Cold atom clocks and their applications in precision measurements

Cold atom clocks have made remarkable progresses in the last two decades and played critical roles in precision measurements. Primary Cs fountain frequency standards have achieved a total uncertainty of a few parts in 1016, and the best optical clock has reached a type B uncertainty below 10-18. Besides applications in the metrology, navigation, etc.,ultra-stable and ultra-accurate atomic clocks have also become powerful tools in the basic scientific investigations. In this paper, we focus on the recent developments in the high-performance cold atomic clocks which can be used as frequency standards to calibrate atomic time scales. The basic principles, performances, and limitations of fountain clocks and optical clocks based on signal trapped ion or neutral atoms are summarized. Their applications in metrology and other areas are briefly introduced.     

Satellite virtual atomic clock with pseudorange difference function

Satellite atomic clocks are the basis of GPS for the control of time and frequency of navigation signals. In the Chinese Area Positioning System (CAPS), a satellite navigation system without the satellite atomic clocks onboard is successfully developed. Thus, the method of time synchronization based on satellite atomic clocks in GPS is not suitable. Satellite virtual atomic clocks are used to implement satellite navigation. With the satellite virtual atomic clocks, the time at which the signals are transmitted from the ground can be delayed into the time that the signals are transmitted from the satellites and the pseudorange measuring can be fulfilled as in GPS. Satellite virtual atomic clocks can implement the navigation, make a pseudorange difference, remove the ephemeris error, and improve the accuracy of navigation positioning. They not only provide a navigation system without satellite clocks, but also a navigation system with pseudorange difference. Supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2007CB815502) and the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2007AA12Z300)     

On the measurement of proper time in general relativity by means of atomic clocks

The quantity , which is called the proper time of a particle in the general theory of relativity, has the following meaning: it is the time measured by clocks moving with the particle. The question arises of how proper time is measured by real clocks. At present, atomic clocks are the most accurate, being stabilized by the frequency of intraatomic transitions. In the present paper, the stability of the reference frequency of such clocks is considered, i.e., the possible discrepancies between the proper time and the time measured by atomic clocks.Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 1, pp. 99–102, January, 1981.     

The abnormal influence of the partial solar eclipse on December 24th, 1992, on the time comparisons between atomic clocks

Summary During the partial solar eclipse on Dec. 24th, 1992, time comparisons between atomic clocks were made: direct comparisons between different clocks at one and the same station, clock transport comparisons, GPS comparisons and LOC comparisons. And it is concluded from the observations that solar eclipse exerts an influence on the rate of atomic clocks. Project Supported by the State Science and Technology Commission of China and by the National Natural Foundation of China.     

Gravitomagnetic Effect and Spin-Torsion Coupling

We study the gravitomagnetic effect in the context of absolute parallelism with the use of a modified geodesic equation via a free parameter b. We calculate the time difference in two atomic clocks orbiting the Earth in opposite directions and find a small correction due to the coupling between the torsion of space time and the internal structure of atomic clocks measured by the free parameter.     

The Optical Frequency Standards for the Realization of the Meter

Optical‐frequency standards with various levels of performance are indispensable in metrology and have many applications from length measurement to atomic clocks and much more. The evolution of optical‐frequency standards has been considerable. Originally introduced as primary realizations for the meter, they have evolved to optical clocks, which surpass the uncertainty and stability of microwave clocks. Herein, the status of the development of optical‐frequency standards as far as length metrology is concerned is reviewed, giving a broad overview of the historical context, as well as an outlook about future evolution.     

The analysis of time: Is the relativistic time unique?

Time is analyzed by considering the actual setup of clock system within the four-dimensional framework. We find that both relativistic time and universal time can be embedded in such a symmetry framework. Although Poincaré and Einstein both understood the meaning of Lorentz's local time in terms of sending light signals to calibrate clocks, they differed on a basic point: Einstein believed local time to be the necessary and unique time, while Poincaré admitted flexibility in the definitions of time and regarded local time as only a convention. The results of our analysis shed light on Poincaré's original idea concerning conventions of time and provide the conceptual basis for the formulation of a new four-dimensional symmetry with a universal time. We demonstrate that the one-way speeds of light measured by stable atomic clocks in rockets may not be isotropic, in contrast to the two-way speeds of light. Furthermore, atomic clocks can be used to set up a clock system which reads a universal (but not absolute) time.I dedicate this paper to the memory of my beloved father Hsu Mau-Yuen (1903–1977), whose understanding helped me to choose to work on physical problems. Part of the research was accomplished while I held an NRC Senior Resident Research Associateship.     

光晶格原子钟研究进展

钟跃迁频率在光学频段的光晶格原子钟已经实现了10-19 量级的频率稳定度和10-18 量级的频率不确定度, 在量子频标、 量子模拟和精密测量等领域有着重要的应用. 本文综述了光晶格原子钟的发展历史、 工作原理、 性能评估和应用与展望.     

Theoretical analysis of suppressing Dick effect in Ramsey-CPT atomic clock by interleaving lock

For most pulsed atomic clocks, the Dick effect is one of the main limits to reach its frequency stability limitation due to quantum projection noise. In this paper, we measure the phase noise of the local oscillator in the Ramsey-CPT atomic clock and calculate the Dick effect induced Allan deviation based on a three-level atomic model, which is quite different from typical atomic clocks. We further present a detailed analysis of optimizing the sensitivity function and minimizing the Dick effect by interleaving lock. By optimizing the duty circle of laser pulses, average time during detection and optical intensity of laser beam, the Dick effect induced Allan deviation can be reduced to the level of 10~(-14).     

Clocks in Weyl space-time

This paper deals with the usual methods for the construction of clocks as a first step in the direction of measurements in Weyl space-time. The atomic clocks constructed via atomic transitions, and the gravitational clocks constructed by the method of Marzke and Wheeler measure quantities with Weyl weights zero, whereas the Kundt and Hoffmann method for the construction of a clock was not found to be suitable. The atomic clocks are suitable for the chronometry and as a result of the chronometry it is shown that the Weyl space-time should be integrable.     

Analysis of iris-loaded resonance cavity in miniaturized maser

The size reduction of atomic clocks is a long-standing research issue. Many atomic clocks such as passive hydrogen masers(PHMs) and compact rubidium masers(CRMs) use iris-loaded resonance cavities(IRCs) as their microwave cavities because they can dramatically reduce the radical sizes of the atomic clocks. In this paper, the electromagnetic characteristic of the IRC is investigated by a theoretical model based on electromagnetic field theory. The formulas to calculate the resonance frequency, quality factor, and magnetic energy filling factor are presented. The relationship between the IRC structure and its electromagnetic characteristic is clarified. The theoretical calculation results accord well with the electromagnetic software simulations and experimental results. The results in this paper should be helpful in understanding the physical mechanism of the IRC and designing the atomic clocks.     

Coherent manipulation of atomic qubits in optical micropotentials

We experimentally demonstrate the coherent manipulation of atomic states in far-detuned dipole traps and registers of dipole traps based on two-dimensional arrays of microlenses. By applying Rabi, Ramsey, and spin-echo techniques, we systematically investigate the dephasing mechanisms and determine the coherence time. Simultaneous Ramsey measurements in up to 16 dipole traps are performed and prove the scalability of our approach. This represents an important step in the application of scalable registers of atomic qubits for quantum information processing. In addition, this system can serve as the basis for novel atomic clocks making use of the parallel operation of a large number of individual clocks each remaining separately addressable. PACS 03.67.Lx; 32.80.Pj; 42.50.-p     

从引力波探测中的压缩光到光原子钟

2020年度“墨子量子奖”授予量子精密测量领域,获奖科学家是Carlton Caves,香取秀俊和叶军.香取秀俊和叶军又获得2021年基础物理学突破奖.对于引力波探测中的量子噪声,Caves分析了海森堡不确定关系所带来的测量精度极限,并且提出用压缩光来克服这个极限.这个方法已经被探测引力波的激光干涉仪实际采用.原子钟基于原子中电子改变能量状态时,发射或吸收的电磁波,提供了最精确的时间和频率标准.与基于微波的原子钟相比.光原子钟,特别是光晶格上的大量原子,可以达到更好的精度.叶军的研究组将约1万个锶原子放在3维光晶格中,实现光原子钟,相对精度达到2.5×10^-19.香取秀俊的研究组搭建的两个可移动光原子钟,精度达到了5×10^-18,并用来测量了引力红移,达到地面测量的最好精度.     

Atomic clocks: A brief history and current status of research in India

Frequency corresponding to the energy difference between designated levels of an atom provides precise reference for making a universally accurate clock. Since the middle of the 20th century till now, there have been tremendous efforts in the field of atomic clocks making time the most accurately measured physical quantity. National Physical Laboratory India (NPLI) is the nation’s timekeeper and is developing an atomic fountain clock which will be a primary frequency standard. The fountain is currently operational and is at the stage of complete frequency evaluation. In this paper, a brief review on atomic time along with some of the recent results from the fountain clock will be discussed.     

氢原子钟壁移的测量和消除

指出了克服氢原子钟壁移问题的必要性. 给出了一种测量氢钟壁移的简易方法,讨论了减小壁移的技术. 该文的方法和技术有助于进一步改善氢原子钟的长期稳定度.     

Role of the multipolar black-body radiation shifts in the atomic clocks at the 10−18 uncertainty level

We present here an overview of the role of the multipolar black-body radiation (BBR) shifts in the single ion atomic clocks to appraise the anticipated 10^?18 uncertainty level. With an attempt to use the advanced technologies for reducing the instrumental uncertainties at the unprecedented low, it is essential to investigate contributions from the higher-order systematics to achieve the ambitious goal of securing the most precise clock frequency standard. In this context, we have analysed contributions to the BBR shifts from the multipolar polarizabilities in a few ion clocks.     

冷原子气体的时频测量——光晶格原子钟

基于冷原子气体的时频测量在近20年里快速发展,引起了人们的广泛关注,其典型代表是基于大量中性原子的光晶格原子钟。利用超稳钟激光同时探测囚禁在光晶格里成千上万个冷原子的钟跃迁信号,光晶格原子钟已实现10^-18量级的频率准确度和10^-17量级的秒级稳定度,大幅度提高了时频测量的精度。文章概述了光晶格原子钟的发展历史、工作原理、性能评估及应用前景。     

冷原子气体的时频测量——光晶格原子钟

基于冷原子气体的时频测量在近20年里快速发展,引起了人们的广泛关注,其典型代表是基于大量中性原子的光晶格原子钟。利用超稳钟激光同时探测囚禁在光晶格里成千上万个冷原子的钟跃迁信号,光晶格原子钟已实现10^-18量级的频率准确度和10^-17量级的秒级稳定度,大幅度提高了时频测量的精度。文章概述了光晶格原子钟的发展历史、工作原理、性能评估及应用前景。     

The Search for Variation of Fundamental Constants with Clocks

In many theories beyond the Standard Model the quantities that we call “fundamental constants” become space‐time dependent, leading to corresponding variation of atomic and molecular spectra and clock frequencies. The extraordinary improvement of the atomic clock precision in the past fifteen years enabled testing the constancy of the fundamental constant at a very high level of precision. Herein, searches for the variation of fundamental constants with clocks are discussed, focusing on recent key results and future proposals, including highly charged ion, molecular, and nuclear clocks. The relevance of the recent searches for oscillatory and transient variation of fundamental constants to the major unexplained phenomena of our Universe, the nature of dark matter, is discussed.     

Development of the quantum discriminator for compact atomic clock

In the Laboratory of Frequency Standards, Quantum Radiophysics Division, Lebedev Physical Institute, a compact atomic standard of frequency and time is being developed. The results of this study make it possible to achieve a narrower metrological resonance of coherent population trapping (CPT) than in developed foreign analogues of compact atomic clocks, which will have a direct effect on the standard stability. The effect of the combination of buffer gas and antirelaxation coating on the CPT amplitude and resonance width are studied; parameters of short-cavity diode lasers (SCDLs) specially developed in collaboration with the Polyus Research and Development Institute are studied. A prototype of the compact physical discriminator for the atomic clock is developed and assembled. The dark width of the metrological resonance in the discriminator is less than 1 kHz, which theoretically implies the development of a compact atomic clock with a stability (Allan parameter) no worse than 3 · 10⁻¹² per hour.