Optical Lattice Clocks for Precision Time and Frequency Metrology

Masao Takamoto

In recent years, with such rapid progress in laser technology as optical frequency combs, stable laser

Hidetoshi Katori

Jérôme Lodewyck

Xibo Zhang, Jun Ye

Abstract Precision measurement and frequency metrology have pushed many scientific and technological frontiers in the field of atomic, molecular and optical physics. In this article, we provide a brief review on the recent development of optical atomic clocks, with an emphasis placed on the important inter-dependence between measurement precision and systematic effects. After presenting a general discussion on the motivation and techniques behind the development of optical lattice clocks, where the use of many atoms greatly enhances the measurement precision, we present the JILA strontium optical lattice clock as the leading system of frequency metrology with the lowest total uncertainty, and we describe other related research activities. We discuss key ingredients that have enabled the optical lattice clocks with ultracold atoms to reach the 18th digit in both precision and accuracy. Furthermore, we discuss extending the power of precision clock spectroscopy to study quantum many-body physics and to provide control for atomic quantum materials. In addition, we explore future research directions that have the potential to achieve even greater precision.

Masao Takamoto

Optical atomic clocks based on optical transitions have achieved a fractional uncertainty of 10−18, representing a two-order-of-magnitude improvement over caesium clocks. This remarkable progress has prompted ongoing discussions on redefining the SI second using optical standards. Beyond frequency metrology, such unprecedented precision enables new applications in fields ranging from relativistic geodesy to fundamental physics. To advance these possibilities, we have developed a transportable optical lattice clock and demonstrated its practical operation. In this presentation, we will outline the development of transportable optical lattice clocks and highlight their applications.

S. Bize