Operation of the NIST-F1 Cesium Fountain Primary Frequency Standard with a Maser Ensemble

Published

September 13, 2005

Author(s)

Thomas E. Parker, Steven R. Jefferts, Thomas P. Heavner, Elizabeth A. Donley

Abstract

The operation of a caesium fountain primary frequency standard is greatly influenced by the characteristics of two other important capabilities. The first is a stable frequency reference and the second is the frequency-transfer system. A stable frequency reference such as a hydrogen maser is a virtual necessity since essentially no fountain dead time can be tolerated without it. The frequency stability of this reference has a significant impact on the procedures for evaluating certain systematic biases in the fountain. State-of-the-art frequency transfer technology also is necessary if the fountain is intended to contribute to TAI, or to be compared to other remotely located frequency standards without excessive degradation of stated uncertainties. We discuss the facilities available at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and how they impact the operation of NIST-F1, the primary frequency standard at NIST.

Citation

Metrologia

Volume

42

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

cesium fountain, dead time, hydrogen maser, time transfer

Citation

Parker, T. , Jefferts, S. , Heavner, T. and Donley, E. (2005), Operation of the NIST-F1 Cesium Fountain Primary Frequency Standard with a Maser Ensemble, Metrologia, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=50144 (Accessed December 9, 2024)