Unravelling Complex Order in Quantum Materials
Abstract:
Condensed matter contains unimaginably large numbers of electrons in close contact. At first sight, therefore, it is quite surprising that the quantum theory of solids, developed in the early part of the 20th century and based on the assumption of independent electrons, has been so successful. In the last few decades, however, research has uncovered an increasing number of materials whose properties evade description by the conventional band theory. These ‘quantum materials’ display non-trivial and often spectacular phenomena that result either from collective electronic behaviour or from geometric properties of the electronic states. In this talk I shall introduce the field of quantum materials and discuss two themes which are becoming increasingly important: ‘emergence’ and ‘topology’. I shall draw upon recent work on magnetic and topological materials, and describe how modern scattering techniques are making it possible to unpick complex ordered phases and identify exotic emergent quasiparticles.
About the speaker:
Andrew Boothroyd is a Professor of Physics in the Physics Department at Oxford University, and a Tutorial Fellow of Oriel College. He is currently serving as Associate Head of Department. After completing his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Cambridge, Andrew joined the University of Warwick, first as a postdoc and then as a University Lecturer. In 1992, he moved to Oxford University where he has served as Head of Condensed Matter Physics, Associate Head of Department, and as Vice-Provost of Oriel College. Andrew’s research exploits neutron and x-ray scattering methods to study quantum materials. These are crystalline solids whose electronic behaviour is dominated by quantum effects. Well known examples are superconductors and various types of magnetic materials, and recently a major new research activity has developed around materials called topological semimetals. In 2011, Andrew received the Institute of Physics’ Brian Pippard Prize, and in 2017 he was recognised as an Outstanding Referee by the American Physical Society.
This year, the physics colloquium has a new format:
- Onsite at Campus Limpertsberg, where you will have the opportunity to meet the speaker over the lunch. A catering is offered only to registered participants at 12:00 in the main BSC hall. Please register before 15 March 2024.
- Online – through Webex – to allow you to listen to the talk in case you are travelling or cannot make it on-site at Campus Limpertsberg. Meeting number (access code): 2732 916 8612. Meeting password: ddPr339smHf.