The physics of materials, with an emphasis on the nanoscale

We study fundamental phenomena and find solutions for critical issues such as energy, healthcare and information technology.

Our research is underpinned by advanced characterisation and a long-standing reputation for the development of transmission electron microscopy techniques.

About us

PhD study

We are a very active research group with a strong international reputation. We are well supported by the funding councils, research councils and industry.

MagTEM microscope

Facilities

We operate a suite of highly advanced microscopes using light, atomic forces, ions and electrons to observe and measure the physical, chemical, electronic and magnetic structure of material systems.

Elemental map showing iron (red) and carbon (blue) separation in a processed steel

Kelvin Nanocharacterisation Centre

We offer contract services for industry to make use of our expertise and facilities.

Research areas

Electron Microscopy of functional materials

Functional Materials

Studying nanostructure and nanochemistry of functional materials with transmission electron microscopy.

Magnetic Nanostructures

Magnetic Nanostructures

Differential Phase Contrast image of vortex states in sub-micron magnetic disks. The colour sequence indicates the direction of magnetisation.

Micro-magnetic simulation of a frustrated two-dimensional spin lattice with five-fold symmetry.

Theory and Modelling

Micro-magnetic simulation of a frustrated two-dimensional spin lattice with five-fold symmetry.

Latest Publication

Symmetry-breaking interlayer Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interactions in synthetic antiferromagnets
A Fernández-Pacheco, E Vedmedenko, F Ummelen, R Mansell, D Petit and RP Cowburn.
Nature Materials (2019) doi:10.1038/s41563-019-0386-4.

To work in the building, you need to book in advance on the Calendar:

https://sharepoint.gla.ac.uk/schools/physics/buildingaccess/Lists/MCMP/calendar.aspx 

There are no exceptions to this rule!