Peter Hatton

Peter Hatton is a Professor in the Department of Condensed Matter Physics at Durham University. He served as the elected Head of the Condensed Matter Physics research group (2004–2010) and is currently the Director of the interdisciplinary Durham X-ray Centre, coordinating x-ray research across eight departments. His teaching includes Waves and Optics (Level 1) and Statistical Physics (Level 3), alongside supervising MSci projects involving synchrotron experiments.

Hatton's research focuses on x-ray scattering techniques applied to strongly correlated electron systems like transition metal oxides. He investigates crystallographic structures, charge/spin/orbital ordering, and multiferroics, with emphasis on disentangling magnetoelectric coupling. He pioneered resonant soft x-ray diffraction for orbital ordering studies and developed the RASOR diffractometer at Diamond Light Source. Current EPSRC-funded work explores nanoscale ordering via soft x-ray and neutron scattering.

His publications emphasize skyrmion dynamics, magnetic ordering, and multiferroic materials, leveraging advanced synchrotron techniques. Recent articles (2020–2025) predominantly analyze skyrmion confinement, stability, and control in chiral magnets (e.g., Cu₂OSeO₃, FeGe), utilizing holography and tomography to resolve 3D spin textures.

Scientific Awards & Esteem:

• Sir James Knott Fellowship, Leverhulme Research Fellowship
• Durham Excellence in Teaching Award
• Director, Durham X-ray Research Centre
• Chair, Diamond Physical Sciences Peer Review Panel (2007–2010)
• Co-Editor-in-Chief, PhysMath Central B
• Principal Investigator: £878k CCLRC grant for soft x-ray diffractometer development

He leads major instrumentation initiatives, including EPSRC grants for synchrotron and neutron facilities, and advises on national/international beamline committees (ESRF, NSLS, Diamond). His lab focuses on resonant soft x-ray scattering and collaborates globally on multiferroics and correlated electron systems.