A Systems-Level Analysis of the JHU/APL Time and Frequency Laboratory

Mihran Miranian, Gregory L. Weaver, Richard Dragonette, and Matthew J. Reinhart

Abstract:	In past years, we have reported on continuous improvement in the operation of the master clock of our Time and Frequency Laboratory at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. We have discussed our ensemble of hydrogen maser and cesium beam atomic frequency standards into an autonomous timescale that maintains UTC (JHU/APL) within ± 20 ns per month of UTC. This year, since completing the major aspects of our laboratory refurbishment, we have undertaken systems analysis toward optimization and improved timekeeping. In our paper, we will describe the system of clocks, control mechanisms, and their relationship that maintain our laboratory’s accuracy. One outcome will describe the determination of our worst performing clock through frequency characterization and the performance improvement in the UTC (JHU/APL) timescale through selectively weighting its contribution.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 39th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Meeting November 27 - 29, 2007 Hyatt Regency Long Beach Long Beach, California
Pages:	131 - 138
Cite this article:	Miranian, Mihran, Weaver, Gregory L., Dragonette, Richard, Reinhart, Matthew J., "A Systems-Level Analysis of the JHU/APL Time and Frequency Laboratory," Proceedings of the 39th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Meeting, Long Beach, California, November 2007, pp. 131-138.
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