Status of Local Oscillators for Operating Ultra-High Resolution Frequency Discriminators as Frequency Standards

R.F.C. Vessot, E. M. Mattison, M.W. Levine, R.L. Walsworth

Abstract: The operation of new improved frequency standards based on new ultra-high-resolution frequency discriminators requires high stability local, or 'fIywheel" oscillators. We review the spectral dens* of phase fluctuations of existing flywheel oscillators and the related time domain frequency stability of new and proposed cryogenically cooled oscillators suitable for this application. Presently used devices include the quartz crystal oscillator, the room-temperature actively oscillating atomic hydrogen (H) maser and the superconducting maser oscillator. Future devices include the cryogenic H-maser and other cryogenic devices using resonators of superconducting metal or solid crystalline sapphire. The relation of the phase spectral density of these devices to the characteristics of present and proposed frequency discriminators based on trapped cooled ions and cold atoms is discussed in terns of their operation as frequency standards.
Published in: Proceedings of the 24th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting
December 1 - 3, 1992
Ritz-Carlton Hotel
McLean, Virginia
Pages: 209 - 220
Cite this article: Vessot, R.F.C., Mattison, E. M., Levine, M.W., Walsworth, R.L., "Status of Local Oscillators for Operating Ultra-High Resolution Frequency Discriminators as Frequency Standards," Proceedings of the 24th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, McLean, Virginia, December 1992, pp. 209-220.
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