Group Leader, Frequency and Time

NRC Institute for National Measurement Standards
1200 Montreal Road
Building M-36, Room 142
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6

Phone: 613-993-2181, Fax: 613-952-1394
Email: John.Bernard@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Academic Qualifications: B.Sc., (Hon.) Physics, University of Victoria, M.Sc., Plasma Physics, University of British Columbia, Ph.D., Plasma Physics, University of British Columbia

Spoken Languages: English

Expertise

Lasers; laser design; laser wavelength standards; trapped-ion frequency/wavelength standards; optical frequency comb; optical frequency chain; laser frequency synthesis; diode pumped solid state lasers; optical frequency measurement; frequency and time standards.

The major focus of my work involves the development of lasers and laser frequency synthesis for the measurement of optical frequencies in the region of 200 to 500 THz.  My current work involves the measurement of optical frequencies by means of an optical frequency comb that was developed at NRC.  This device, which is used both for the calibration of client lasers and as a research tool, is capable of directly measuring optical frequencies with an accuracy of 1 part in 10 ¹⁴ and with traceability to the SI second.   I am also involved in research and development of a new optical frequency/wavelength standard at 445 THz (474 nm) based on an atomic transition in a single, trapped strontium ion. This transition has a natural lifetime of 0.3 seconds and has the potential of providing a frequency standard with an absolute accuracy of better than 1 part in 10 ¹⁵.

Publications and Professional Activities

Publications and Patents

NRC-authored publication citations are available in the NRC Publications Archive (NPArC); once in NPArC, click on "Browse by Author" .

Professional Memberships:

• Treasurer of the Ottawa Chapter of IEEE/LEOS (Lasers and Electro-Optics Society)
• Optical Society of America

Keywords

• Laser wavelength standards
• Optical frequency chains
• Laser frequency synthesis
• Fabry-Pérot resonators
• Terahertz (THz) frequency measurement
• Trapped-ion frequency/wavelength standards
• Heterodyne frequency measurement
• Lasers
• Laser cavity
• Diode pumped solid state lasers
• Optical frequency measurement
• Frequency and time standards
• Optical frequency comb
• Cesium referenced optical frequencies

Subjects

• Optical instruments
• Lasers
• Light--Wave-length
• Fabry-Perot interferometers
• Frequency meters
• Trapped ions
• Heterodyning (Electronics)
• Solid-state lasers
• Time measurements--Standards
• Frequency standards
• Cesium