Group

Current Group Members

David Reid

PhD student, University of Birmingham
Email: dgr647 (at) student.bham.ac.uk

My research focus is on understanding synthetic dimensions in shaken harmonic traps. Specifically, I am bridging theory with experiment and studying novel interactions within the synthetic dimensions themselves. This research is underpinned by my interest in topology developed during my training year in the CDT of Topological Design.

I have a background in condensed matter physics gained during my undergrad, MSci Theoretical Physics, at the University of Birmingham. My masters project explored a ‘toy’ strongly repulsive Hubbard model which could describe aspects of high temperature superconductivity.

Carlos Borges Camacho

PhD Student, University of Birmingham
Email: cbc805 (at) student.bham.ac.uk

Holly Middleton-Spencer

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Birmingham
Email: h.a.j.middleton-spencer (at) bham.ac.uk

Thomas Sheppard

PhD student, University of Birmingham
Email: txs306 (at) student.bham.ac.uk

My research interests may broadly be described as the study of topological phases of matter. My current work applies the topological properties of zero-dimensional quantum mechanical systems to investigate associated effects occurring in the presence of a time or space-time interface where the topological properties change.

Before joining the group, I completed my BA and MSci in the Natural Sciences Tripos at Homerton College, University of Cambridge.

Oliver Ashfield

PhD student, University of Birmingham
Email: oxa998 (at) student.bham.ac.uk

Currently, my research looks at what happens when interactions, or non-linear terms, are introduced to topological quantum models. Specifically, I am interested in the formation and behaviour of solitons as a non-linear phenomenon in these systems. My goal is to study these solitons as a probe into the topology of the underlying model, using a balance of analytical and computational work, the latter being primarily done in Python.

I originally completed my MSci in Theoretical Physics at the University of Birmingham before joining the group. My masters project explored an inverted harmonic oscillator model and the scattering states associated with it. I also completed an internship with the University of Birmingham Mathematics Department, studying the properties of super-symmetric systems of fermions.

Huanzhi Hu

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Birmingham
Email: h.hu.4 (at) bham.ac.uk

Broadly speaking, I’m interested in the phase transitions in quantum many-body systems. Currently, I’m studying the topological phase transitions and many-body physics of some driven theoretical models in lower dimensions, which could be realised experimentally with cold atoms in optical lattices.

I did my PhD with Dr. Frank Krüger and Dr. Michal Kwasigroch at University College London. By then my research focused on using theoretical methods to study the quantum fluctuation-induced phenomena in some strongly correlated systems, such as Kondo materials and Kitaev quantum spin liquids. In particular, I focused on a group of Dirac fermion-induced quantum criticality which could be described by the so-called Gross-Neveu-Yukawa theory.

Past Group Members

Enrico Martello

PhD student, University of Birmingham. Graduated 2023.
Now a Postdoc at the University of Catania.

Chris Oliver

PhD student, University of Birmingham, Graduated 2023.
Now a Quantum Applications Engineer at the National Quantum Computing Center.

Ben McCanna

PhD student, University of Birmingham. Graduated 2022.
Now a Teaching Fellow in Computer Science at the University of Birmingham.

Hannah Price