Professor Robin Perry is a materials physicist specialising in the crystal growth and neutron scattering of complex materials. His research spans a broad range of topics in condensed matter physics, including superconductivity, magnetism, energy materials for batteries, and transparent conducting oxides. A list of his recent publications can be found here.
At the core of his research lies a particular expertise in the growth of high-quality single crystals of complex materials. Single crystals provide the ideal form of matter for precise and reproducible physical measurements; however, they are challenging to synthesise, requiring advanced high-temperature furnaces, careful control of growth conditions, and significant resources. As a result, access to suitable single crystals is often a limiting factor for many research groups.
To address this challenge and support the wider UK scientific community, Professor Perry established the Facility for Advanced Crystals for Emerging Technologies (FACET), based at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Harwell, Oxfordshire (www.facet-crystal.co.uk). FACET’s mission is to collaborate with and supply high-quality single crystal samples to UK researchers for fundamental and applied materials studies. The facility works closely with users of the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, where large, well-characterised crystals are essential for neutron scattering experiments — the only bulk-sensitive probe capable of revealing the microscopic structure and dynamics of matter.