Application of Millisecond Pulsar Timing to the Long-Term Stability of Clock Ensembles
Abstract
We review the application of millisecond pulsars to define a precise long-term time standard and positional reference system is nearly inertial reference frame. We quantify the current timing precision of the best millisecond pulsars and define the required precise time and time interval (PTTI) accuracy and stability to enable time transfer via pulsars. Pulsars may prove useful as independent standards to examine decade-long timing stability and provide an independent natural system within which to calibrate any new, perhaps vastly improved atomic time scale. Since pulsar stability appears to be related to the lifetime of the pulsar, the new millisecond pulsar J1713 + 0747 is projected to have a 100-day accuracy equivalent to a single HP5071 cesium standard. Over the fast five years, dozens of new millisecond pulsars have been discovered. A few of the new millisecond pulsars may have even better timing properties.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA515542
Entities
People
- Demetrios N. Matsakis
- Roger S. Foster
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory