Prof Giorgio Savini

Research summary

I am an Astrophysicist who works mostly in instrumentation, modeling and calibration of optical elements and instruments in the infrared and sub-mm wavelength range. 

Past Research: I have contributed to the selection, calibration and testing of all the cold optical components of the High Frequency Instrument on board the Planck Probe. I also worked on the the post-build optical characterization of the SPIRE Spectrometer on board the Herschel satellite and am responsible for the build of a number of polarisation modulators for a variety of experiments with different astrophysical objectives (star-formation, cosmology). I have worked on a number of subsequent satellite proposals: B-POL/Core, Sagace, EChO, Twinkle, Firspex, PRISTINE and SPICA.

Current Research: currently working as Payload Scientist on ARIEL (ESA Exoplanet Characterization mission - M4) and as UK Calibration convener for Litebird (JAXA-led CMB B-mode probe).

Physics Interests: Spectroscopy and Polarimetry methods, design of metamaterials for the manipulation of THz radiation. 

Astronomy Fields of Interests: Exoplanets, Star-formation (role of magnetic fields in), secondary anisotropies in the CMB, solar system minor planets. 

Teaching summary

Since joining UCL I have taught in:

-) 2nd year physics laboratory (mini-projects)

-) 3rd year physics laboratory  

-) 3rd Year Electromagnetic Theory course. 

Current teaching: 2nd Year Practical Computing in Astrophysics course. (PHAS0020)

-) I also supervise a range of 4th year and MSc projects involving instrumentation (ground and space-based) and observational astrophysics (exo-planets and minor planets in the solar system)

Currently I serve as the UCL Observatory Director and as the Academic Tutor of the Astronomy Certificate.

Education

Universita degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza

Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy | 2005

Publications

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