Quantum Materials Group

Studies of quantum materials not only contribute to our fundamental understanding of physical and chemical principles, but also drive technological developments. At UCLan, we are using computational methods and combining them with our expertise of solid-state physics, materials science, and inorganic chemistry to design and synthesize new quantum materials.

Strongly correlated electron systems belong to the most intriguing and versatile materials. In these systems, competing interactions in charge, spin, orbital, and lattice degrees of freedom lead to the emergence of a multitude of exotic states, including unconventional superconductivity and magnetism, valence fluctuations, heavy fermions, phases with charge stripes or a pseudogap. At UCLan, we are interested in how subtle changes in material composition, pressure or magnetic field may tip the balance between the competing tendencies, resulting in complex phase diagrams.

High-quality single crystals are essential for fundamental research and for numerous technological applications. Ultraclean samples of novel materials hold the key to scientific breakthroughs in the field of condensed matter physics. Furthermore, many materials of interest show anisotropic behaviour, either as a result of their crystal structure and interactions or as a consequence of the application of magnetic fields or pressure. The underlying physics of such systems can only be unravelled by investigations on high-quality crystals. Therefore, single crystal growth is of strategic importance for the solid-state research. Here, at UCLan, we are developing crystal growth methods and facilities in order to satisfy both in-house and external demand for single crystals of a very wide range of materials.