Limitations on Long-Term Stability and Accuracy in Atomic Clocks

D.J. Wineland

Abstract:	The limits to accuracy and long-term stability in present atomic clocks are examined. In order to achieve a significant increase in performance, it appears that the limitations must be attacked on a fundamental level. For instance, the problem of residual first-order and second-order Doppler shifts has for many years been approached by asking how we can better measure these shifts. A more fundamental approach might be to ask how we can significantly lower the velocity of the atoms. An attempt will be made to put recent proposals for new frequency standards into perspective. The advantages and disadvantages of frequency standards based on such ideas as laser transitions, single atoms, and atom cooling are examined. In addition, the applicability of some of these new techniques to existing standards is discussed.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 11th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting November 27 - 29, 1979 Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland
Pages:	81 - 112
Cite this article:	Wineland, D.J., "Limitations on Long-Term Stability and Accuracy in Atomic Clocks," Proceedings of the 11th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Greenbelt, Maryland, November 1979, pp. 81-112.
Full Paper:	ION Members/Non-Members: 1 Download Credit Sign In