I am an experimentalist with broad interests in quantum materials. Simply put, these are crystalline solids whose electronic behaviour is dominated by quantum effects. Well known examples are superconductors and various types of magnetic materials, but more recently a major new research activity has developed around materials called topological semimetals. What is special about topological semimetals is that they contain electrons whose geometrical properties are different from those of free electrons.
We investigate novel electronic ground states and associated physical phenomena in quantum materials, especially magnetic oxides, topological semimetals, and superconductors. Neutron and synchrotron X-ray scattering experiments are performed at national and international condensed matter facilities in the UK and overseas in order to probe atomic-scale structural and magnetic correlations. Underpinning the experimental programme is the growth of single crystals by a variety of methods, including the floating-zone technique in image furnaces, flux growth, and chemical vapour transport.
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