Stephen Powell

Stephen Powell is an Associate Professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Nottingham, where he has been a faculty member since 2013. He is a member of the Condensed Matter Theory group, focusing on theoretical condensed matter physics.

• 2013–present: University of Nottingham
• 2012–2013: Assistant Professor, Nordita
• 2009–2012: JQI Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Maryland, supervisor: Sankar Das Sarma
• 2007–2009: Postdoctoral Research Assistant, University of Oxford, supervisor: John Chalker
• 2002–2007: Ph.D., Yale University, adviser: Subir Sachdev
• 1998–2002: M.Phys., Christ Church, University of Oxford

Dr. Powell's research investigates the properties of novel phases of matter, with a focus on understanding unconventional phenomena and the physical systems in which they occur. His primary approach is through the concept of frustration, which describes systems where interactions compete against one another, preventing simple ordered states from forming. Instead, strong correlations and large fluctuations can coexist, leading to exotic phases and phenomena such as "spin liquids," states characterized by topological order and the emergence of fractionalized excitations.

His research spans multiple areas including spin ice systems, quantum phase transitions, dimer models, and frustrated magnetic systems. His work often combines analytical techniques with numerical simulations to explore the rich physics of these complex systems.

• PHYS1001: From Newton to Einstein
• PHYS4017: Quantum Dynamics
• PHYS4029: Order, Disorder and Fluctuations
• MPAGS SM2: Classical and Quantum Phase Transitions (Convenor)

Dr. Powell's recent publications show a strong focus on spin ice systems, dimer models, and quantum phase transitions. His work often explores the connections between classical and quantum systems, with particular attention to topological properties and emergent phenomena. The research demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward understanding complex phase transitions and the unusual behavior of frustrated magnetic systems.