Dr A. Curran (Arran)

My research focuses on few-body physics in colloidal systems, using individual particles and few-particle assemblies as model systems for probing fundamental physics. I am particularly interested in emergent behavior from stochastic escape processes and diffusion in complex energy landscapes.

To investigate these phenomena, I use structured and dynamically controlled optical fields to create and manipulate tailored energy landscapes. My research combines bespoke optical experiments, instrumentation, and control software with quantitative analysis methods that connect measured particle trajectories to the underlying forces, potentials, diffusion processes, and transition dynamics.

Alongside my own research, I play a senior scientific and supervisory role across a broad range of projects within the Department of Physics & Chemistry of Soft Matter. Working under the overall direction of the principal investigator (Roel Dullens), I help guide the development of projects, supervise students and junior researchers, and provide expertise in experimental design, optical instrumentation, software, data analysis, and physical interpretation. I also contribute to shaping experimental strategy and resolving technical and conceptual challenges across the department, supporting the progression of projects from initial idea through to quantitative analysis and scientific conclusions.