline and end-station work, including upgrades to the experimental setup and sample manipulator, integration of electrical contacts, microfluidics, and gas control for spectroscopy sensitive to molecular dynamics, and broader adaptation of BEAR as a facility for comprehensive characterization of optical elements across the visible-to-soft-X-ray energy window. The project further includes calibration work on an ionization chamber and radiometric characterization of light sources, detectors, and UV-soft X-ray spectrometers. Another key component is the relocation of the BEAR beamline onto a new light exit, with verification and calibration of optical mechanics, especially the monochromator, removal of C-O contaminants from optical surfaces, and realignment of chambers and optics for light transport. The project therefore combines advanced spectroscopy, beamline instrumentation, ultra-high-vacuum systems, and experimental optimization in a collaborative research setting. The call is for one research contract in physical sciences at CNR-IOM Trieste.