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Low-phase-noise frequency synthesizer for the trapped atom clock on a chip
Fernando Ramirez-Martinez1, Michel Lours, Peter Rosenbusch
1Systemes de Reference Temps-Espace, Observatoire de Paris, Paris, France. fernando.ramirez@obspm.fr
IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control
|December 31, 2009
Summary
A novel 6.834-GHz synthesis chain was developed for the trapped atom clock on a chip (TACC). This high-stability microwave synthesizer significantly surpasses the clock
Area of Science:
- Microwave Engineering
- Atomic Clocks
- Solid-State Physics
Background:
- Trapped Atom Clock on a Chip (TACC) development requires high-stability microwave synthesizers.
- Existing synthesis chains may limit the performance of advanced atomic clocks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To realize a 6.834-GHz frequency synthesis chain for the TACC.
- To evaluate the performance of a novel monolithic GaAs nonlinear transmission line-based comb generator for microwave synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Frequency multiplication of a 100-MHz reference signal to 6.4 GHz.
- Utilizing a comb generator based on a monolithic GaAs nonlinear transmission line.
- Phase noise measurements at 1-Hz offset frequency and white phase noise floor determination.
Main Results:
- Achieved a low flicker phase noise of -85 dBrad(2)/Hz at 1-Hz offset.
- Measured a white phase noise floor below -115 dBrad(2)/Hz.
- The synthesizer's performance is estimated to be over an order of magnitude better than the TACC stability goal.
Conclusions:
- The developed 6.834-GHz synthesis chain meets and exceeds the requirements for the TACC.
- The novel monolithic GaAs nonlinear transmission line comb generator offers superior performance for high-stability microwave synthesizers.
- The synthesizer will not be a limiting factor for the ultimate performance of the trapped atom clock on a chip.
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