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Physical Measurement Laboratory / Time and Frequency Division

Neutral Atom Optical Clocks Group

Projects/Programs

Displaying 1 - 5 of 5
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Bringing the SI to Global Atmospheric Greenhouse Gas Measurement

Ongoing
This multifaceted program leverages expertise in three complementary technical focus areas- all of which involve SI-traceable measurements of relevant atmospheric species such as carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor and oxygen. The efforts include gravimetrically based preparation of primary
Cryogenic sapphire optical cavity

Laser Stabilization and Coherence with Optical Resonators

Ongoing
First, coherent laser interrogation of the narrowband electronic ‘clock’ transition is required to realize the very high spectroscopic resolution that make optical clocks so precise. At the same time, phase fluctuations in the laser interrogation can compromise the frequency stability of the optical
BO+WKB model

Optical Clock Atomic Structure and Theory

Ongoing
This ticking rate (i.e., frequency) is associated with a transition between two quantum levels of the atom, where each level corresponds to a different configuration of the electrons around the nucleus. Atomic clocks derive their incredible accuracy and precision from the robust nature of atoms
yb optical clock

Yb Optical Lattice Clock

Ongoing
In recent years, optical clocks have achieved performance that is orders of magnitude beyond more traditional atomic clocks utilizing a microwave timebase. A particularly promising type of advanced optical clock is the optical lattice clock. At their heart, these systems use an ensemble of ultracold
atom chamber

Portable Optical Lattice Clock

Ongoing
These include a variety of navigation, communication, and remote sensing and imaging applications. The very best atomic clocks today, optical clocks, are among the most precise measurement devices of any kind. For example, the NIST ytterbium optical lattice clock can make frequency or time