A fundamental problem in modern condensed matter science is how one determines the statistical arrangements of atoms or molecules and the electronic states of a disordered material whose atoms do not lie on perfect lattice sites.
Liquids constitute the most common example of a disordered system.
Information on the structural properties of these systems is obtained by the powerful method of neutron diffraction and isotopic substitution, a technique pioneered by members of the Bristol Group. Studies of the proton dynamics of aqueous solutions employ the method of neutron quasielastic scattering. In Bristol we have a small chemistry laboratory for preparing isotopically labelled samples to a high specification. We also enjoy first class technical services from the Department's mechanical and electronic workshops. This enables us to plan and carry out studies of liquids under a range of extreme physical conditions, i.e. high temperatures and pressures.