Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Cryogenics

Space applications of superconductivity: resonators for high stability oscillators and other applications

Samuel R. Stein

Published Jul 1, 1980• 17 citations
Publisher
DOI
10.1016/s0011-2275(80)80046-4

Related papers

Oscillators utilizing superconducting resonators

Jack L. Stone, WILLIAM H. HARTWIG

•Jan 1, 1967•1 citation

Precise Frequency Measurements Using a Superconducting Cavity Stabilized Oscillator

D. M. Strayer, N.-C. Yeh, Wencai Jiang +2 more

Many physics experiments call on improved resolution to better define the experimental results, thus improving tests of theories. Modern microwave technology combined with high-Q resonators can achieve frequency readout and control with resolutions up to a part in 10(exp 18). When the physical quantity in question in the experiment can be converted to a frequency or a change in frequency, a high-stability microwave oscillator can be applied to obtain state-of-the-art precision. In this work we describe the overall physical concepts and the required experimental procedures for optimizing a high-resolution frequency measurement system that employs a high-Q superconducting microwave cavity and a low-noise frequency synthesizer. The basic approach is to resolve the resonant frequencies of a high-Q (Q > 10(exp 10)) cavity to extremely high precision (one part in 10(exp 17)- 10(exp 18)). Techniques for locking the synthesizer frequency to a resonant frequency of the superconducting cavity to form an ultra-stable oscillator are described. We have recently set up an ultra-high-vacuum high-temperature annealing system to process superconducting niobium cavities, and have been able to consistently achieve Q > 10(exp 9). We have integrated high-Q superconducting cavities with a low-noise microwave synthesizer in a phase-locked-loop to verify the frequency stability of the system. Effects that disturb the cavity resonant frequency (such as the temperature fluctuations and mechanical vibrations) and methods to mitigate those effects are also considered. Applicability of these techniques to experiments will be discussed, and our latest experimental progress in achieving high-resolution frequency measurements using the superconducting-cavity-stabilized-oscillator will be presented.

•Jan 1, 1999•0 citations

Miniature atomic clock for space applications

Lute Maleki, Anatoliy A. Savchenkov, Wei Ge Liang +4 more

This paper presents a novel architecture for a high performance atomic clock based on the use of miniature optical whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators. Following the approach of stabilizing a laser local oscillator to an optical transition in an atom or ion, as used in advanced atomic clock, a semiconductor laser is used for stabilization to the D1 line of Rb atoms, held in a small vapor cell. The laser is self-injection locked to a WGM resonator to reduce its linewidth. To produce the RF output of the clock, a second WGM resonator excited with a second cw semiconductor laser produces an optical frequency comb that is demodulated on a fast photodiode. Locking the resonator that generates the frequency comb to the laser stabilized to the Rb transition transfers the stability of the atomic transition to the RF output of the clock. In this way, a miniature all-optical atomic clock is realized. Details of the operation of the clock and application of the architecture to other atomic systems, such as a ytterbium ion, will be described.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Sep 1, 2015•3 citations

Space applications of superconductivity: microwave and infrared detectors

C.A. Hamilton

Cryogenics•May 1, 1980•24 citations

Space applications of superconductivity: digital electronics

R. Harris

Cryogenics•Apr 1, 1980•15 citations

A superconducting microwave oscillator clock for use on the Space Station

Saps Buchman, John P. Turneaure, JOHN A. LIPA +3 more

The International Space Station provides an ideal platform for high precision frequency measurements, both as applied to scientific experiments and as regards basic time metrology. Consequently, a variety of clocks are being developed for flight on the Space Station, a majority of which are atomic clocks with very good stability for time periods in excess of 1,000 seconds. We plan to significantly augment the scope and capability of the ensemble of space clocks by adding to it SUperconducting Microwave Oscillator, SUMO. SUMO is a space version of the superconducting cavity stabilized oscillator, SCSO; the most precise clock developed to date for the interval range of around 100seconds. Short descriptions are given of the SUMO project and the SCSO technology and the principal disturbances causing frequency fluctuations are outlined. The planned improvements to the SCSO and preliminary results of the development work for SUMO are also highlighted.

Joint Conference of the European Frequency and Time Forum and IEEE International Frequency Control Symposium (EFTF/IFCS)•Nov 27, 2002•15 citations
Many physics experiments call on improved resolution to better define the experimental results, thus improving tests of theories. Modern microwave technology combined with high-Q resonators can achieve frequency readout and control with resolutions up to a part in 10(exp 18). When the physical quantity in question in the experiment can be converted to a frequency or a change in frequency, a high-stability microwave oscillator can be applied to obtain state-of-the-art precision. In this work we describe the overall physical concepts and the required experimental procedures for optimizing a high-resolution frequency measurement system that employs a high-Q superconducting microwave cavity and a low-noise frequency synthesizer. The basic approach is to resolve the resonant frequencies of a high-Q (Q > 10(exp 10)) cavity to extremely high precision (one part in 10(exp 17)- 10(exp 18)). Techniques for locking the synthesizer frequency to a resonant frequency of the superconducting cavity to form an ultra-stable oscillator are described. We have recently set up an ultra-high-vacuum high-temperature annealing system to process superconducting niobium cavities, and have been able to consistently achieve Q > 10(exp 9). We have integrated high-Q superconducting cavities with a low-noise microwave synthesizer in a phase-locked-loop to verify the frequency stability of the system. Effects that disturb the cavity resonant frequency (such as the temperature fluctuations and mechanical vibrations) and methods to mitigate those effects are also considered. Applicability of these techniques to experiments will be discussed, and our latest experimental progress in achieving high-resolution frequency measurements using the superconducting-cavity-stabilized-oscillator will be presented.
This paper presents a novel architecture for a high performance atomic clock based on the use of miniature optical whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators. Following the approach of stabilizing a laser local oscillator to an optical transition in an atom or ion, as used in advanced atomic clock, a semiconductor laser is used for stabilization to the D1 line of Rb atoms, held in a small vapor cell. The laser is self-injection locked to a WGM resonator to reduce its linewidth. To produce the RF output of the clock, a second WGM resonator excited with a second cw semiconductor laser produces an optical frequency comb that is demodulated on a fast photodiode. Locking the resonator that generates the frequency comb to the laser stabilized to the Rb transition transfers the stability of the atomic transition to the RF output of the clock. In this way, a miniature all-optical atomic clock is realized. Details of the operation of the clock and application of the architecture to other atomic systems, such as a ytterbium ion, will be described.
The International Space Station provides an ideal platform for high precision frequency measurements, both as applied to scientific experiments and as regards basic time metrology. Consequently, a variety of clocks are being developed for flight on the Space Station, a majority of which are atomic clocks with very good stability for time periods in excess of 1,000 seconds. We plan to significantly augment the scope and capability of the ensemble of space clocks by adding to it SUperconducting Microwave Oscillator, SUMO. SUMO is a space version of the superconducting cavity stabilized oscillator, SCSO; the most precise clock developed to date for the interval range of around 100seconds. Short descriptions are given of the SUMO project and the SCSO technology and the principal disturbances causing frequency fluctuations are outlined. The planned improvements to the SCSO and preliminary results of the development work for SUMO are also highlighted.