Talks and shows

Crystals, chaos and the wizardry of physics

Event image by Szilvia Basso on Unsplash

Imagine you had a crystal which lit upon your command: magic must be at work, and you must surely be a wizard. Yet these days such an action is mundane: LEDs are crystals, and their practical technology lights our streets and our homes.

The modern name for wizardry is condensed matter physics. It is the study of the world around us – the states of matter, how they emerge from the quantum realm, and how they can manifest exotic particles which cannot exist in the vacuum of space. It is one of science's best-kept secrets: a third of all physicists work on it, yet its story has rarely been told.

Join Felix Flicker as he introduces the magic of condensed matter physics, from the subtle spells that conjure crystals from chaos, to creating new particles which have never before been seen.

Copies of Felix's latest book The Magick of Matter: Crystals, Chaos and the Wizardry of Physics' will be available to purchase at the end of the talk.

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Felix Flicker

A photo of a white man with shoulder length dark hair wearing a red checked shirt
John Cairns via Felixflicker.com

Felix Flicker is a lecturer in physics at Cardiff University.

A theoretical physicist, Felix works on the quantum underpinnings of matter. He is the author of The Magick of Matter: Crystals, Chaos, and the Wizardry of Physics.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions

The Royal Institution is part of the Amazon Affiliate Programme, and book links on this page may be affiliate links.

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All proceeds from our affiliate links help support the charitable work of the Ri.

Are you a patron of the Ri?

As a patron you are offered a number of complimentary tickets, please get in touch with your patron manager to discuss this.