| Author(s): |
Richard W. Fox; Jeffrey A. Sherman; W. Douglas; Judith B. Olson; Andrew D. Ludlow; Christopher W. Oates; |
| Title: |
A high stability optical frequency reference based on thermal calcium atoms |
| Published: |
May 24, 2012 |
| Abstract: |
Here we report an imprecision below 10-14 with a simple, compact optical frequency standard based upon thermal calcium atoms. Using a Ramsey-Borde spectrometer we excite features with linewidths < 5 kHz for the 1S0-3P1 intercombination line at 657 nm. We have measured a fractional frequency instability below 6 x 10-15 at 1 s, with good prospects for still quieter performance. The key remaining issue is for this standard is how well first- and second-order Doppler drifts can be suppressed. Due to its experimental simplicity such a system could find application as a high stability reference for commercial applications. |
| Conference: |
2012 IEEE Frequency Control Symposium |
| Proceedings: |
Proceedings of 2012 IEEE Frequency Control Symposium |
| Pages: |
pp. 1 - 3 |
| Location: |
Baltimore, MD |
| Dates: |
May 21-24, 2012 |
| Keywords: |
frequency standards;optical clocks |
| Research Areas: |
Physics |
