AIO 2018: Focus on Dr. John W. Berthold, Davidson Instruments, Inc, USA
Cushla McGoverin
John W. Berthold received the B.A. degree in physics from Gettysburg College and the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in optical sciences from the University of Arizona, Tucson. He has fifty years experience in optics research, thin film coatings, and sensors, and is internationally recognized for many contributions in the development of fiber optic sensors. Dr. Berthold has worked for Bell Telephone Laboratories, Inc., U.S. National Security Agency, Babcock & Wilcox Company, and Davidson Instruments, Inc, where he currently serves as Chief Technology Officer. He has been principal investigator on U.S. government contracts with NASA, Department of Defense, and Department of Energy. He has authored and coauthored over 75 journal and conference publications and is inventor and co-inventor on 51 U.S. patents. Dr. Berthold is a Fellow of SPIE, and an Emeritus Member of OSA.
What do you think people will learn from your talk as a take-home lesson?
Commercialization of new technology takes years of patience
What do you spend most of your time doing?
Reading
When are you most fully yourself?
Almost always
Where would you like to see your research in 5 years?
I am now an industrial physicist and am no longer involved in research but my years of product development will continue as long as I am able.
Which companies should be interested in your research and why?
Companies interested in acquiring advanced technology to improve competitiveness
Is there a single word or phrase that would describe you?
Dedicated
What motivates you to do what you do?
The desire to make a contribution
Where does your passion come from?
My upbringing and the encouragement I received from my family, teachers, and professors
What do you think makes AIO meeting a remarkable meeting? Why do you think AIO is a useful meeting to attend?
I have been an OSA member since 1969, but have never been to an AIO meeting. I have also been involved with SPIE for many years, and the interests at SPIE have historically been applied.
What is the question that you wish the attendees asked you after your talks and they never ask?
As I recall, attendees have always asked good questions, and they seemed to have learned enough from what I said to understand my answers.
