Laser-cooled Atomic Clock -- Time Measurement System
Abstract
With this proposal we are requesting funds to purchase an advanced atomic clock that is based on laser-cooled and -trapped atoms. The science and technology of laser-cooling of atoms has been developed over the past 30+ years but is only now reaching the commercial market as an atomic clock. The result is that the performance of the atomic clock (stability and accuracy) isimproved by a factor of one hundred over the best existing commercial systems. The key performance characteristics include: frequency instability of ~f/f ~ 7x10-13/~~ for ~ in seconds, and < 1x10-15 for ~ > 10 days, compact size (< 30L), easily transportable (< 30 kg) with reliable, robust long-term operation. This is a tremendous advantage that will enable rapid advances on both fundamental and applied research at Stanford. The requested cRb-Clock will be located with other atomic clocks in the Physics and AstroPhysics building, which is centrally located on the Stanford campus. This lab serves as the central time/frequency lab for the Stanford Center of Position Navigation and Time (SCPNT). The lab is directly connected via optical fiber and/or coaxial cables to other labs on campus that are working on precision spectroscopy and measurements related to atomic clocks, quantum atomic sensors, and numerous activities connected to Position Navigation and Time (PNT), such as GPS systems. This network connectivity will enable sharing the unique high performance of the cold atom cRb-Clock with other research projects and faculty on campus. The unique capability and high performance of the cRb-Clock and measurement system will allow us to make direct comparisons and validate performance relative to other atomic clocks at unprecedented levels. Of particular focus are DoD-funded fundamental research and education programs on advanced atomic physics andatomic sensors related to atomic clocks and PNT systems of the future. The cRb-Clock is a microwave atomic clock. but using an existing femtosecond-optical-frequency-comb will be connected to, and compared with, research level optical atomic clocks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 25, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912267
Entities
People
- Leo Hollberg
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Stanford University
- United States Navy