I am a Reader in Theoretical Physics at the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the University of Manchester. My group studies the emergence of collective and topological phenomena in quantum and classical many-body systems. We combine (analytical) quantum-field-theory methods and numerical computation to understand how complex behaviour and global order arises from simple microscopic rules. Current interests span quantum spin liquids, interacting topological phases, frustrated magnetism, optoelectronic and transport in 2D materials, classical and quantum non-Hermitian/open systems. Across these themes, we focus on how interactions entangle with modern concepts such as topology and geometry to shape novel phases of matter and give rise to unconventional excitations.

 

We welcome motivated students eager to work at the interface between quantum field theory, condensed matter physics, quantum physics and statistical mechanics. Below is a list of possible project ideas, but we are happy to also explore new directions.

 

Do not hesitate to contact me for more information.

 

Topology Meets Frustrated Magnetism in Dirac Spin Liquids

Quantum spin liquids on the Kagome lattice offer one of the most intriguing playgrounds for exotic phases of matter. Recent developments in topological band theory open new ways to classify these states and understand their unusual excitations. This project explores how modern topological tools can sharpen our understanding of frustrated magnetism and help identify when and how spin-liquid phases emerge, as well as possibly their stability.

Topological Invariants in the Strongly Interacting Regime

In non-interacting materials, topological invariants have a clear connection to physical observables. In strongly interacting systems, however, the situation becomes far more subtle. Observable quantities can be influenced by genuine many-body effects which are not captured by topological numbers obtained from the single-particle Green’s function. Furthermore, the latter can develop zeros whose physical meaning is under debate. Thus, interactions reshape the link between topology and measurements, i.e. between theory and experiment. This project examines concrete interacting models to understand the deep connection between topological invariants and observables.

Electrodynamics of Confined Liquids

Polar liquids like water (or solids like ice) behave in surprising ways when confined to the nanoscale. The physics resembles that of frustrated strongly-interacting systems, which are notoriously difficult to study numerically and analytically. The electrodynamic properties of these systems thus remain poorly understood.  In this project we will study both classical and quantum models to explore how local constraints and particle motion give rise to collective dielectric and conductive behaviour. The long-term goal is to build effective electrodynamic descriptions that can eventually be compared with cutting-edge experiments.

Novel Quantum Phases and Fractionalised Excitations

Quantum spin liquids host emergent gauge fields and exotic quasiparticles, often compared to those in high-energy physics. While most studied models feature Majorana fermions, it may be possible to generate a much broader family of possible anyonic excitations once fluctuations beyond mean field are included. This project investigates whether novel quantum phases and new types of fractionalised particles can arise when these fluctuations are properly accounted for.