Emma Pugh

Research interests

My research is in the area of solid state materials physics and in particular in the experimental study of strongly interacting electron systems, magnetism, superconductivity and quantum critical phenomena.

I use a number of techniques in my research, such as low noise resistivity and ac-susceptibility measurements, with low temperature, high pressure and high magnetic field sample environments. We also make use of central facilities including X-ray and neutron scattering centres to investigate structure and magnetic properties of materials. I am also extensively involved in the design of new laboratory equipment and techniques to facilitate our experiments, especially new high pressure equipment and apparatus for cryogenic cooling of samples.

I have secured numerous grants for my research including from the EPSRC and Royal Society.

Teaching

At Kent I have taught in all four years of the physics degree programme including mechanics, solid state physics, quantum mechanics, mathematics, laboratory classes and the undergraduate physics research project.

PhD and MSc Project Opportunities

I am always happy to speak with potential MSc and PhD candidates with backgrounds in physics, chemistry, materials science or engineering. Funded positions will be advertised when available. I can offer projects for Masters or PhD students who are self-funded or who are seeking funding through scholarship schemes. The University typically has several EPSRC studentships available each year which cover full fees and a maintenance allowance for living costs. These are advertised typically around January. The University also has various other scholarships available from time to time which it advertises. Please contact me if you are interested and would like some advice.

I currently offer PhD and MSc places in the following topics. These can be adapted to your interests, so please get in touch if you are interested.

Novel Strongly Interacting Electron States and Unconventional Superconductivity

High Pressure Experimental Technique Development

Magneto-optical Studies of Quantum Phase Transitions

Selected Publications

“Cryogenic Loading of Argon Pressure Medium in Diamond Anvil High Pressure Cells with in-situ Pressure Determination”, E. Pugh, Rev. Sci. Instrum., 88, 065115, (2022).

“Moissanite Backing Plates for Diamond Anvil High Pressure Cells”, E. Pugh, Rev. Sci. Instrum., 87, 036102 (2016).

“Pressure-Induced Collapse of Ferromagnetism in Cobalt up to 120 GPa as seen via X-ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism”, R. Torchio, A. Monza, F. Baudelet, S. Pascarelli, O. Mathon, , E. Pugh, D. Antonangeli and J. P. Itié, Phys. Rev. B, 84, 060403 (2011).

“Superconducting States on the Border of Itinerant Electron Magnetism”, Chapter 16, E. Pugh, S.S. Saxena and G.G. Lonzarich, in “Handbook of High-Temperature Superconductivity” Editor: R. Schrieffer, Springer, New York (2007).

“Automatic Spark Drill for High Pressure Experiments”, E. Pugh, H.E. Thompson, R.B. Balsod and S.V. Brown, Rev. Sci. Instrum., 77, 055109, (2006).

“Unconventional Superconductivity and Novel Quantum Order”, E. Pugh, Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. A, 361, 2715-2729, (2003).

“Evolution of Fermi Liquid Interactions in Sr2RuO4 under Pressure”, D. Forsythe, S.R. Julian, C. Bergemann, E. Pugh, M.J. Steiner, P.L. Alireza, G.J. McMullan, F. Nakamura, R.K.W. Haselwimmer, I.R. Walker, S.S. Saxena, G.G. Lonzarich, A.P. Mackenzie, Z.Q. Mao and Y. Maeno, Phys. Rev. Lett. 89, 166402, (2002).

“Superconductivity on the Border of Itinerant-electron Ferromagnetism in UGe2”, S.S. Saxena, P. Agarwal, K. Ahilan, F.M. Grosche, R.K.W. Haselwimmer, M.J. Steiner, E. Pugh, I.R. Walker, S.R. Julian, P. Monthoux, G.G. Lonzarich, A. Huxley, I. Sheikin, D. Braithwaite and J. Flouquet, Nature, 406, 587-592, (2000).