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StarburstTheoretical Physics

Bristol has a very strong tradition in theoretical physics. J E Lennard-Jones was the first Professor of Theoretical Physics in the UK, appointed in 1925. In 1933, the chair was occupied by the 27 year old N F Mott, who showed, together with H Jones, that quantum mechanics could help unravel the properties of metals and alloys. This work led to the award to Mott of a share of the 1978 Nobel Prize for Physics. In 1946, Mott attracted F C Frank to Bristol. During his 50 year association with the department, Frank made many discoveries, particularly in the theory of crystal growth and of liquid crystals.

In 1959 Y Aharonov and D Bohm discovered the effect named after them which describes the nonlocal quantum effect of electromagnetic fields. A related quantum effect, discovered here in 1983 by M V Berry is the geometric, or Berry phase. Other notable Bristol theorists include H Fröhlich, B L Gyorffy, J F Nye, M H L Pryce, and J M Ziman.

These pages outline the diverse research carried out by the present members of the theory group, as well as providing information about PhD study and our seminar series.

You can learn more about the history of the group on the dedicated pages of the School of Physics.

 

 

Soft Matter 2012

During 15-17 April 2012 we are hosting a special conference to mark the retirement of Professor Bob Evans. Please see the conference webpage  for details.

 


Picture: Ramdon Phases

Starburst Geometrical Aspects of Waves and Physical Asymptotics

Topics include: polarisation and phase singularities in waves; topological interpretation of diffraction theory; catastrophe optics; quantum chaology.

Professor J H Hannay and Dr M R Dennis and Emeritus Professor Michael Berry

Picture: Alice and Bob

Starburst Quantum Information

Fundamental aspects of quantum physics, quantum nonlocality, quantum information and computation. Work ranging from very fundamental, to designing practical experiments (such as the first teleportation experiment) to patentable commercial applications.

Professor S Popescu

Starburst Electronic Structure and Many-Body Physics of Novel Materials

 

Theory of electronic structure of matter, including strongly correlated quantum many-body systems. Systems of interest in the group include high temperature superconductors, unconventional superconductors with p-wave spin triplet pairing, ferromagnet-superconductor nanostructures, and topological superconductivity.

Professor J F Annett and Emeritus Professor B L Gyorffy
Picture of Research

Starburst Statistical, Liquid State and Soft Matter Physics

Theories of liquid structure and phase transitions in bulk and at interfaces; confined fluids; simple models for complex fluids especially colloidal systems; density functional theory in many-body physics.

Emeritus Professor R Evans