Development of an Optically-pumped Cesium Standard at the Aerospace Corporation
Abstract
We have initiated a research program to study the performance of compact optically-pumped cesium (Cs) frequency standards, which have potential for future timekeeping applications in space. A Cs beam clock apparatus has been assembled. Basic functions of the frequency standard have been demonstrated. Clock signals are observed with optical pumping schemes using one or two hers. With two-laser pumping, we are able to selectively place up to 80% of the atomic population into one of the clock transition states. The observed pattern of the microwave clock signal indicates that the velocity distribution of the Cs atoms contributing to the microwave signal is beam-Maxwellian. Thus, in the optically-pumped Cs frequency standards, the entire Cs population in the atomic beam could be utilized to generate the clock signals.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA515725
Entities
People
- Yat C. Chan
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation