Quantum Matter

The group specialises in the study of quantum matter using neutron and synchrotron x-ray techniques. The experiments are performed using ISIS and Diamond at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, the Institute Laue-Langevin and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, the Hahn-Meitner Institute in Berlin, as well as extensive in-house characterisation equipment.

Current research interests include model magnetic systems and magnetic nanostructures. Single-crystal oxides are grown using an Image Furnace at Royal Holloway. Model magnetic systems are used to test quantum mechanical models that can be mapped on to problems that span the whole of physics from elementary particles to cosmology. We are particularly interested in frustrated magnetic models, and the interplay between spin, orbital and lattice degrees of freedom. The growth of nanostructures using Molecular Beam Epitaxy and Pulsed-Laser Deposition at Royal Holloway enables the production of devices with tailor-made physical properties. We are interested in the propagation of magnetic order through nonmagnetic media, and the exchange bias phenomenon in multilayers and magnetic nanoparticle arrays.

For research opportunities in our Neutron and X-ray Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) please visit our research opportunities page.

PhD project on pressure-tuning of electronic matter with focus on magnetism and superconductivity (start date any time until October 2016; contact Dr Philipp Niklowitz)