David Carty

Dr. David Carty is an Associate Professor with a joint appointment in both the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Physics at Durham University. His research focuses on the manipulation and control of molecules at extremely low temperatures, with applications ranging from precision spectroscopy to the search for new physics. He maintains active research groups in both departments, supervising PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.

Dr. Carty completed his undergraduate MChem degree at The University of Edinburgh in 1999, followed by a PhD at the University of Birmingham (1999-2003) under the supervision of Prof. Ian R. Sims and the late Prof. Ian W. M. Smith FRS. His doctoral research focused on the kinetics of neutral gas-phase chemical reactions relevant to the interstellar medium at temperatures down to 10 K. After his PhD, he conducted postdoctoral research at the Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft in Berlin with Prof. Gerard Meijer, working on molecular synchrotron storage rings for neutral polar molecules, and later at the University of Oxford with Prof. Tim P. Softley, working on Stark deceleration of neutral polar molecules.

Dr. Carty's primary research interests center on cold and ultracold molecule production, controlled cold and ultracold chemistry, and the search for a fifth force and dark matter with precision spectroscopy. His group actively develops and utilizes techniques such as Moving trap Zeeman deceleration and Photostop to produce molecules with low translational temperatures. These methods allow for fine control over molecular motion, which is essential for applications in precision measurement, quantum computing, and fundamental physics tests. His research bridges the gap between atomic physics, physical chemistry, and quantum optics, creating novel experimental approaches to control matter at the quantum level.

Analysis of Dr. Carty's publication record reveals a strong trajectory in molecular manipulation techniques and their applications. His early work focused on fundamental reaction kinetics in the gas phase, particularly relevant to astrochemistry. Over time, his research has evolved toward increasingly sophisticated methods for controlling molecular motion at ultra-low temperatures. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in magnetic trapping of radicals, precision spectroscopy, and the development of tools for quantum metrology. The consistent theme across his career is the pursuit of ever-greater control over molecular degrees of freedom, from rotational and vibrational states to complete translational control.

Dr. Carty has attracted significant research funding, including an EPSRC Programme Grant entitled "MMQA: MicroKelvin Molecules in a Quantum Array," which he secured as part of a consortium with Durham and Imperial College London. He is actively recruiting PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, with current opportunities including a PhD position titled "Searching for a Fifth Force with Ultracold H Atoms." His research group provides training in advanced experimental techniques including molecular beam methods, laser spectroscopy, and cryogenic systems, preparing students for careers in academia and industry.

Dr. Carty's laboratory work focuses on developing instrumentation for molecular manipulation, including molecular synchrotrons, Stark decelerators, and magnetic trapping systems. His team collaborates extensively with researchers across Durham University and with international partners, particularly in the development of techniques for quantum control of molecules. Current projects involve the creation of hydrogen lattice clocks for precision measurements and the investigation of cold chemical reactions that could reveal new physics beyond the standard model.