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Pulsed-CPT Cs-Ne microcell atomic clock with frequency stability below 2 × 10-12 at 105 s
Optics Express
|March 2, 2023
Summary
This study enhances a table-top atomic clock using pulsed Ramsey techniques and specialized glass cells to overcome previous limitations. The improved clock achieves competitive mid-term stability, advancing portable timekeeping technology.
Area of Science:
- Atomic Physics
- Metrology
- Quantum Optics
Background:
- Table-top atomic clocks are crucial for portable timekeeping.
- Coherent Population Trapping (CPT) microcell clocks face challenges from light-shift effects and atmospheric variations.
- Previous CPT clock designs were limited in mid-term stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To improve the mid-term stability of a table-top CPT microcell atomic clock.
- To mitigate light-shift effects and variations in the cell's inner atmosphere.
- To achieve stability competitive with current state-of-the-art microwave microcell clocks.
Main Methods:
- Implemented a pulsed symmetric auto-balanced Ramsey (SABR) interrogation technique.
- Stabilized setup temperature, laser power, and microwave power.
- Utilized a micro-fabricated cell with low permeation alumino-silicate glass (ASG) windows to reduce Ne buffer gas pressure variations.
Main Results:
- Successfully mitigated light-shift effects.
- Significantly reduced Ne buffer gas pressure variations within the microcell.
- Achieved a clock Allan deviation of 1.4 × 10-12 at 105 s.
Conclusions:
- The combined techniques provide significant improvements in CPT microcell atomic clock stability.
- The enhanced clock demonstrates mid-term stability competitive with leading microwave microcell clocks.
- This work advances the development of robust and portable atomic clocks.
