Cavity-Q Aging Observed via an Atomic-Candle Signal
Abstract
Slow variations in cavity-Q and microwave power are thought to play a role in the long-term frequency stability of gas-cell atomic clocks. Here, we use an atomic-candle method to study the aging of a TE(sub 011) microwave cavity's resonant frequency and quality factor when a glass resonance cell containing Rb87 loads the cavity. Our results suggest that the alkali vapor coats the inside glass surface of the resonance cell with a thin metallic film; and that, as this film evolves, the quality factor degrades. (In our experiments, the quality factor changed by 30% over a timescale of months.) More generally, the pre- sent work demonstrates the efficacy of the atomic-candle method for investigating cavity resonances. In particular, we show that, when used in conjunction with more traditional methods, the atomic-candle method has the potential to reveal information on a cavity mode's spatial profile.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA423550
Entities
People
- Brett Sickmiller
- James C. Camparo
- John G. Coffer
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation