Research
We study matter at extreme temperatures, densities and pressures: the conditions inside planets and stars, and in inertial fusion. We create these states in the laboratory with x-ray free-electron lasers and high-power lasers, probe them with x-rays, and develop the theory, simulations and machine-learning methods needed to understand them.
Our work covers:
- High-intensity x-ray interaction with matter: how solids absorb intense x-rays, heat and turn into dense plasmas in femtoseconds.
- X-ray spectroscopy of dense plasmas: measuring ionization, collision rates and electronic structure in matter at a million degrees.
- Matter at planetary conditions: shock-compressed materials, such as iron and its oxides, at the pressures of Earth's core.
- Quantum simulation of dense matter: first-principles theory of warm dense matter.
- Machine learning and differentiable physics: learned models with the physics built in, validated on experimental and simulated data.
Our experiments run at LCLS, the European XFEL, FLASH, FERMI and SACLA. We are part of the Oxford Centre for High Energy Density Science (OxCHEDS).
We take DPhil students across experiment, theory, simulation and machine learning. If you are interested in joining the group as a DPhil student or postdoc, please get in touch with Sam Vinko.
Our work is supported by EPSRC, the Royal Society, STFC and AWE.