Dr. Daniele Spiga

Daniele Spiga graduated in Physics from the Milano University in 2000. In 2005 he was awarded with the Ph.D. in Astrophysics and Astronomy at the Milano-Bicocca University, after defending a technological thesis developed at INAF/OAB (Brera Astronomical Observatory), devoted to the development of multilayer-coated mirrors for future X-ray telescopes. His Ph.D. Thesis was awarded with the "P. Tacchini" prize in 2005. In 2007, he appointed a position as INAF/OAB researcher. From Feb 2018 until June 2019, he has been Staff Engineer in the Optics & Metrology Department at SLAC-LCLS (Stanford University, California) on high-power optics for Free Electron Lasers. His professional activity is focused on precision measurements of X-ray focusing mirrors and the related simulation of the effects of the nanometer defects on the imaging quality. In 2018, he has designed the project of an innovative calibration facility (named BEaTriX) for the optical elements of the space telescope ATHENA, which has been financed by the European Space Agency and recently completed at the Merate seat of the OAB. He is also engaged in astronomical outreach, doing public conferences in schools or in night sky observations held in OAB-Merate, and as a teacher and juror at the Italian Astronomy Olympiads, in which he coordinates the local department for Lombardy. In 2020, he appointed the role of Senior Research Engineer at OAB. He has authored and co-authored more than 300 scientific publications, cited > 3000 times. Until now, 8 students have graduated or got their Ph.D. under his guidance. His amateur interests are the study of the Solar system dynamics and the planetary defense from asteroid impacts.