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Joint Conference of the European Frequency and Time Forum and IEEE International Frequency Control Symposium (EFTF/IFCS)

The cesium physics package design for the PARCS experiment

Eric A. Burt, William M. Klipstein, Steven R. Jefferts

Published Apr 12, 2005• 2 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The primary atomic reference clock in space (PARCS) is a collaboration between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the University of Colorado to build a laser-cooled cesium-beam atomic clock as a science payload for the International Space Station (ISS). The three primary goals of the PARCS experiment are: (1) to demonstrate laser cooling of atoms in space; (2) to use laser cooling to build the most accurate space clock; (3) to use the clock to test fundamental assumptions and predictions of relativity theory. We discuss aspects of the PARCS cesium physics package subsystem design addressing magnetic, microwave and vacuum requirements as well as operational scenarios.

DOI
10.1109/freq.2004.1418431

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The primary atomic reference clock in space (PARCS) is a collaboration between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the University of Colorado to build a laser-cooled cesium-beam atomic clock as a science payload for the International Space Station (ISS). The three primary goals of the PARCS experiment are: (1) to demonstrate laser cooling of atoms in space; (2) to use laser cooling to build the most accurate space clock; (3) to use the clock to test fundamental assumptions and predictions of relativity theory. We discuss aspects of the PARCS cesium physics package subsystem design addressing magnetic, microwave and vacuum requirements as well as operational scenarios.
The PARCS (Primary Atomic Reference Clock in Space) project is a joint NIST-JPL-University of Colorado venture aimed at placing a cesium (Cs) atomic clock aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This orbiting clock will achieve high accuracy, in part due to the long Ramsey times afforded by the microgravity environment, and allow for precision tests of fundamental physics including relativity theory. As part of this effort, we are evaluating the characteristics of a prototype cold Cs source based on launching atoms from an optical molasses. The apparatus described will be used to develop other PARCS components such as the microwave cavity structure and detection systems, and to investigate two-dimensional cooling schemes for future Cs fountains and space clocks.
The PARCS (Primary Atomic Reference Clock in Space) project is a joint NIST-JPL-University of Colorado venture aimed at placing a cesium (CS) atomic clock aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This orbiting clock will achieve high accuracy, in part due to the long Ramsey times afforded by the microgravity environment, and allow for precision tests of fundamental physics including relativity theory. As part of this effort, we are evaluating the characteristics of a prototype cold CS source based on launching atoms from an optical molasses. The apparatus described here will be used to develop other PARCS components such as the microwave cavity structure and detection systems, and to investigate two-dimensional cooling schemes for future CS fountains and space clocks.
The Primary Atomic Reference Clock in Space (PARCS) project is a joint NIST-JPL-University of Colorado venture aimed at placing a Cs atomic clock aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This orbiting clock will achieve high accuracy, in part due to the long Ramsey times afforded by the microgravity environment, and allow for precision tests of fundamental physics including relativity theory. As part of this effort, we are evaluating the characteristics of a prototype cold Cs source based on launching atoms from an optical molasses. Experimental results, in conjunction with theoretical modeling of atom flux requirements, will be applied to the design and construction of a robust, space-qualified device. The apparatus described here will be used to develop other PARCS components such as the microwave cavity structure and detection systems, and to investigate two-dimensional cooling schemes for future Cs fountains and space clocks.
The PARCS (Primary Atomic Reference Clock in Space) project is a joint NIST JPL venture aimed at placing a Cs atomic clock aboard the International Space Station. This orbiting clock will achieve high accuracies in part due to the long Ramsey times afforded by the microgravity environment. The clock will allow a wide range of precision tests of fundamental physics including relativity theory. Our group at NIST is performing experimental studies of a "prototype" cold Cs source based on launching atoms from optical molasses. The results of our work will be applied to the design and construction of a robust, space qualified device. Additionally, this work is important for the development of future Cs fountains. We describe our apparatus, the present state of our experimental work, and planned improvements.
In this paper we describe key aspects of the conceptual design of the microwave interrogation structure in the laser-cooled cesium frequency standard that is part of the primary atomic reference clock in space (PARCS) experiment. The PARCS standard uses balls of cold atoms launched in a pulsed beam configuration. The microwave interrogation will take place in two independent high-Q (/spl sim/20,000) cavities operated in the TE/sub 011/ mode. The cavities will be operated off resonance by several linewidths, with a resonant coupling structure delivering the microwave to the two cavities. One persistent problem related to the end-to-end phase shift has been the extreme temperature sensitivity of the phase of inside the cavities to that just outside the cavities. The end-to-end phase shift must ultimately be known to around 3 microradians, and stable long enough to allow measurement of the shift as well as to allow normal clock operation. Operating the cavities off resonance reduces this sensitivity more strongly than reducing the cavity Q.
Summary form only given. The long observation times afforded by laser cooling of neutral atoms ushered in a new era of accuracy and stability for cesium atomic clocks. Traditional thermal beam atomic clocks are limited to interaction times of only a few milliseconds, while with laser cooling times of order 1 second have been realized with high stability. Most laser cooled clocks use a "fountain" geometry, in which the atoms are thrown up against the pull of gravity and realize longer times before falling back to the bottom of the apparatus. We have been developing a laser-cooling apparatus for flight on the International Space Station (ISS), with the intention of demonstrating linewidths of the cesium clock transition narrower than can be realized on the ground.