Development of an Optically-pumped Cesium Standard at the Aerospace Corporation

Yat C. Chan

Abstract:	We have initiated a research program to study the performance of compact optically-pumped cesium (Cs) frequency standards, which have potential for future timekeeping applications in space. A Cs beam clock apparatus has been assembled. Basic functions of the frequency standard have been demonstrated. Clock signals are observed with optical pumping schemes using one or two hers. With two-laser pumping, we are able to selectively place up to 80% of the atomic population into one of the clock transition states. The observed pattern of the microwave clock signal indicates that the velocity distribution of the Cs atoms contributing to the microwave signal is beam-Maxwellian. Thus, in the optically-pumped Cs frequency standards, the entire Cs population in the atomic beam could be utilized to generate the clock signals. This k in contrast to the conventional Cs beam standards where only ~1% of the atoms in the beam are used. More efficient Cs consumption can lead to improved reliability and increased useful lifetime of the clock. Our preliminary results are summarized in this paper:
Published in:	Proceedings of the 23th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting December 3 - 5, 1991 Pasadena, California
Pages:	237 - 246
Cite this article:	Chan, Yat C., "Development of an Optically-pumped Cesium Standard at the Aerospace Corporation," Proceedings of the 23th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Pasadena, California, December 1991, pp. 237-246.
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