Inaugural Lecture by Pascale Deen

Neutron scattering as the essential tool for the study of exotic emergent magnetic states of matter.

It had been generally accepted that magnetic order follows the description of Landau phase transitions as magnetic fluctuations overcome thermal fluctuations. However, geometrically frustrated magnetic materials do not always follows these simplified descriptions and exotic emergent magnetic states of matter, ranging from magnetic monopoles in spin ice materials, spin liquid behaviours and director states of rare earth garnets, are thus observed. 

The magnetic dipole moment of the neutron has enabled me, through diffraction and inelastic techniques, to unveil and explain exotic new physics, displaying combinations of strong correlations, frustration and quantum behaviours. Neutron scattering is indeed unparalleled when it comes to uncovering these new states of matter.  

The upcoming neutron scattering instrument suite at the European Spallation Source (ESS) will make accessible further scientific developments. I will provide an overview of some of the recent unusual magnetic states that we have probed and outline novel instrumentation that will be available at the ESS. Furthermore, I will discuss future opportunities available for those interested in the study of material properties and neutron scattering instrumentation.