NIST-7, the U.S. Primary Frequency Standard: New Evaluation Techniques

R. E. Drullinger, J. H. Shirley, W. D. Lee

Abstract: Primary frequency standards achieve their accuracy by direct reference to the definition of the second and evaluation of all known sources of systematic error that may perturb the measured resonance in the atom. NIST-7, the U.S. primary frequency standard, is a thermal atomic-beam machine that uses optical pumping for atomic state preparation and detection, and digital frequency control. This technology enables the new evaluation techniques described here. All known systematic effects are determined by means of experiments not involving, or limited by, precision frequency measurements. This both speeds the evaluation and reduces the combined standard uncertainty. Its present value is 5x10^-15 for NIST-7.
Published in: Proceedings of the 28th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting
December 3 - 5, 1996
Hyatt Regency Reston Town Center
Reston, Virginia
Pages: 255 - 264
Cite this article: Drullinger, R. E., Shirley, J. H., Lee, W. D., "NIST-7, the U.S. Primary Frequency Standard: New Evaluation Techniques," Proceedings of the 28th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Reston, Virginia, December 1996, pp. 255-264.
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