Condensed matter physics is the search for simplicity and quantitative precision in very complex systems.
A more practical definition is that it is the study of systems of many particles that interact quantum mechanically, and strongly enough that they condense into solid or liquid phases. It is the largest sub-field of physics, and includes topics like magnetic and electronic orders in bulk solids, interactions between electrons in engineered nanostructures, and superconductivity.
Birmingham has a long history of superconductivity research extending back to the formation of the Condensed Matter Group by Prof. W. F. Vinen, FRS in 1962. Early research was strongly focused on the magnetic, ultrasonic and thermal properties of very clean niobium single crystals. After the discovery of high-temperature superconductors in 1986/7, the group were the first to demonstrate a high-Tc SQUID using granular ceramic material, and the first to demonstrate that electrons are paired in the high-Tc superconductors.
Faculty
Reader in Condensed Matter Physics and Head of Group
Research: Uniaxial stress, scanning SQUID microscopy, unconventional superconductors, correlated electron compounds
Teaching: Condensed Matter Physics (Year 3 & 4), Project (Year 4) and Tutoring (Year 2)
Dr Mingee Chung (Minki Jeong)Birmingham Fellow, Associate Professor and Head of Year 3 in Teaching
Research: Quantum magnetism and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
Teaching: Superconductivity (Year 4) and Project (Year 4)
Find out more: The Jeong Group
Dr Lucy ClarkAssociate Professor in Materials Chemistry
Research: Synthesis of quantum magnetic materials, neutron scattering, muon spin rotation
Teaching: Physical Chemistry, Practical Chemistry
Find out more: The Clark Group
Dr Mark S. ColcloughSenior Lecturer and Director of Learning and Teaching Laboratory
Teaching: Physics Project (Year 2), Condensed Matter Laboratory (Year 3), General Physics (Year 3)
Find out more: Device Physics research
Group associates
- Michael Parkes: helium liquefier
- Jon Perrins: cryogenic and mechanical workshop
Retired faculty
Dr Chris Muirhead
Honorary Senior Research Fellow (formerly Senior Lecturer)
Research: Sub-micron device physics, multilayer superconductor device physics, quantum device physics
Find out more: Device Physics research
Professor Joe (William F.) Vinen, Fellow of Royal Society
Professor Emeritus
Research: Quantum and classical turbulence, superfluidity
Find out more: Professor Joe Vinen research summary
Dr A. I. M. Rae
Honorory Senior Research Fellow (formerly Reader in Quantum Physics)
Research: Device physics, foundations of quantum mechanics
Find out more: Device Physics research