Steve Baker

Research Interests

The research is focused on materials assembled from magnetic nanoclusters. Extensive use is made of x-ray techniques such as XMCD, MLDAD and XPS in order to probe the novel magnetic properties of the materials. Since high fluxes of x-rays are required, the experiments are performed at various synchrotron facilities (e.g. SRS, ESRF, LURE).

In order to realise the potential applications of the above materials, which include magnetic recording, the ability to deposit clusters of well-defined size under clean and controlled conditions is a necessity. At Leicester, this is readily achievable using the gas aggregation cluster source designed and built within the group. Samples prepared in this way are studied by means of laboratory-based techniques such as VSM and GMR using our liquid-He cooled superconducting magnet.

Teaching

Current teaching duties include:

Year	Title
2	Lecture Course PA 223: Condensed Matter
2	PA 291, PA 292: 2nd year Laboratory

Links to Lecture Notes for PA223 (Unit 4):

• Synopsis of Course
• Lecture 1
• Lecture 2
• Lecture 3
• Lecture 4
• Lecture 5
• NEW!! Revision Lecture

Biography

Steve Baker was educated at Kings College School, Wimbledon, before completing his BA degree in Physics at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge in 1985. He then moved to the University of Dundee where, under the supervision of Professors Spear and Lecomber, he studied the electronic properties of the amorphous silicon-carbide alloy system for his Ph.D. In 1990, he took up a post-doctoral position at the University of Leicester where he studied the optical and structural properties of amorphous III-V semiconductors in the group of Professor Ted Davis. EXAFS experiments, performed using synchrotron radiation, formed a strong part of this work. In 1993, he stayed in the department to take up a post-doctoral position with Professor Chris Binns to study magnetic nanoclusters; he has continued working in this field since. Currently, he covers some of Professor Binns' teaching duties. Outside Physics, his interests include bird watching, hill walking, good food and wine and (occasionally) malt whisky.

Last modified on Condensed Matter Physics