Thesis Title: Atom-Light Crystals in Photonic Crystals: micro-confinement of cold Rb atoms in Hollow-Core Optical FibresMy PhD research is part of the european project CRYST3, which aims at realising innovative prototypes for trapping and cooling atoms in Hollow Core Photonic Crystal Fibers (HCPCF), for quantum sensing and computation applications. In particular, I work at developing an experimental proof of concept for cooling Rb atoms and efficiently loading them in a HCPCF. To do so I am gaining practical experience in Ultra-High-Vacuum and Laser-Cooling techniques for alkali atoms.

Throughout my Ph.D. course I also worked as a tutor in various Bachelor and Master courses. My tasks ranged from preparing exams tests, to assist students during laboratory sessions, and also doing blackboard-exercices.The courses I tutored were the following:- "General Physics - Electromagnetism" for B.Eng.; held by Prof. Vazza- "Laboratory Workshop" summer-school for last-year high-schoolers; held by Prof. Fabbri- "Electromagnetism and Optics Laboratory" for B.Sc.; held by Prof. Pasquini- "Mathematics II" for M.Ec.; held by Prof. Brini

Visiting period at the Institut d'Optique d'Aquitaine - LP2N, in the cold atoms laboratory of Dr. Bertoldi, within the CRYST^3 european project. In this period I worked as laboratory technician, with the scientific goal to load cold Rb atoms inside hollow-core fibres, to perform superradiance experiments. The main focus of the internship was to provide experimental and technological expertise in ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) techniques, while gaining experience in atom trapping, cooling and loading them in a fibre using dipole traps. Part of the visit was carried out at the company ALPhANOV.

Visiting period in the Gas-Phase Photonic and Microwave Materials Group (GPPMM) laboratories of Dr. Benabid, within the CRYST^3 european project. In this period I gained theoretical and experimental knowledge in novel types of hollow core photonic crystal fibres (HCPCF). I focused on the theory behind the “photonic bandgap” and “inhibited coupling” light-guiding mechanisms, and gained practical experience in working with such fibres coupled with visible and IR light. The visiting period was in partnership with the company GLOphotonics.

Private tutor of General Physics and Calculus for high-school and B.Eng. students.

Master thesis preparation carried out within the Nanomaterials for Energy Applications (NEA) research group of Prof. Baldi. During this period I gained laboratory experience in UV-VIS-IR Spectroscopy, XRD and XRR, Ellipsometry, and Dark-Field Microscopy. I became progressively more independent in carrying out my research project, while maintaining constant interactions and providing reciprocal help with fellow and external researchers.