Precision Timekeeping Using a Small Passive Hydrogen Maser

F.L. Walls, D.A. Howe

Abstract: The timekeeping ability of a prototype small passive hydrogen maser developed at NBS was recently compared to UTC(NBS) based on 10 cesium frequency standards including a large primary standard, NBS-4. The frequency of the passive maser was monitored as a function of source pressure, cavity temperature, microwave power, modulation width, and magnetic field. Based on these measurements one would expect a frequency stability of better than 6 x 10+ over many days, implying a timekeeping ability of order 0.5 ns/day. Measurements vs. UTC(NBS) indicate a joint timekeeping stability of order 1.2 ns/day.
Published in: Proceedings of the 12th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting
December 2 - 4, 1980
Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland
Pages: 785 - 804
Cite this article: Walls, F.L., Howe, D.A., "Precision Timekeeping Using a Small Passive Hydrogen Maser," Proceedings of the 12th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Greenbelt, Maryland, December 1980, pp. 785-804.
Full Paper: ION Members/Non-Members: 1 Download Credit
Sign In