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Single-Ion Atomic Clock with 3×10(-18) Systematic Uncertainty.

N Huntemann1, C Sanner1, B Lipphardt1

  • 1Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Bundesallee 100, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany.

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|February 27, 2016
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Researchers developed a highly precise optical frequency standard using a single trapped Ytterbium-171 ion. This advancement in atomic clocks achieved a record low uncertainty, paving the way for improved timekeeping and fundamental physics research.

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Area of Science:

  • Atomic physics
  • Quantum optics
  • Metrology

Background:

  • Optical frequency standards are crucial for precise timekeeping and fundamental physics tests.
  • Trapped ions offer excellent stability and coherence for atomic clocks.
  • The electric octupole (E3) transition in Ytterbium-171 (Yb+) ions presents a promising candidate for next-generation atomic clocks due to its strong forbidden nature.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To experimentally investigate an optical frequency standard based on the (2)S1/2(F=0)→(2)F7/2(F=3) E3 transition of a single trapped (171)Yb+ ion.
  • To achieve high precision by minimizing systematic uncertainties.
  • To assess the feasibility of this transition for advanced metrology applications.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a Ramsey-type excitation scheme for spectroscopy of the forbidden E3 transition.
  • Employed interleaved single-pulse Rabi spectroscopy to control and cancel probe-induced frequency shifts.
  • Measured static scalar differential polarizability and dynamic correction to account for thermal radiation effects.

Main Results:

  • Achieved a relative frequency uncertainty of 1.1×10(-18) due to probe-induced shifts.
  • Reduced uncertainty from thermal radiation to 1.8×10(-18) by measuring polarizability.
  • Identified residual ion motion as the dominant uncertainty source (2.1×10(-18)).
  • Attained a total systematic relative uncertainty of 3.2×10(-18) for the optical clock.

Conclusions:

  • Demonstrated a highly stable optical frequency standard using the (171)Yb+ E3 transition.
  • The developed Ramsey spectroscopy technique effectively suppresses systematic shifts.
  • Further improvements in ion trapping and environmental control are needed to reduce residual motion uncertainties and enhance clock performance.