Atomic Clocks Research in The Aerospace Corporation Chemistry and Physics Laboratory

R.P. Frueholz, N.D. Bhaskar, J.C. Camparo, B. Jaduszliwer, C.M. Klimcak

Abstract:	One role of The Aerospace Corporation is to act as a source of technical and scientific expertise for its principal customer, the United States Air Force Space Division. In support of this role the Corporation's Chemistry and Physics Laboratory conducts a research program investigating various aspects of atomic frequency standards. The prime objective of the program is to improve the reliability and performance of the atomic frequency standards used on Air Force satellites. In meeting this objective the investigations maintain broad expertise across the range of traditional standards, rubidium and cesium, as well as developing expertise in standards with potential satellite applications, for example the hydrogen maser and the stored-ion standard. Several areas associated with improving the performance and reliability of the rubidium standard are under investigation: analytical modelling of clock frequency stability, the origins of frequency drift, advanced, laser-based optical pumping techniques, and discharge lamp reliability. Our prime concern with the cesium standard involves improving the reliability of compact, satellite compatible designs. Topics currently being studied include: graphite gettering of expended cesium, electron multiplier gain decay processes, and cesium oven performance. Investigations aimed at improving hydrogen maser performance include study of the motional narrowing process which yields the narrow hyperfine resonance feature upon which maser operation is based and characterization of hydrogen dissociator performance in terms of hydrogen consumption and the velocity distribution of the emitted hydrogen atoms.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 18th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting December 2 - 4, 1986 DuPont Plaza Hotel Washington, DC
Pages:	11 - 35
Cite this article:	Frueholz, R.P., Bhaskar, N.D., Camparo, J.C., Jaduszliwer, B., Klimcak, C.M., "Atomic Clocks Research in The Aerospace Corporation Chemistry and Physics Laboratory," Proceedings of the 18th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Washington, DC, December 1986, pp. 11-35.
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