i
To my family
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I would like to thank all the people who helped me during this year of work at Fermilab. In particular my supervisor Emanuela Barzi and Alexander Zlobin, who guided and stimulated me in solving the most critical problems; Thomas Wokas, who provided essential help in laboratory work with his vast experience; Zhijing Tang for teaching me how to use the Ansys-Flotran program.
I also want to thank Crisitan Boffo, who encouraged and helped me in studying in depth many scientific aspects, Alessandro Cerri and Dawn Passerella to have enriched my experience with their friendship.
Finally, many thanks to Peter Limon, Robert Kephart, Fabio Fineschi, Salvatore Lanza, Carlo Angelini, and Mike Lamm who gave me this unique opportunity to visit and do research in such a great laboratory as Fermilab.