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For people, place, prosperity and planet, we deliver impact with measurement science.

Matthew Johnson

Matthew Johnson

Higher scientist

Matthew joined NPL’s Time & Frequency department in April 2021 as part of the Optical Frequency Metrology group.  His focus is on developing the strontium optical lattice clock performance and robustness, with a view for the redefinition of the SI second in the coming decade.  Matthew is also interested in quantum technology, and how atomic clocks can aid measurements of fundamental physics, gravity and more.

Matthew earned his PhD in Physics from the University of Strathclyde, under the branch of quantum metrology, investigating possible schemes for inertial sensing with a Bose-Einstein condensate.  His background includes a degree in theoretical physics from the University of St. Andrews, working on novel repumping schemes for atomic potassium, and a master’s in science from the Georgia Institute of Technology, working on atomic lithium spectroscopy. 

Areas of interest:

  • Research into the stability and performance of optical lattice clocks for the redefinition of the SI second
  • Improving the resilience of optical clocks to environmental perturbations through hardware and software automation
  • Probing fundamental physics with high performance atomic clock ensembles through both local and international comparisons
  • Developing quantum technology and the application of atomic physics to the nascent industry
  • Miniaturisation of current apparatus for atomic physics, including optics, vacuum, and holographic trap generation

Email Matthew Johnson