Maria Sole Galli De Magistris
PhD thesis title: Development and characterization of advanced coatings for innovative nuclear systems
Academic Tutor: Valeria Russo
Academic Supervisor: Matteo Passoni
Industrial supervisor: Davide Loiacono
Affiliate external company or research group: newcleo SpA
PhD cycle: 39° (see all student profiles of the same cycle > LINK)
BSc: Materials and Nanotechnology Engineering , Politecnico di Milano
MSc: Nuclear Engineering, Politecnico di Milano
Two months at the APOLLON Research Infrastructure / Laboratoire pour l'Utilisation des Lasers Intenses (LULI) in France
Four months at the University of Manchester and the Dalton Cumbrian Facility in the UK (to be planned)
Thesis abstract
My PhD project is supported by newcleo SpA and aims to develop advanced materials to address challenges related to various nuclear applications. Specifically, I employ Physical Vapor Deposition techniques (Magnetron Sputtering and Pulsed Laser Deposition) for the production and optimization of:
- Nanostructured materials used as targets in laser-plasma interaction experiments, aimed at the development of laser-driven radiation sources (ion acceleration, neutron, and high-energy photon generation).
- Mono- and multi-element metallic coatings designed to protect reactor components from degradation in harsh environments, such as liquid lead and intense radiation fields. This part of the research is conducted in collaboration with newcleo SpA.
Personal interest in my research theme
I’ve always been fascinated by physics and materials science, and this multidisciplinary project allows me to explore both. I’m especially interested in controlling and analyzing material properties—particularly their evolution under extreme conditions—at the micro- and nanoscale using advanced deposition and characterization techniques. Additionally, I’m motivated by the chance to develop innovative materials that address practical challenges, from improving the durability of reactor components to advancing compact, laser-driven radiation sources.
