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John E. Kitching, Svenja A. Knappe, Li-Anne Liew, John Moreland, P Schwindt, V Shah, Vladislav Gerginov, Leo W. Hollberg
Abstract
Using microfabrication processes, we have been able to construct physics packages for vapour cell atomic frequency references 100¿ smaller than previously existing versions, with a corresponding reduction in power consumption. In addition, the devices offer the potential for wafer-level fabrication and assembly, which would substantially reduce manufacturing costs. It is anticipated that a complete frequency reference could be constructed based on these physics packages with a total volume below 1 cm3, a power dissipation near 30mW and a fractional frequency instability below 10−11 over time periods from hours to days. Such a device would enable the use of atomically precise timing in applications that require battery operation and portability, such as hand-held global positioning system receivers and wireless communication systems.
atomic clock, atomic frequency reference, coherent population trapping, MEMS, micromachining
Citation
Kitching, J.
, Knappe, S.
, Liew, L.
, Moreland, J.
, Schwindt, P.
, Shah, V.
, Gerginov, V.
and Hollberg, L.
(2005),
Microfabricated atomic frequency references, Metrologia, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=50026
(Accessed October 4, 2025)