Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	EP/Z533300/1
Title:	ULT-NMR
Principal Investigator:	Chung, Dr M
Other Investigators:	Clark, Dr L Morris, Professor AJ Coak, Dr MJ Kubicki, Dr D
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	Durham, University of Energy Research Accelerator University of Nottingham
Department:	School of Physics and Astronomy
Organisation:	University of Birmingham
Scheme:	Standard Research TFS
Starts:	01 October 2024	Ends:	30 September 2027	Value (£):	2,017,614
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Materials Characterisation
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a powerful and versatile atomic-scale probe of magnetic, electronic and structural properties of matter. NMR spectroscopy finds applications in a very broad range of scientific research and innovation areas from quantum and condensed matter physics (e.g., quantum magnetism, correlated electron systems and superconductivity) to materials chemistry (e.g., solar cells, catalysis and battery technology). This method allows unique insights into materials by providing a local (being element-specific) and non-invasive probe of electronic and molecular dynamics as well as local structure, including that of dilute dopants. The proposed Ultra-Low-Temperature NMR (ULT-NMR) infrastructure will address a broad range of scientific challenges, from fundamental science discoveries in exotic quantum states of matter to innovative development in advanced functional materials. We will focus on four primary Scientific Challenges in which we can deliver world-leading research. The first is discovery and understanding of new quantum states that occur only at very low temperatures beyond the reach of current NMR systems in the UK. The second is control of quantum states through combined tuning knobs of magnetic field and pressure, with the effect of this tuning monitored by NMR, building a pipeline towards new quantum technologies. The third is atomic-level structural characterisation of energy materials for which the NMR signal has so far been prohibitively weak; the low temperature will boost the signal-to-noise ratio. Finally, the fourth is quantitative analysis of the dynamics in supramolecular systems that is too fast to be studied at room temperature; cryogenic temperatures will slow these dynamics to allow precise study. Our primary aim is to integrate ULT-NMR into a globally competitive and inclusive environment for research on Quantum Matter Physics and Materials Chemistry that is centred at the University of Birmingham (UoB). We will also proactively support, and share the infrastructure with, the entire UK materials physics and chemistry communities to help them deliver their world-leading results across these fields. To deliver these aims, our objectives are: i) to implement a fully functioning ULT-NMR, ii) to develop and put into practice experimental methods relevant to our four Scientific Challenges, iii) to implement a transparent and fair access management model, iv) to develop a user support and training programme, along with Project Partners with complementary capabilities and expertise, v) to support career and professional development of our staff and vi) to expand the user base and train the next generation of scientists. We will maximise effective use of national resources to help the UK maintain its global leadership across the fields of quantum and functional materials through alliance with complementary national facilities (ISIS Neutron and Muon Source and Diamond Light Source) and Strategic Infrastructure (Midlands Mag-Lab and Tri-Beam Focused Ion Beam at UoB). ULT-NMR will also partner with the national NMR facility at UoB to benefit from its two decades of experience supporting engagement of the UK scientific community with cutting-edge NMR capabilities. The fundamental research enabled by the proposed infrastructure will find applications in energy harvesting and storage, low-energy electronics and quantum technologies including sensing and computing.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Further Information:
Organisation Website:	http://www.bham.ac.uk