Fundamental physics with cryogenics
Our group is part of the QSNET consortium, which delivers a project of the national programme, Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics, jointly funded by EPSRC and STFC. The goal of the QSNET project is to test stability of fundamental constants such as the fine structure constant and the mass ratio of the proton to the electron. The plan is to link different kinds of Quantum Clocks at different locations. At Birmingham, a highly charged-ion clock using a cryogenic ion trap is under construction, for which we share our expertise in cryogenic techniques.
G. Barontini et al., EPJ Quantum Technology, 9(1), 12 (2022).
Cold energy using magnetic materials
One can raise or lower the temperature of certain materials by applying or removing a magnetic field, respectively. This is called the Magneto-Caloric Effect, which forms a basis of cleaner and more efficient cooling or refrigeration. We share our expertise in magnetic characterisation to support researchers from chemistry, materials and metallurgy for their new designs (e.g., involving frustration) and processing (e.g., additive manufacturing or 3D printing) of advanced magneto-caloric materials.
J. Head et al., Chemistry of Materials, 32 (23), 10184 (2020).
Public outreach in physical sciences
Mingee has published dozens of columns and articles for public awareness of physical sciences. They appeared in a popular webzine, Crossroads, published by the Asia-Pacific Centre for Theoretical Physics, and also in major Korean newspapers including Hankyoreh and Munhwa-ilbo. We plan to do such activities in English to reach out more broadly.