1. Curriculum vitae
PERSONAL INFORMATION Pierfrancesco Zilio
Via Papa Paolo VI, 6, 35043 Monselice (Italy)
+39 340 384 0698
pierfrancesco.zilio@gmail.com
Skype pierfrancescozilio
Date of birth 16/10/1984 | Nationality Italian
WORK EXPERIENCE
01/06/2014–31/05/2016 Post-doctoral fellow
Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
Via Morego, 30, 16163 Genova (Italy)
www.iit.it
Theoretical and numerical multiphysics modeling of nanostructures.
Current research fields:
▪ Simulation of the electromagnetic and electron emission properties of three-dimensional
microantenna arrays in aqueous environment, for applications to neuroscience (ERC grant
"Neuroplasmonics").
▪ Simulation of space-charge effects in thermionic solar cells, in collaboration with European Space
Agency.
▪ Design and simulation of nanostructures for generation of phase-structured light (light carrying
orbital angular momentum) at the nanoscale, for applications to optical tweezing ad nanoparticle
optical manipulation.
Main research instruments: COMSOL Multiphysics Finite Elements software, Lumerical,
MATLAB.
31/03/2014–31/05/2014 Research grant
Padova University, Physics Department
Study of feasibility and literature survey of Orbital Angular Momentum based mode-division-
multiplexing in optical fibers.
01/2013–28/03/2014 Junior Researcher
Veneto Nanotech S. C. p. A., Padova (Italy)
Design and simulation of nanooptics structures for applications to gas sensing, tip-enhanced raman
spectroscopy (TERS) and optical tweezing.
Business or sector research and technology transfer in the field of nano-optics
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
01/2010–22/03/2013 Doctor of philosophy
Padova University, Padova (Italy)
Thesis: "Mechanisms of surface plasmon polariton propagation for nano-optics applications"
Theoretical/numerical research in the fields of nanooptics and plasmonics, with applications to
photovoltaics and sensing.
Among the studied subjects:
▪ Plasmonics-based light trapping strategies in thin-film and crystalline silicon solar cells;
▪ Design of a optical biosensor based on the integration of plasmonic architectures and a high
electron mobility phototransistor (HEMT) technology;
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2. Curriculum vitae Pierfrancesco Zilio
▪ Surface optical waves carrying orbital angular momentum;
▪ Develompent of plasmonic structures for light focusing beyond the diffraction limit (nanofocusing).
Main research tools: COMSOL Multiphysics, MATLAB, Mathematica, ellipsometry.
10/2007–10/2009 Master's degree in Physics 110/110 with honors
Padova University, Padova (Italy)
Advanced physics and mathematics courses. Optional exams in condensed matter physics (Solid
state physics, statistical physics, laboratory of condensed matter physics, classical electrodynamics).
Theoretical/computational master thesis on plasmonics and photovoltaics titled "Study of localized and
extended surface plasmon polaritons excitation and their properties for the concentration of
electromagnetic field in silicon phovoltaic cells" carried out at Laboratory for Nanofabrication of
Nanodevices (LaNN, Veneto Nanotech, Padova).
10/2003–06/2007 Bachelor's degree in physics 108/110
Padova University, Padova (Italy)
Basic physics courses. Optional courses in condensed matter physics (fluidodynamics, physics of
plasmas, computational methods for fluids and plasma physics, analytical mechanics, analog
electronics, digital electronics). Theoretical/computational thesis on plasma physics titled "Study of
magnetic instabilities in the experiment RFX-mod", carried out at Consorzio RFX (CNR Padova).
PERSONAL SKILLS
Mother tongue(s) Italian
Other language(s) UNDERSTANDING SPEAKING WRITING
Listening Reading Spoken interaction Spoken production
English B2 B2 B2 B2 B2
German A1 A1 A1 A1 A1
Levels: A1 and A2: Basic user - B1 and B2: Independent user - C1 and C2: Proficient user
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Communication skills Excellent ability to work in teams obtained during the doctoral program and post-doctoral experiences.
I took part in several studies and experiments with multidisciplinary character, involving several
undergraduates, graduates and PhD students and senior researchers of different scientific areas, with
whom it was necessary to proficiently interact and collaborate. Participation to European projects also
helped to develop my attitude to collaborate with national and international partners.
Organisational / managerial skills ▪ Good skill in ideating and designing nanooptics experiments and in the coordination of the
subsequent nanofabrication and characterization activities of the research team.
▪ During my activity at Veneto Nanotech I gained experience in writing research projects for private
funding and national calls.
▪ Experience in supervising and managing the theoretical research of undergraduates and PhD
students.
Job-related skills Theoretical expertise:
▪ Optics and electromagnetics (geometrical optics, wave and Fourier optics, waveguides, nano-
optics, computational techniques, plasmonics, diffractive optics)
▪ Electron dynamics (space charge cloud, charged particle tracing, electron interaction in aqueous
media)
▪ Semiconductors (in particular photovoltaics related).
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3. Curriculum vitae Pierfrancesco Zilio
Computational and computer science skills:
▪ COMSOL Multiphysics (Finite Elements). 7 years experience, especially in the field of
electromagnetism in low/high frequency (2D and 3D scattering simulations, modal analysis,
MATLAB scripting, equation based modeling, cluster computing), charged particle motion, thermal
analysis, custom equation modelling.
▪ Lumerical, Finite Difference Time Domain, good command.
▪ CST, basic.
▪ MATLAB, scientific computing language, excellent.
▪ Mathematica, good.
▪ C++, good.
▪ Java, basic
▪ MS Office, excellent command.
▪ Operating systems: Windows, Linux.
Experimental expertise:
▪ Ellipsometry. Very good.
▪ Deep knowledge of the physics of Near Field Microscopy
▪ Notions of the most common nanofabrication techniques of electron and ion beam lithography,
optical and interferential lithography
▪ Notions of characterizationtechniques of scanning electron microscopy, apertured-probe
scanning near field optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, optical microscopy
Driving licence B
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Publications ▪ W. Raja, P. Zilio, A. Alabastri, R. Proietti Zaccaria, J. Cunha, L. Summerer, T.W. Versloot, "Space
Charge Theory for Photon Enhanced Thermionic Emission in space oriented applications:"
(TECHNICAL REPORT) http://www.esa.int/gsp/ACT/nrg/projects/pete.html
▪ M. Malerba, A. Alabastri, E. Miele, P. Zilio, M. Patrini, D. Bajoni, G. C. Messina, M. Dipalo, A. Toma,
R. Proietti Zaccaria, F. De Angelis, "3D vertical nanostructures for enhanced infrared plasmonics."
Scientific Reports 11/2015; 5:16436
▪ G. C. Messina, M. Dipalo, R. La Rocca, P. Zilio, V. Caprettini, R. Proietti Zaccaria, A. Toma, F.
Tantussi, L. Berdondini, F. De Angelis, "Spatially, Temporally, and Quantitatively Controlled Delivery
of Broad Range of Molecules into Selected Cells through Plasmonic Nanotubes," Advanced
Materials 10/2015; 27(44)
▪ P. Zilio, M. Malerba, A. Toma, R. Proietti Zaccaria, A. Jacassi and F. De Angelis, "Hybridization in
3D: a novel route towards plasmonic metamolecules", Nano Letters 15 (8), 5200 (2015).
▪ G. C. Messina, M. Dipalo, R. La Rocca, P. Zilio, V. Caprettini, R. Proietti Zaccaria, A. Toma, F.
Tantussi, L. Berdondini and F. De Angelis, "Spatially, Temporally, and Quantitatively Controlled
Delivery of Broad Range of Molecules into Selected Cells through Plasmonic Nanotubes,"
Advanced Materials, DOI: 10.1002/adma.201503252 (2015).
▪ D. Garoli, G. Ruffato, P. Zilio, E. Calandrini, F. De Angelis, F. Romanato, S. Cattarin, "Nanoporous
gold leaves: preparation, characterization and plasmonic behavior in the visible and mid-infrared
spectral regions," Optics Material Express 5, 2246 (2015).
▪ J. Buencuerpo, J. M. Llorens, P. Zilio, W. Raja, J. Cunha, A. Alabastri, R. Proietti Zaccaria, A. Martí,
and T. Versloot, "Light trapping in photon enhanced thermionic emitters," Optics Express 23, A1220
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4. Curriculum vitae Pierfrancesco Zilio
(2015).
▪ G. C. Messina, M. Malerba, P. Zilio, E. Miele, M. Dipalo, L. Ferrara, F. De Angelis, "Hollow
plasmonic antennas for broadband SERS spectroscopy", Beilstein J. Nanotech. 6:492-498 (2015).
▪ M. Dipalo, G. C. Messina, H. Amin, R. La Rocca, V. Shalabaeva, A. Simi, A. Maccione, P. Zilio, L.
Berdondini, Francesco De Angelis, "3D plasmonic nanoantennas integrated with MEA biosensors",
Nanoscale, DOI: 10.1039/c4nr05578k (2015).
▪ V. Giorgis, P. Zilio, G. Ruffato, M. Massari, F. Romanato, "Resonant properties of high aspect ratio
plasmonic Split Ring Resonators for sensing applications", Optics Express, vol. 22, 26476 (2014).
▪ M. Carli, P. Zilio, D. Garoli, V. Giorgis, M. Massari, F. Romanato, "Sub-wavelength confinement of
the orbital angular momentum of light probed by plarmonic nanorod resonances", Optics Express,
vol. 22, 26306 (2014).
▪ P. Zilio, D. Garoli, F. Romanato, "Bilayer plasmonic vortex lenses for the far field transmission of
pure orbital angular momentum light states", Optics Letters, vol. 39, 4899 (2014).
▪ D. Sammito, D. De Salvador, P. Zilio, G. Biasiol, T. Ongarello, M. Massari, G. Ruffato, M. Morpurgo,
D. Silvestri, G. Maggioni, G. Bovo, M. Gaio and F. Romanato, "Integrated Architecture for the
Electrical Detection of Plasmonic Resonances Based on High Electron Mobility Photo-Transistors",
Nanoscale, 2013, vol. 6, 1390-1397 (2013).
▪ E. Gazzola, L. Brigo, G. Zacco, P. Zilio, G. Ruffato, G. Brusatin, F. Romanato, "Coupled SPP
Modes on 1D Plasmonic Gratings in Conical Mounting", Plasmonics, 1557-1955 (2013)
▪ L. Brigo, E. Gazzola, M. Cittadini, P. Zilio, G. Zacco, F. Romanato, A.Martucci, M. Guglielmi, G.
Brusatin.Shortand long range surface plasmon polariton waveguides for xylenesensing.
Nanotechnology,vol. 24,155502. (2013)
▪ D. Sammito, P. Zilio, G. Zacco, J. Janusonis, and F. Romanato (2012). Light trapping properties of
metallic gratings on wafer-based silicon solar cells. Nanoenergy, vol. 2, 337-342 (2013)
▪ D. Garoli, P. Zilio, M.Natali, M. Carli, T. Ongarello, and F. Romanato (2012), Plasmonic
nanofocusing by means of metal coated dielectric nanowedges. Proc. SPIE 8457, Plasmonics:
Metallic Nanostructures and Their Optical Properties X, 84572L; doi:10.1117/12.965896.
▪ P. Zilio, E. Mari, G. Parisi, F. Tamburini, and F. Romanato. Angular momentum properties of
electromagnetic field transmitted through holey plasmonic vortex lenses. Optics Letters, vol. 37; p.
3234-3236 (2012).
▪ Ongarello, G. Parisi, D. Garoli, E. Mari, P. Zilio, and F. Romanato (2012), Focusing dynamics on
circular distributed tapered metallic waveguides by means of plasmonic vortex lenses, Optics
Letters , vol. 37, p. 4516 (2012).
▪ G. Parisi, P. Zilio, and F. Romanato. Complex Bloch-modes calculation of plasmonic crystal slabs
by means of finite elements method. Optics Express, vol. 20; p. 16690-16703, (2012).
▪ D. Garoli, P. Zilio, M. Natali, M. Carli, F. Enrichi, and F. Romanato. Wedge nanostructures for
plasmonic nanofocusing. Optics Express, vol. 20; p. 16224-16233 (2012).
▪ P. Zilio, D. Sammito, G. Zacco, M. Mazzeo, G. Gigli, and F. Romanato, Light absorption
enhancement in heterostructure organic solar cells through the integration of 1-D plasmonic
crystals, Optics Express, Vol. 20, p. A476-A488. (2012)
▪ D. Sammito, G. Zacco, P. Zilio, V. Giorgis, A. Martucci, J. Janusonis, and F. Romanato. Design and
fabrication of a light trapping method for photovoltaic devices based on plasmonic gratings.
Microelectronic Engineering, vol. 98; p. 440-443, (2012).
▪ T. Ongarello, F. Romanato, P. Zilio, M. Massari. Polarization independence of extraordinary
transmission trough 1D metallic gratings. Optics Express, vol. 19; p. 9426-9433 (2011)
▪ D. Garoli, F. Romanato, P. Zilio, M. Natali, F. Marinello, T. Ongarello, D. Sammito, D. De Salvador.
Fabrication of "nano-rocket-tips" for plasmonic nanofocusing. Microelectronic Engineering, vol. 88;
p. 2530-2532 (2011).
▪ F. Romanato, T. Ongarello, G. Zacco, D. Garoli, P. Zilio, M. Massari. Extraordinary optical
transmission in one-dimensional gold gratings: near- and far-field analysis. Applied Optics, vol. 50;
p. 4529-4534, (2011).
▪ F. Romanato, R. Pilot, M. Massari, T. Ongarello, G. Pirruccio, P. Zilio, G. Ruffato, M. Carli, D.
Sammito, V. Giorgis, D. Garoli, R. Signorini, P. Schiavuta, R. Bozio. Design, fabrication and
characterization of plasmonic gratings for SERS. Microelectronic Engineering, vol. 88; p. 2717-
2720, (2011).
▪ P. Zilio, D. Sammito, G. Zacco, F. Romanato. Absorption profile modulation by means of 1D digital
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5. Curriculum vitae Pierfrancesco Zilio
plasmonic gratings. Optics Express, vol. 18; p. 19558-19565, (2010).
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