INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY

The school

The International School of Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy (ISAMS) was established in 1974 by Prof Baldassare Di Bartolo. Its early aims were to update practitioners of spectroscopy (and related disciplines) on new experimental and theoretical developments in this field and to create an opportunity for researchers from the various spectroscopies to discuss their achievements and criticalities in an interdisciplinary framework. 

Spectroscopy investigations concern the phenomena observed when radiation from a source, separated into its various wavelengths, is made to interact with the constituents of a physical system. Through the examination of particular spectra, known molecular species can be identified: for example, the spectroscopy approach made it possible to detect the presence of chemical elements in distant stars. 

More basic applications of spectroscopy science have resulted in a growing understanding of atomic and molecular structures and phenomena such as luminescence. Although the rotational, vibrational, and electronic states of molecules continue to be investigated, another subject of intense study is the field of energy transfer between the different degrees of freedom of molecules.

In solids, spectroscopy investigations have been directed at discovering the relationships between absorption and emission properties with the position of constituents and crystal symmetry. Advanced studies in the field of impurity spectra have demonstrated the usefulness of spectral data in providing information on the phonon spectra of solids. Furthermore, on the basis of purely spectroscopic data, it is possible to predict the feasibility and efficiency of solid-state systems as possible laser materials. The technique of flash photolysis has extended the use of spectroscopy to the excited states of gases, liquids, and solids, with the measurement of transitions not permitted by the fundamental state. If used to verify the evolution of a reaction, this technique has made it possible to discover the presence of transient species, often previously unobserved and only present for a short time under particular experimental conditions. Spectroscopy investigation also deals with optical spectroscopy (absorption and emission), infrared and Raman spectroscopy, electron-spin resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, Mossbauer spectroscopy, etc. 

Knowledge developed by spectroscopies has been and is a key tool for theoretical and experimental advancements in the broader field of Photonics, which is ubiquitous and highly impacting in numerous fields. Nowadays, Matter Physics and Photonics are intertwined research fields with huge potentialities for exploring fundamentals and applications in Science and Technology. 

Paying attention to the evolution of the scientific topics, developments and advancements while staying true to its original mission, the ISAMS advanced institute focuses on the dissemination of the knowledge in Photonics and Matter Physics by providing networking opportunities as well as favoring a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary context. The meetings organized under the aegis of ISAMS are an ideal platform to exchange ideas on emerging fields of research, explore pathways for innovation and new directions, showcase cutting-edge research and foster collaborations as well as cultural and scientific exchange.

Worldwide scientific community is welcome to join the ISAMS’ meetings in a friendly athmosphere and contribute to the mission of scientific excellence and dissemination as well as to push innovations and scientific dissemination in the global societies.

Founded in 1974
Directors Baldassare Di Bartolo (Founder of the school) and Maura Cesaria
School activity Active
Editions/year 1

Active courses

2026

Workshop on Matter Physics and Photonics:
intertwined fields for exploring fundamentals and applications

2025

39th Workshop
Tracks on Photonics: Advanced materials, devices and methods
Director: M. CESARIA
2 – 10 July 2025

Workshop on Tracks on Photonics: Advanced Materials, Devices and Methods

Past courses

2024

38th Workshop:
Advances and future directions in photonic materials and devices
Director: M. CESARIA
9 – 15 December 2024

2023

37th Workshop:
Advances and future directions in luminescent materials and devices
Director: M. CESARIA
10 – 18 July 2023

Workshop on Advances and Future Directions in Luminescent Materials and Devices

2019

Light-Matter Interactions Towards the Nanoscale

2018

New Developments in Advanced Luminescent Materials

2017

Quantum Nano–Photonics

2016

Advances in Luminescence Research

2015

Nano–optics: principles enabling basic research and applications

2014

Workshop on Complex Luminescence Phenomena in Inorganic Materials

2013

Nano-structures for Optics and Photonics

2012

Workshop on New Developments in Inorganic Luminescent Materials

2011

Nano-Optics for Enhancing Light-Matter Interactions on a Molecular Scale

2010

Luminescence of Inorganic Materials and Bioimaging: Metal-to-Metal Energy and Electron
Transfer

2009

Bio-Photonics: Spectroscopy, Imaging, Sensing, and Manipulation

2008

Workshop on Advances in Luminescence Spectroscopy

2007

Frontier Developments in Optics and Spectroscopy

2006

Workshop on Advances in the Study of Luminescence Materials

2005

New Developments in Optics and Related Fields: Modern Techniques, Materials and
Applications

2004

Advances in Luminescence Research

2003

Frontiers of Optical Spectroscopy

2002

Workshop on the Status and Prospects of Luminescence Research

2001

Spectroscopy of Systems with Spatially Confined Structures

2000

Workshop on Advanced Topics in Luminescence Spectroscopy

1999

Advances in Energy Transfer Processes

1998

Workshop on Advances in Solid State Luminescence Spectroscopy

1997

Ultrafast Dynamics of Quantum Systems: Physical Processes and Spectroscopic Techniques

1996

Workshop on Luminescence Spectroscopy

1995

Spectroscopy and Dynamics of Collective Excitations in Solids

1993

Nonlinear Spectroscopy of Solids: Advances and Applications

1991

Optical Properties of Excited States in Solids

1989

Advances in Nonradiative Processes

1987

Disordered Solids: Structures and Processes

1985

Spectroscopy of Solid-State Laser-Type Materials

1983

Spectroscopy of Solid-State Laser-Type Materials

1981

Collective Excitations in Solids

1979

Radiationless Processes

1977

Luminescence of Inorganic Solids

1975

The Spectroscopy of the Excited State

1974

Optical Properties of Ions in Solids.

Inquiries and Notifications

Inquiries and notifications may be directed to
ericemeetings@gmail.com

School statistics

Nobel Prizes5
Number of Nobel Prize winners who participated in the Foundation's activities1
Number of Nobel Prizes (awarded after participating in the Foundation's activities)4