The Physics of the Environmental Sensitivity of Rubidium Gas Cell Atomic Frequency Standards
Abstract
Environmental sensitivity is often the most significant limitation to the practical stability of rubidium frequency standards (RFS). For example, temperature sensitivity can cause a rapid frequency change of several parts in 10(10) for a tactical RFS that has an aging of only 1x10(-11)/month. Other important environmental factors we barometric pressure, vibration, magnetic field, and nuclear radiation. This paper considers the physical mechanisms that lie behind these environmental sensitivities, and relates them to the performance of actual rubidium frequency standards. It is part of an effort currently underway under NIST and IEEE sponsorship toward a standard characterizing such environmental sensitivities. For the systems designer, a better understanding of the reasons for RFS environmental sensitivity will help in making program trade-offs. For the user of these devices, a better knowledge of the causes for Rb clock instability will aid in their testing and proper application. For the time and frequency specialist, a review of these factors may prove useful toward improving RFS design.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA521021
Entities
People
- W. J. Riley