Systematic evaluation of an atomic clock at 2 × 10(-18) total uncertainty

Area of Science:

• Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
• Quantum Science and Technology
• Metrology

Background:

• Atomic clocks are crucial for advancements in quantum science, fundamental constant variation, and relativity tests.
• Optical lattice clocks represent the current state-of-the-art in atomic clock technology.
• Many-particle atomic clocks offer significant potential for further improvements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the stability and accuracy of a strontium-87 (87Sr) optical lattice clock.
• To perform a new, high-precision evaluation of the clock's accuracy by reducing systematic uncertainties.
• To contribute to the realization of the full potential of many-particle atomic clocks.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a state-of-the-art stable laser system for the 87Sr optical lattice clock.
• Implemented advanced techniques to reduce systematic uncertainties in clock operation.
• Conducted rigorous evaluation of clock stability and accuracy.

Main Results:

• Achieved a fractional stability of 2.2 × 10(-16) at 1 second for the 87Sr optical lattice clock.
• Significantly reduced systematic uncertainties, including lattice ac Stark shift and thermal environment effects.
• Attained a combined total uncertainty of 2.1 × 10(-18) in fractional frequency units for the JILA Sr clock.

Conclusions:

• The JILA 87Sr optical lattice clock demonstrates record-breaking stability and accuracy.
• This advancement paves the way for more precise tests of fundamental physics and improved quantum technologies.
• The results highlight the potential of many-particle atomic clocks for future scientific exploration.