Revisiting the concept of energy in its various forms with particular attention to its interaction with matter. Brief introduction to the physics inherent the structure of matter and its composition. Concept of reticular and / or amorphous structure, with examples concerning the different types. Differentiation between insulating materials, conductors and semiconductors, with a brief introduction of the band structure. How the characterization of the different types of materials translates into the properties of the material itself and therefore how it is able to transmit acoustic waves (vibrations), heat and current. Study of the different types of interaction between the various forms of energy and the different materials. Direct (photovoltaic) and indirect (heat) conversion of solar energy into electricity. Description of a nuclear fusion plant based on the “Tokamak” concept, and basic concepts on its operation, focusing on three aspects. Obtaining magnetic configurations through the use of conductive coils. The interaction of plasma "burning" products with the first interaction materials. How to obtain energy and fuel for self-sustaining through the interaction of nuclear fusion products with matter. Regarding the first point, the need for the use of superconducting materials to obtain stationary magnetic configurations will be highlighted; the physical principle underlying superconductivity will then be briefly illustrated and the different types of superconductors available today will be introduced. Regarding the second aspect, we will focus on the problem of the "exhaust" of internal plasma energy, and how and why this is today one of the main technological problems for obtaining energy from nuclear fusion. With regard to the third aspect, the physical and technological mechanisms, by which the neutrons obtained by the fusion can produce the electric energy and the Tritium necessary for the self-sustaining of the fusion process, will be briefly introduced.

Appunti delle lezioni
Charles Kitten, Introduzione alla Fisica dello Stato Solido, Casa editrice Ambrosiana, 2008
John Wesson, Tokamaks, 1997
Feyman, Lectures on Physics, Caltech on line library