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

Conference on Precision Electromagnetic Measurements

Frequency stability characterisation of a strontium trapped ion optical frequency standard

G. P. Barwood, Patrick Robert Gill, Guozheng Huang, Hugh A. Klein

Published Jun 1, 2008• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Two 674-nm optical frequency standards based on the2S1/2-2D5/2transition in88Sr+are under development at NPL. Comparison of the standards allows determination of the frequency stability and reproducibility via difference frequency measurements. A relative frequency stability between the traps of ap3times10-15over a 100 s averaging time has been observed. A compact, transportable system is also being developed, which could find application in ground stations or as an optical frequency clock in space.

DOI
10.1109/cpem.2008.4574653

Related papers

Single Trapped Ions for Optical Frequency Standards

Hugh A. Klein, G. P. Barwood, Patrick Robert Gill +1 more

A number of laboratories are working towards developing optical frequency standards based on single trapped ions. The options are briefly reviewed. Recent progress using the singly ionised strontium system at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is outlined. A comparison of the frequency of the 2 S 1/2 – 2 D 5/2 transition at 674 nm in 88 Sr + , observed simultaneously in two traps, showed agreement at the 3 parts in 10 13 level. The possibility of cooling and probing 87 Sr + has recently been proposed because it offers a 674 nm transition between m F = 0 levels which is independent of magnetic field to first order. Trapping of 87 Sr + ions prepared using an oven containing an isotopically enriched strontium compound has been demonstrated at NPL.

Physica Scripta•Jan 1, 2000•6 citations

Extended precision measurements of a strontium single ion optical frequency standard and its development as an optical atomic clock

Alan A. Madej, P. Dubé, J. E. Bernard +4 more

We describe the recent advances of the NRC single ion based optical frequency standard using the 445-THz S-D transition in88Sr+. Laser cooled confinement and probing of the clock transition has been obtained for periods exceeding 24 hours showing high levels of stability. Spectral resolutions better than 5 Hz at 445 THz have been obtained. Work is described on the development of an improved ion trap system and the continuous linkage of the optical frequency to the RF domain using a fiber based frequency comb.

Conference on Precision Electromagnetic Measurements•Jun 1, 2008•0 citations

Trapped Ion Optical Clocks at NPL

Helen S. Margolis, G. P. Barwood, K. Hosaka +7 more

Forbidden transitions in single laser‐cooled trapped ions provide highly stable and accurate references for optical frequency standards. This paper describes recent progress on strontium and ytterbium ion optical frequency standards under development at NPL.

AIP conference proceedings•Jan 1, 2006•5 citations

Study for a 43Ca+ Optical Frequency Standard

K. Matsubara, Kenji Toyoda, Y. Li +5 more

The authors proceed with a research and development of an optical frequency standard based on the2S1/2-2D5/2transition of43Ca+in a RF trap. For this purpose, motional sidebands of a single40Ca+ion were observed and a stable laser-diode system for spectroscopy of43Ca+are being developed

Conference on Precision Electromagnetic Measurements•Jun 1, 2004•3 citations

Optical frequency standards and clocks based on single trapped ions

Helen S. Margolis, G. P. Barwood, Kazumoto Hosaka +6 more

Forbidden transitions in single laser-cooled trapped ions provide highly stable and accurate references for optical frequency standards. This paper describes recent progress on strontium and ytterbium ion optical frequency standards under development at NPL.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics•Jan 1, 2006•0 citations

Progress towards a strontium optical lattice clock at NPL

Elizabeth M. Bridge, Ian R. Hill, Yuri B. Ovchinnikov +3 more

The1S0-3P0transition at 698 nm in neutral strontium has the potential to be an extremely precise optical frequency standard [1] and is one of several candidates for a future redefinition of the second. Recent measurements of this transition at three national laboratories around the world have fractional frequency uncertainties in the 1015range and agree to within a hertz [2,3,4]. To realise fully the potential accuracy of this frequency standard, in depth studies of systematic effects need to be performed in order to characterise them at the level necessary for a redefinition of the second. At the National Physical Laboratory we are developing a compact, diode laser based optical lattice clock. We intend to study the clock transition in both88Sr and87Sr with focus on the uncertainties in the frequency shifts due to blackbody radiation. The setup incorporates a novel permanent magnet based Zeeman slower [5].

European Frequency and Time Forum•Apr 1, 2010•0 citations
Two 674-nm optical frequency standards based on the2S1/2-2D5/2transition in88Sr+are under development at NPL. Comparison of the standards allows determination of the frequency stability and reproducibility via difference frequency measurements. A relative frequency stability between the traps of ap3times10-15over a 100 s averaging time has been observed. A compact, transportable system is also being developed, which could find application in ground stations or as an optical frequency clock in space.
A number of laboratories are working towards developing optical frequency standards based on single trapped ions. The options are briefly reviewed. Recent progress using the singly ionised strontium system at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is outlined. A comparison of the frequency of the 2 S 1/2 – 2 D 5/2 transition at 674 nm in 88 Sr + , observed simultaneously in two traps, showed agreement at the 3 parts in 10 13 level. The possibility of cooling and probing 87 Sr + has recently been proposed because it offers a 674 nm transition between m F = 0 levels which is independent of magnetic field to first order. Trapping of 87 Sr + ions prepared using an oven containing an isotopically enriched strontium compound has been demonstrated at NPL.
We describe the recent advances of the NRC single ion based optical frequency standard using the 445-THz S-D transition in88Sr+. Laser cooled confinement and probing of the clock transition has been obtained for periods exceeding 24 hours showing high levels of stability. Spectral resolutions better than 5 Hz at 445 THz have been obtained. Work is described on the development of an improved ion trap system and the continuous linkage of the optical frequency to the RF domain using a fiber based frequency comb.
The1S0-3P0transition at 698 nm in neutral strontium has the potential to be an extremely precise optical frequency standard [1] and is one of several candidates for a future redefinition of the second. Recent measurements of this transition at three national laboratories around the world have fractional frequency uncertainties in the 1015range and agree to within a hertz [2,3,4]. To realise fully the potential accuracy of this frequency standard, in depth studies of systematic effects need to be performed in order to characterise them at the level necessary for a redefinition of the second. At the National Physical Laboratory we are developing a compact, diode laser based optical lattice clock. We intend to study the clock transition in both88Sr and87Sr with focus on the uncertainties in the frequency shifts due to blackbody radiation. The setup incorporates a novel permanent magnet based Zeeman slower [5].