Functional materials are generally characterised as those materials which possess particular native properties and functions of their own. For example, ferroelectricity, piezoelectricity, magnetism or energy storage functions.
Functional materials are found in all classes of materials: ceramics, metals, polymers and organic molecules. Functional materials are often used in electromagnetic applications from KHz to THz and at optical frequencies where the plasmonic properties of metals assume particular importance. Functional materials are also of critical importance in materials for energy such as electro- and magnetocaloric materials, for energy storage and for solar harvesting functions.
The thin film activity in the Department of Materials takes place in two groups: Physical Electronics and Thin Film Materials and Molecular Thin Films. We work closely with Centre for Plastic Electronics and Centre for Terahertz Science and Engineering (CTSE).
Our researchers:
Professor Neil Alford MBE FREng
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Professor Neil Alford MBE FREng
Dr Andrew Cairns
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Dr Andrew Cairns
Dr Michele Conroy
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Dr Michele Conroy
Professor Sandrine Heutz
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Professor Sandrine Heutz
Dr Stephen Hanham
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Dr Stephen Hanham
Professor Cecilia Mattevi
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Professor Cecilia Mattevi
Professor Mark Oxborrow
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Professor Mark Oxborrow
Dr Peter Petrov
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Dr Peter Petrov
Dr Jess Wade
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Dr Jess Wade
Professor Fang Xie
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Professor Fang Xie