Preliminary Frequency Comparison of Two 40^Ca^＋ Optical Frequency Standards

Frequency comparison is one of the most efficient ways to evaluate the performance of a frequency standard. Based on the pre-existing 40^Ca＋ optical frequency standard, we set up the second 40^Ca^＋ optical frequency standard, which has been improved in the materials and structure of ion traps for better control of the magnetic field. After the compensation, the residual magnetic field at the position of the ion is adjusted to be～500nT with a long time jitter of～10nT, which is better than the pre-existing 40^Ca^＋ optical frequency standard. We realize the ＇4-point-closed-loop locking＇ on the second 40^Ca＋ optical frequency standard after a series of preparatory works. Through half an hour of measurement time, the two frequency standards exhibited a stability of 2.1 × 10^-13.τ^1/2 and a relative frequency difference of 1.5 （2.9）Hz.     

Determining the structural phase transition point from the temperature of ~（40）Ca~＋ Coulomb crystal

We observed the linear-to-zigzag structural phase transition of a ^40Ca^＋ crystal in a homemade linear Paul trap. The values of the total temperature of the ion crystals during the phase transition are derived using the molecular-dynamics（MD） simulation method. A series of simulations revealed that the ratio of the radial to axial secular frequencies has a dependence on the total temperature that obeys different functional forms for linear and zigzag structures, and the transition point occurs where these functions intersect; thus, the critical value of the ratio of secular frequencies that drives the structure phase transition can be derived.     

Optimization of endcap trap for single-ion manipulation

Potential distribution is an important characteristic for evaluating the performance of an ion trap. Here, we analyze and optimize the potential distribution of an endcap ion trap for single-ion trapping.We obtain an optimal endcap radius of225 μm–250 μm, endcap-shield gap of ～ 250 μm, and inter-endcap distance of 540 μm–590 μm. The simulation method for analysis can also be applied to other ion traps, which is useful for improving the design and assembly of ion traps.     

Relationship measurement between ac-Stark shift of ~(40)Ca~+ clock transition and laser polarization direction

Ac-Stark shift of atom levels is caused by an ac-electromagnetic field. As an electromagnetic wave, laser light does induce ac-Stark shift. It is proved experimentally that if the light is linearly polarized, the dynamic polarizability changes with polarization direction. The polarization direction of the linearly-polarized laser is tuned by 720?, and the ac-Stark shifts of the 4S_(1/2),m=±1/2→3D_(5/2,m=±1/2) clock transitions in ~(40)Ca~+ are measured in steps of 10?. The frequency shifts change with laser polarization in a periodical manner and have values opposite to each other.     

光钟的发展和应用

 原子频标（原子频率标准的简称）是利用量子力学原理制成的高稳定度和高准确度的频率、时间信号产生系统（成为一个装置时又称为原子钟）。通俗地说，原子钟就像一个计时器一样，记录着时间的流逝。而今天所说的光钟，作为原子钟的一员，顾名思义，就是利用光学频率作参考的原子钟。