Optical frequency standard based on coherent population trapping resonance

We propose a new optical frequency standard, based on a coherent population trapping resonance. Such standard is a self-mode locking laser, pulse repetition frequency of which is directly locked to microwave clock-transition—the transition between the hyperfine ground state components of alkali atom. The unique properties of this standard result in reduction of the light shift which is the main reason limiting frequency stability of this standard.