Condensed Matter Physics
Our experimental Condensed Matter Physics groups study emergent phenomena in complex systems with sizes ranging from the atomic to the macroscopic.
What we do
Condensed Matter Physics addresses cooperative phenomena involving large numbers of interacting particles. As well as studying the properties of ordered (crystalline) and disordered (amorphous) solids, our work extends its scope to liquids, surfaces, clusters, and biological materials and organisms.
Our activities are multidisciplinary in character. As well as collaborations between Groups, we work with other physicists, chemists, mathematicians, engineers, and biologists here at Warwick and throughout the world.
Postgraduate research: Around 15 PhD students and MSc by Research students start in the CMP group each year. Details of available projects are announced in November. More details
Meet the Groups
Experimental Condensed Matter Physics research here in the Physics Department spans many different topics. The activities of each Group are described below. Please follow the links below to the individual academic and Group web pages to learn more.
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Diamond has been valued for its appearance and mechanical properties for over 2000 years. Today, diamond can be synthesised with exceptional control of the purity, perfection and doping. We focus on identifying, engineering and exploiting the defects which control the extreme properties and delivering diamond enabled solutions to problems as diverse as water quality monitoring and quantum computing.
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Functional Electronic & Ferroelectric MaterialsLink opens in a new window
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Our research addresses functional oxide materials for future information technology and energy harvesting. We pay a particular effort in understanding the fundamental physics of multiferroic tunnel junctions, abnormal photovoltaic effect and topological entities, such as domain walls and vortices, in perovskite oxides. We also explore interface coupling between dissimilar electronic materials with ferroelectric, magnetic, superconducting, topological, and other functional properties to create novel multifunctional structures. | |
 DuffyLink opens in a new window, HaseLink opens in a new window, CooperLink opens in a new window. |
Magnetic materials of fundamental interest and with technological applications are studied using x-ray and neutron scattering at large scale facilities. We make particular use of magnetic Compton scattering, the inelastic scattering of x-rays from spin polarised electrons, is used to measure spin densities and determine spin moments. We also study the phase behaviour of fluids confined in nanometre sized pores.
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 BeanlandLink opens in a new window, KashtibanLink opens in a new window, Robertson, SanchezLink opens in a new window, SloanLink opens in a new window, WangLink opens in a new window, WilsonLink opens in a new window. |
Our work examines the nanoscale structure of advanced materials and its effect on their functional properties, with emphasis on organic and inorganic semiconductors, functional ceramics, molecular electronic systems, nanocarbon and nanotubes. We also perform electron, optical, and scanned probe microscopy technique development, including aberration corrected TEM.
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Radiation Dense MaterialsLink opens in a new window |
The Group works on a variety of radiation dense materials with a focus on the borides and carbides of tungsten. Research themes cover a range of topics from fundamental characterization of radiation response through to processability of radiation dense materials for use as compact radiation shielding. |
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Semiconductors Research GroupLink opens in a new window
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We create and research advanced semiconductor materials and devices down to nanoscale in order to discover new science and invent new technologies. We focus on epitaxial growth of the group-IV and related semiconductors epitaxial materials, including thin films, 3D and low-dimensional structures (2D, 1D and 0D), and on understanding their unique material’s properties. Also, we create semiconductor devices at micrometre and nanometre scales. In depth understanding of the materials and devices properties provides essential inputs into research and development of emerging electronic, spintronic, optoelectronic, photonic, photovoltaic, thermoelectric, quantum, MEMS, sensor, energy storage and other semiconductor devices. |
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 KantslerLink opens in a new window, (Theory: AlexanderLink opens in a new window, BallLink opens in a new window, TurnerLink opens in a new window). |
This activity consists of two groups with a joint wetlab and microscopy laboratory. We have strong links with the Condensed Matter Theory Group in Physics, as well as emerging connections with other Departments and DTCs within the University (e.g. Life Sciences, Engineering, Systems Biology) and beyond.
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Solid State NMRLink opens in a new window |
The Centre for Magnetic Resonance, in Millburn House, is unrivalled within the UK. There are 13 superconducting magnets for performing NMR, ranging from 850 MHz (proton Larmor frequency) to 100 MHz for solid-state NMR, 700 and 600 MHz solution-state NMR. Research interests encompass multinuclear solid-state NMR methodology and application to materials science, chemistry, life sciences and physics.
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Surfaces & InterfacesLink opens in a new window |
Crystal surfaces are studied by electron, photon and ion scattering techniques (XPS, UPS, HREELS, CAICISS, LEED, etc.), supported by total energy calculations. We also carry out the epitaxial growth of III-V semiconductors, including nitrides, antimonides, and magnetic semiconductors. The interdisciplinary nature of this field covers both physical and chemical aspects of the topic as well as impinging on materials science.
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Superconductivity & MagnetismLink opens in a new window |
We study highly correlated electron systems including magnetic and exotic superconductors, intermetallic heavy fermions, topological insulators, and frustrated magnets, grown as single crystals and studied by a range of techniques. We make extensive use of neutron and muon sources worldwide, high magnetic field facilities, as well as in-house magnetometry, transport and ESR measurements.
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