Mercury Trapped-Ion Frequency Standard for the Global Positioning System

Abstract

We report on progress towards the development of a small, low-mass and -power, high-stability mercury trapped-ion frequency standard for the Global Positioning System. The design performance goal is a frequency stability reaching into the 10(-16) range using technologies that allow for more than 10 years of continuous operational life. Key features include using a multi-pole ion trap to minimize sensitivity to ion-number-dependent effects and a nitrogen buffer gas for long vacuum pump life. The development program is structured in three phases with the goal of gaining early flight experience and keeping development costs in check.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA485539

Entities

People

  • B. Tucker
  • B. Young
  • E. Burt
  • G. Sprague
  • J. D. Prestage
  • L. Maleki
  • Lek‐Heng Lim
  • N. Raouf
  • R. Glaser
  • R. Hamell
  • R. L. Tjoelker
  • S. Sepulveda
  • Soon M. Chung
  • T. Radey

Organizations

  • California Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Doppler Effect
  • Engineering
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Standards
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Ground Based
  • Ion Pumps
  • Ion Traps
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Long Life
  • Measurement
  • Pumps
  • Space Flight
  • Standards
  • Vacuum
  • Vacuum Pumps

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrochemical Engineering/ Fuel Cell Technologies
  • Electronics Engineering
  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster