Advanced Experimental Techniques in Condensed Matter Physics
Module convenor(s):
A. Howes, M. Newton, D. Mayoh, C. Hurley, P. Wang, D. Walker, A. Wright, R. Edwards, S. Dixon, B. Breeze, J. Wooley
Module details:
*This module is currently open to Warwick students only*
There course will offer 8 different sessions (NMR, Raman Spectroscopy, Magnetromety, XRD & Magnetic X ray scattering, Microscopy, XPS, Ultrafast & THz and Ultrasound techniques). The student will attend all the lectures (1 credit) and they should complete at least 3 practical and 1 independent study (1 Credit).
·Lectures (~2h): Theoretical foundations and core principles for groups of techniques.
·Practical Workshops (~4): Hands‑on use of instruments or simulations/data analysis in small groups.
·Independent Study (~6h): Pre‑reading, problem sets, spectra/structure analysis exercises. Students will select one independent study to prepare a written report on, followed by a 30-minute oral viva assessment
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
·Understand the physical bases of several techniques, such as (NMR, Raman Spectroscopy, Magnetromety, XRD, Microscopy, XPS, Ultrafast & THz and Ultrasound techniques.
·Design and run representative experiments, from sample to spectra or image.
·Analyse and interpret data: e.g., hyperfine splittings; crystal structures; surface chemical shifts; conductivity/magnetoresistance; time‑resolved photonics signals.
This course takes a modular, hands-on approach to help PhD students in condensed matter physics build a solid understanding of key techniques. It covers a wide range of methods while giving students both the theory and practical experience they need.
Workload into credits:
1 credit – Term 1: Compulsory lectures (approximately 14–16 hours)
1 credit – Term 2 & 3:
- Term 2: Three practical's (the techniques chosen should not be the primary technique for thesis) (3x3h)
- Term 3: One independent study project (6h)
Students may take an optional third credit by choosing an additional set of three practical and one independent study
MAS 2.05/06 10am-12pm Wednesdays from 12th November – Wednesday 3rd December
MAS 2.03/04 2pm-4pm Wednesdays from 19th November – Wednesday 3rd December
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Term 1: Lectures (2h)
All lectures are compulsory |
Term 2 (Practical & Independent studies)
Choose at least 3 (the techniques chosen should not be the primary technique for thesis) |
Term 3 (Assignment)
Choose one independent study to prepare a written report on, followed by a 30-minute oral viva
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NMR |
12-Nov-2025 10.00-12.00h A. Howes |
14-Jan-2026 09.00-13.00h NMR Facility |
22-April-2026: Report submission 29-April-2026: Viva |
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Raman |
12-Nov-2025 14.00-16.00h M. Newton |
21-Jan-2026 09.00-13.00h Spectroscopy RTP |
22-April-2026: Report submission 29-April-2026: Viva |
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Magnetrometry |
19-Nov-2025 10.00-12.00h D. Mayoh |
28-Jan-2026 09.00-13.00h Superconductivity and Magnetism Lab |
22-April-2026: Report submission 29-April-2026: Viva |
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XPS |
19-Nov-2025 14.00-16.00h C. Hurley |
11-Feb -2026 09.00-13.00h Photoemission RTP |
22-April-2026: Report submission 29-April-2026: Viva |
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Microscopy |
26-Nov-2025 10.00-12.00h P. Wang |
18-Feb -2026 09.00-13.00h Electron Microscopy RTP |
22-April-2026: Report submission 29-April-2026: Viva |
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XRD |
26-Nov-2025 14.00-16.00h D. Walker |
25-Feb-2026 09.00-13.00h XRD RTP |
22-April-2026: Report submission 29-April-2026: Viva |
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Ultrafast & THz |
03-Dec-2025 10.00-12.00h A. Wright |
04-March-2026 09.00-13.00h Ultrafast RTP |
22-April-2026: Report submission 29-April-2026: Viva |
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Ultrasound |
03-Dec-2025 14.00-16.00h R.Edward/S.Dixon |
11-March -2026 09.00-13.00h Ultrasound lab |
22-April-2026: Report submission 29-April-2026: Viva |