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\begin{acknowledgements}
This thesis could not have been written if I had not received a grant, from the Siena Department of Physics, TOTEM and the INFN, to spend two months at CERN, where I met researchers who introduced me to experimental physics and actively involved me in their work: Eraldo Oliveri, Mirko Berretti, Stefano Lami and Nicola Turini, from TOTEM. In particular, I wish to thank Eraldo for all the precious help he gave me, both during the lab tests and while I was writing down my thesis. I was also directly involved in the RD51 research group, led by Leszek Ropelewski, where I had the luck to meet Matteo Alfonsi and Gabriele Croci. My deepest gratitude therefore goes to all of them. Not only did they teach me how to contribute to a scientific research, but they also made my stay at CERN entertaining and friendly.\\

I am also deeply grateful to prof. Emilio d'Emilio and prof. Maria Immacolata Loffredo. It is because of their intriguing teaching that, after all this exciting lab work, I am still doubtful whether I should pursue experimental or theoretical physics.\\

During my studies in Siena, the neverending enthusiasm of Alessandro Marchini and prof. Vincenzo Millucci made me realize how stimulating and even amusing is to devote one's free time to scientific activities. They introduced me to astronomy, and infected me with their passion for transmitting love for science to younger people and prospective university students. They demonstrated to me that university life should consist of both curricular and extra-curricular activites, and that often the best incentives to learn come from the latter ones.\\

Last but not least, a heartfelt thanks to the people who have been so close to me during these years - Salvo, Arianna, and all the other friends.\\
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