Prospects for Ultra-Stable Timekeeping with Sealed Vacuum Operation in Multi-Pole Linear Ion Trap Standards

E. A. Burt and R. L. Tjoelker

Abstract:	A recent long-term comparison between the compensated multi-pole Linear Ion Trap Standard (LITS) and the laser-cooled primary standards via GPS carrier-phase time transfer showed a deviation of less than 2.7×10-17/day. A subsequent evaluation of potential drift contributors in the LITS showed that the leading candidates are fluctuations in background gases and the neon buffer gas. The current vacuum system employs a “flow-through” turbomolecular pump and a diaphragm fore-pump. Here, we consider the viability of a “sealed” vacuum system pumped by a non-evaporable getter for long-term ultra-stable clock operation. Initial tests suggest that both further stability improvement and longer mean-time-between maintenance can be achieved using this approach.
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:	309 - 316
Cite this article:	Burt, E. A., Tjoelker, R. L., "Prospects for Ultra-Stable Timekeeping with Sealed Vacuum Operation in Multi-Pole Linear Ion Trap Standards," Proceedings of the 39th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Meeting, Long Beach, California, November 2007, pp. 309-316.
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