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Micro mercury trapped ion clock prototypes with 10[Formula: see text] frequency stability in 1-liter packages
Thai M Hoang1, Sang K Chung1, Thanh Le1
1Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109 USA.
Scientific Reports
|June 30, 2023
Summary
Micro mercury trapped ion clocks (M2TIC) achieve high performance and low size, weight, and power (SWaP). These novel clocks offer stability comparable to traditional standards, enabling advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
- Precision Measurement and Metrology
- Microfabrication and MEMS Technology
Background:
- Atomic clocks are critical for modern communication and navigation systems.
- Increasing timing precision demands drive the need for lower size, weight, and power (SWaP) clocks.
- A persistent trade-off exists between clock stability performance and SWaP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate micro mercury trapped ion clock (M2TIC) prototypes.
- To achieve simultaneous high performance and low SWaP in atomic clocks.
- To overcome the conventional SWaP-performance trade-off.
Main Methods:
- Development of micro mercury trapped ion clock (M2TIC) prototypes.
- Integration of novel micro-fabricated technologies.
- Testing of clock stability and SWaP characteristics.
Main Results:
- M2TIC prototypes achieved a stability level of [Formula: see text] in 1 day.
- Achieved low SWaP metrics: 1.1 L volume, 1.2 kg weight, and under 6 W power consumption.
- Performance is comparable to the Microchip 5071A cesium frequency standard.
Conclusions:
- The M2TIC establishes a new benchmark for SWaP and performance in atomic clocks.
- Prototypes demonstrated robustness through commercial shipping and independent testing.
- Opens opportunities for high-performance, low-SWaP clocks in terrestrial and space applications.
