Bath researcher scoops top neutron scattering prize
22 Apr 2014 12:50 PM
April 22nd 2014 - Dr Anita Zeidler (University of Bath) has been awarded the
prestigious '2014 B.T.M. Willis Prize' for neutron scattering in
recognition of her studies of a wide range of materials including water, and
their interactions at the atomic and molecular level.
Anita has played a major role in better
understanding the structure and dynamics of liquid and amorphous materials
under extreme conditions, for example high-temperatures and high-pressures. She
has also led an investigation into quantum effects in water, where its
structure and dynamical properties are governed by a competition between
intra-molecular and inter-molecular quantum effects. Anita has also made a
substantial contribution to data analysis of this work and has been at the
forefront in the race to develop oxygen isotope substitution in structural
studies of liquid and amorphous materials.
The B.T.M. Willis prize is awarded annually by
the Neutron Scattering Group of the Institute of Physics and the Royal Society
of Chemistry for outstanding contributions to neutron scattering science.
The majority of Dr Zeidler's work uses the
Institut Laue-Langevin in Grenoble and the ISIS neutron source at the
Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxford, both world leading research centres
which are supported by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
"Neutron techniques are an essential tool in
my goal to better understand the structure and dynamics of amorphous materials.
I am very honoured to win this prize and, building on this success, my focus
will be on further advancing neutron scattering research to unravel the
complexity of liquid and amorphous materials," said Dr Zeidler on her
achievement.
"Anita is a worthy winner of this award and
the judging panel were impressed with Anita's depth of research in
structural studies under extreme conditions, which is of wide interest and
importance for understanding the geophysical processes deep within the
Earth's mantle." said Dr Ali Zarbakhsh, Chair of the IOP/RSC Neutron
Scattering Group. "Anita and her colleagues at Bath University and the
Central Facilities have advanced the study of oxygen isotope substitution in
structural studies of liquids. This is work that has the potential to radically
change our understanding of the structure of normal versus heavy
water".
The team at Bath are centering their research on
the atomic scale structure and dynamics of liquids and glasses, and this work
includes an extensive use of both neutron and x-ray scattering methods. The
systems investigated range from network glass forming materials, through ionic
liquids which include metals and aqueous solutions, to glasses that have been
modified by incorporating rare-earth ions. The aim is to understand and
manipulate the ordering in these systems at the atomic scale to gain insight
into processes associated with the glass transition and to develop materials
with new functional properties.
Notes for Editors
The B.T.M Willis prize is sponsored by the
Institute of Physics and the Royal Society of Chemistry. It is named after Dr
Terry Willis, one of the pioneers of the use of neutron scattering in the
United Kingdom.
About ISIS
ISIS is a world-leading centre for research in
physical and life sciences operated by the Science and Technology Facilities
Council at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, Oxfordshire, UK. ISIS
produces beams of neutrons and muons that allow scientists to study materials
at the atomic level using a suite of instruments, often described as a set of
‘super-microscopes’. ISIS supports an international community of
over 2000 scientists who use neutrons and muons for research in physics,
chemistry, materials science, geology, engineering and biology. It is the most
productive research centre of its type in the world.
The IOP/RSC Neutron Scattering Group brings
together scientists interested in the use of neutron scattering for the study
of condensed matter. A principal function of the Group is to disseminate
information about the neutron facilities available to as wide an audience as
possible, particularly to newer entrants to the field and to those who work in
related subjects but who may wish to make use of neutron scattering techniques
from time to time.
About ILL
The Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) is an
international research centre based in Grenoble, France. As one of the
world’s premier neutron scattering facilities, it is at the leading edge
of neutron science and technology. The ILL is a reactor-based neutron source.
Its purpose is to provide the international scientific community with the
brightest beams of neutrons possible. Most of its neutron beams are used to
probe materials. The fields of investigation range from technology applications
to biology and health. Neutrons are used to study the atomic-level properties
of materials – they tell us where atoms are and what they are doing.
The Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) is an
international research centre based in Grenoble, France. As one of the
world’s premier neutron scattering facilities, it is at the leading edge
of neutron science and technology. The ILL is a reactor-based neutron source.
Its purpose is to provide the international scientific community with the
brightest beams of neutrons possible. Most of its neutron beams are used to
probe materials. The fields of investigation range from technology applications
to biology and health. Neutrons are used to study the atomic-level properties
of materials – they tell us where atoms are and what they are doing.
For further details of the ILL, including how to
apply for time at the facility, please see the ILL website