Phthalocyanine (left), C60 (right) – key molecules for our research interests 
Swirling magnetic textures identified in an altermagnet https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08234-x 
Atomic manipulation of Cu using a Q-plus sensor https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c02271 
Confining chemical reactions using a molecular template https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201880165 
Colour-mapping altermagnetism in microscopic devices, an artists impression: Alex Speed https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08234-x 
N2@C60 grown on Ag(111) 
Nanoring formed from 18 porphyrin molecules https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.5c09149 
Timing the escape of a caged electron https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60260-z
Welcome to Molecules, Magnets, and Materials — the website of the Nanoscience and Spintronics groups in the School of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Nottingham. We tackle some of the most exciting challenges in state-of-the-art condensed matter physics and nanoscience: from building artificial atoms and designing self-assembled molecular devices to discovering (and exploiting) entirely new forms of magnetism. Our research combines advanced in-house instrumentation — including an extensive suite of low temperature, ultrahigh vacuum scanning probe microscopes — with experiments at world-leading synchrotron facilities such as the UK’s Diamond Light Source, all supported by a strong international network of collaborators.