Quantum materials

Exploring the exotic order and excitations of materials at low energy scales using neutron scattering and advanced theoretical analysis.

At the lowest energy scales, the interactions between atoms in a crystalline solid are driven by the competition and interaction between quantum mechanical degrees of freedom. These low energy interactions can have profound consequences for the macroscopic properties of materials, giving rise to exotic phases of matter such as quantum spin liquids and topologically nontrivial spin textures. Such states offer promising avenues for the design of novel, low power devices. Key to unlocking the promise of the quantum technologies is an understanding of the fundamental physics that governs the behaviour of quantum materials.

We apply a combination of advanced theoretical techniques and neutron scattering to explore the fundamental physics that governs the interactions between the constituents of quantum materials. This includes contributing to the development of open-source software for the analysis and modelling of neutron scattering data. We have a particular interest in interacting spin systems, where the interplay between spin, orbital and lattice degrees of freedom can give rise to nontrivial order and excitations.