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NASA Tech Briefs

Improved Linear-Ion-Trap Frequency Standard

John D. Prestage

Published Mar 1, 1995• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

Improved design concept for linear-ion-trap (LIT) frequency-standard apparatus proposed. Apparatus contains lengthened linear ion trap, and ions processed alternately in two regions: ions prepared in upper region of trap, then transported to lower region for exposure to microwave radiation, then returned to upper region for optical interrogation. Improved design intended to increase long-term frequency stability of apparatus while reducing size, mass, and cost.

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A novel RF (Paul) ion trap apparatus, capable of providing extremely tight confinement is described. Strong localization of trapped ions reduces an important source of noise when using the ions as an optical frequency standard. Alternative cooling schemes, which provide stronger localization than conventional Doppler cooling are also discussed.>

Conference on Precision Electromagnetic Measurements•Dec 17, 2002•0 citations
Improved design concept for linear-ion-trap (LIT) frequency-standard apparatus proposed. Apparatus contains lengthened linear ion trap, and ions processed alternately in two regions: ions prepared in upper region of trap, then transported to lower region for exposure to microwave radiation, then returned to upper region for optical interrogation. Improved design intended to increase long-term frequency stability of apparatus while reducing size, mass, and cost.
This article describes the first operational results from the extended linear ion trap frequency standard now being developed at JPL. This new design separates the state selection/interrogation region from the more critical microwave resonance region where the multiplied local oscillator (LO) signal is compared to the stable atomic transition. Hg/sup +/ ions have been trapped, shuttled back and forth between the resonance and state selection traps. In addition, microwave transitions between the Hg/sup +/ clock levels have been driven in the resonance trap and detected in the state selection trap.
An optical clock or frequency standard based on the interrogation of an atomic transition in the optical domain, operates at ~1014Hz is capable of providing orders of magnitude better accuracy than the present primary standard of frequency or time operating in the microwave range. Optical transitions of an ions, confined within a radio frequency ion trap and laser cooled to ~mK temperature, provides better long term stability since they are free from Coulomb and intra-atomic interactions. Optical frequency standards have been realized with several ions, e.g.,199Hg+,171Yb+,115In+,88Sr+,40Ca+,27Al+and among those171Y+has multiple ultra-narrow optical transitions suitable for serving as frequency standards [1-2].