Research Environment

At the University of Bristol, we run highest-resolution measurements of thermodynamic, transport, magnetic, and optical probes. We have access to very low as well as high temperatures, high magnetic fields, very high pressures, and low-noise laboratories. This is complemented by state-of-the-art crystal growth facilities. We work with international facilities to develop  pressure cells for pulsed magnetic field measurements up to 70T (with EMFL) which provides new ways to study phase transitions in superconductors. We also develop a new RIXS beamline at Diamond Light Source which offers new ways to study magnetic excitations.

Materials Synthesis

A dedicated laboratory provides equipment for the fabrication of novel materials. We use a glove box to process air-sensitive elements and compounds. Many different furnaces are available to synthesise a large number of materials ranging from high-temperature copper-oxide superconductors to low-temperature charge-ordered TiSe2. We use many different methods to grow crystals from the melt.‌

We also use thin film growth (e.g. using the NNUF FaRMS) to stabilise novel phases of matter and create heterostructures, as well as nanofabrication techniques in the University cleanroom to create devices.

We also have world-leading facilities for thin film electrodeposition. Electrodeposition is an inexpensive ambient temperature and pressure method to produce metal films with tailored structural, electrical and magnetic properties.  We are interested in the physics of metal electrodeposition as well as the applications of nanostructured electrodeposited films.

Materials Characterisation

We have a range of equipment for characterisation of new materials and preparation of samples.

A SQUID magnetometer (MPMS3) is used extensively by researchers in Physics and Chemistry working on novel materials, for example, measuring the effects of high pressure on the magnetic properties of superconductors.

A Laue Camera is used to image the crystal structure of materials and align crystals for studies where the orientation is important.

Low-Temperature Techniques

Our six superconducting magnet systems (14-19 Tesla) operate at temperatures down to 0.02K and are used to study high-Tc superconductors and other correlated-electron systems within the QSM research theme. We use many commercial and home-built setups which afford us highest-resolution measurements of many materials properties including resistance, Hall effect, specific heat, and magnetic penetration depth.

A key use of the equipment is in preparing experiments for runs at international centres such as the European Magnetic Field Laboratory (EMFL).

Our helium liquefier recycles helium (around 25,000 litres/year) for users across the QSM theme and other themes. Recycling conserves this precious resource and lowers the cost to funders to around one third of the commercial rate.

High Pressure Studies

Our high-pressure laboratory provides infrastructure, equipment, and skills for high-pressure measurements in excess of 200GPa. Customised pressure cells permit cryogenic use as well as in international high magnetic field facilities. These rare capabilities enable ground-breaking research in high-Tc superconductivity, particularly that involving novel hydrogen-based compounds. The facility supports collaborative projects across the University, including research on aqueous fluids in the Earth's crust.

We use a dedicated thin-film apparatus to prepare electrodes on diamond anvils for resistance and Hall effect measurements at high pressures.