[Neutron] Quantum explorer awarded top neutron prize

[Bull, MJ (Martyn)]

'Quantum Explorer' awarded top neutron prize

 

Dr Radu Coldea of Bristol University has been awarded the B.T.M. Willis
Prize for neutron scattering in recognition of his fundamental research
into the quantum properties of novel materials. The prize is awarded
annually by the Neutron Scattering Group of the Institute of Physics and
the Royal Society of Chemistry.

 

The majority of Dr Coldea's work uses the ISIS neutron source at the
Science and Technology Facilities Council's Rutherford Appleton
Laboratory in Oxford. ISIS is a world leading facility for research into
the physical and life sciences. 

 

Dr Coldea explained the importance of ISIS to the scientific community:
"Neutron scattering enables us to get results we can't get with any
other technique. It allows us to see up close the magnetic structure of
materials and the energy dependence of the spin dynamics involved when
billions of electrons act in unison"

 

Dr Andrew Taylor, ISIS Director congratulated Dr Coldea and emphasised
the vital role that central facilities play in supporting university
researchers: "Access to central facilities gives young researchers
cutting-edge tools enabling them to make a rapid impact and underpinning
the potential for innovation. This award recognises the important role
that basic physics research continues to play in keeping British science
at the forefront of the world." 

 

Dr Coldea's research aims to understand the properties of materials at a
fundamental microscopic level. The results could have a vast array of
real life applications, such as the synthesis of new materials with
improved electric and magnetic properties. This could lead to more
efficient magnetic memories and faster electronic devices.    

 

"Over the past ten years, Radu has imaginatively exploited neutron
scattering in order to grasp the subtle electronic and magnetic
properties of new materials," said Professor Don Paul, Chairman of the
Neutron Scattering Group. 

 

"We are delighted to award Radu Coldea this year's prize. The most
important results of his work include the development of an experimental
method combining neutron scattering and high magnetic fields to probe
the interactions responsible for quantum behaviour and the discovery of
a two-dimensional magnet with fractional spin-1/2 spin excitations."

 

Dr Coldea talked about his research in the keynote lecture at the annual
meeting of UK neutron and muon scientists NMUM2008 at the University of
Nottingham on 18 March 2008. 

 

The B.T.M. Willis prize is sponsored by the Institute of Physics and the
Royal Society of Chemistry. It is named after Dr Terry Willis, one of
the pioneers of the use of neutron scattering in the United Kingdom. 

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