John Chalker

My research is in theoretical condensed matter physics. Condensed matter physics involves using well-established physical laws - mainly quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and statistical mechanics - to understand the behaviour of solids and fluids under the range of conditions that can be produced in the laboratory - for example, by varying temperature, pressure or magnetic field strength. It is a branch of physics in which there is a rich variety of phenomena. And although the underlying laws are known, the route from these laws to an understanding of nature can be very subtle.  

More specifically, two separate areas that I am particularly involved in at present are many-body quantum systems far from equilibrium and geometrically frustrated magnets. Two other subjects on which I have worked extensively are the quantum Hall effect and disordered conductors.