Dr. Scott Beattie

Biography

Scott Beattie specializes in laser cooling and trapping of atoms, high-precision optical and microwave spectroscopy of atoms, atomic clocks, and frequency standards, with a focus on experimental precision measurements using laser-cooled trapped atoms. He currently works with the National Research Council Canada (NRC) to develop atomic clocks that use trapped cesium atoms to measure the SI unit as accurately as possible. His work employs a broad range of skills, including optics, atomic physics, electronics, and computer programming. Precision timekeeping is significant in many scientific fields, including studies of fundamental physics and searches for variations in fundamental constants. Atomic clocks hold potential uses in detecting dark matter and gravitational waves and enhancing the precision of global satellite positioning systems such as GPS. His prior experience includes constructing a cesium fountain clock capable of measuring SI units to parts in 10^16, playing a role in steering Universal Coordinated Time (UTC). Beattie also works on developing femtosecond frequency combs that bridge frequency ranges from radio frequency sources to optical clocks, enabling comparisons between microwave and optical frequency standards.

Research Interests