About Us
The X-ray diffraction suite located at the University of Warwick is a Research Technology Platform (RTP) that provides state-of-the-art X-ray scattering services primarily focused on materials research. The facility is led by Dr David Walker, the facility manager, and Dr Mark Senn, the academic director. They are supported by our highly specialist and multidisciplinary team, which includes our SAXS expert, Dr Steven Huband, Electron Diffraction expert, Dr Jere Tidey, and Dr Jie Liu who is our powder diffraction and single-crystal expert. The suite was established by Professor Pam Thomas and Professor Richard Walton.
The facility is unique in having 15 instruments covering a broad range of X-ray scattering techniques all centerally located under one roof. These techniques include powder and single-crystal XRD, high-resolution XRD of semiconductors, Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS). Most recently, we have installed a dedicated electron diffractometer, the first of its kind in the UK as part of a UKRI/EPSRC funded project to deliver a national facility for structural solution via electron diffraction. This represents an exciting new chapter in the development of the facility.
For further information or inquiries regarding the utilization of these X-ray facilities for industrial purposes, please contact the facilities manager, Dr David Walker, or visit the Warwick Scientific Services website.
Dr Mark SennLink opens in a new window
Mark is the Academic Director of the Warwick X-ray Diffraction RTP and is based in the Department of Chemistry. He is engaged in a broad range of research projects from the more fundamental science of understanding phase transitions which occur as a result of orbital, magnetic and molecular-like ordering, to understanding technologically interesting properties such as ferroeletricity and negative thermal expansion.
Dr David WalkerLink opens in a new window
David is the facility manager for the X-ray Diffraction RTP. He has over 20 years’ experience in X-ray scattering techniques with a background in crystallography and ferroelectric materials. David has managed the X-ray diffraction equipment at Warwick since 2008, becoming the facility manager in 2014 when the RTP was formed.
Dr Steven HubandLink opens in a new window
Steve is a Research Technical Professional with expertise in Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) on polymers, porous materials and even thin films.
Dr Jie LiuLink opens in a new window
Jie is a Research Technical Professional with expertise in Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) and thin-film measurements. She has extensive experience in the structural study of new compounds, the relationship between physical properties and crystal structures, and selective crystallization and phase transition of polymorphs.
Dr Jeremiah TideyLink opens in a new window
Jere is a Research Technical Professional with experties in electron diffraction/3DED, both locally and as part of the National Electron Diffraction FacilityLink opens in a new window. He has over a decade of experience in crystallographic research, including single-crystal high-pressure and charge density studies on molecular systems, investigations of intrinsic phase coexistence, and symmetry-adapted Rietveld refinements for powders of highly-correlated metal oxides. His broader interests are in crystallographic studies toward structure-property relationships.
Dr Chris WaldronLink opens in a new window
In his role as Technical Support Specialist (Analytical Techniques), Chris provides cross-platform support to the X-ray Diffraction RTP by coordinating research projects and carrying out experimental work, in particular as our XRF specialist. Chris is also the director of the Warwick Analytical Science Centre (WASCLink opens in a new window)