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

Towards a compact Yb+ ion optical clock

Clément Lacroûte, Maël Souidi, Marion Delehaye, Pierre-Yves Bourgeois, Jacques Millo, Khaldoun Saleh, Emmanuel Bigler, Y. Kersalé

Published Oct 10, 2016• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

Optical atomic clocks are the world's most accurateinstruments. Even though they are still voluminous instruments, there is a needfor on-field measurements campaigns. I will first give a brief state-of-the-artof optical atomic clocks, and then review existing approaches towards therealization of transportable atomic clocks. Finally, I will introduce thedesign of our prototype surface electrode trap for optical frequency metrology. <!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 21 false false false FR X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>

Related papers

Using surface-electrodes ion traps for optical frequency metrology

Clément Lacroûte, Josipa Madunic, T. Lauprêtre +5 more

In this talk, I will briefly review state-of-the-art optical atomic clocks and their potential applications for field measurements. I will then present our transportable optical clock project and the progress made in the design and fabrication of surface-electrodes ion traps

•Oct 25, 2023•0 citations

Single-ion, transportable optical atomic clocks

Marion Delehaye, Clément Lacroûte

For the past 15 years, tremendous progress within the fields of laser stabilization, optical frequency combs and atom cooling and trapping have allowed the realization of optical atomic clocks with unrivaled performances. These instruments can perform frequency comparisons with fractional uncertainties well below 10-17, finding applications in fundamental physics tests, relativistic geodesy and time and frequency metrology. Even though most optical clocks are currently laboratory setups, several proposals for using these clocks for field measurements or within an optical clock network have been published, and most of time and frequency metrology institutes have started to develop transportable optical clocks. For the purpose of this special issue, we chose to focus on trapped-ion optical clocks. Even though their short-term fractional frequency stability is impaired by a lower signal-to-noise ratio, they offer a high potential for compactness: trapped ions demand low optical powers and simple loading schemes, and can be trapped in small vacuum chambers. We review recent advances on the clock key components, including ion trap and ultra-stable optical cavity, as well as existing projects and experiments which draw the picture of what future transportable, single-ion optical clocks may resemble.

arXiv:1804.02168•Journal of Modern Optics•Mar 7, 2018•42 citations

Progress on a Surface-Electrode Ion Trap for Optical Frequency Metrology

Marion Delehaye, Y. Kersalé, Clément Lacroûte +8 more

We present our latest results obtained with a surface-electrode ion trap designed for optical frequency metrology. A prototype trap, based on a simple geometry realized on a printed-circuit board, has been successfully used to trap single Yb+ions. Our long-term goal is the realization of a compact single-ion optical clock.

Joint Conference of the European Frequency and Time Forum and IEEE International Frequency Control Symposium (EFTF/IFCS)•Apr 1, 2019•0 citations

Optical atomic clocks: defining the future of time and frequency metrology

Tara M. Fortier, Andre Nicholas Luiten, Helen S. Margolis

Optical atomic clocks based on laser-cooled trapped ions and atoms have advanced rapidly over the past decade. With fractional frequency uncertainties now surpassing 10 −18 , they are some of the most precise measurement tools ever built. Yet researchers are still pursuing new avenues of research to explore the fundamental limits to their stability, accuracy, and reproducibility. In this mini-review, we provide a survey of the current state of the art by describing the fundamental principles and techniques that underpin this progress, the architectures used to realize optical clocks, and the supporting laser technologies that are essential to their operation. We also examine the progress that has been made toward a redefinition of the second in the International System of Units and the inclusion of optical clocks into the global time and frequency metrology infrastructure. Finally, we discuss emerging applications of optical clocks and look at the prospects for making their precision more readily accessible to end users.

Optica•Dec 10, 2025•17 citations

Heating rate measurements in a prototype surface-electrode trap for optical frequency metrology

Clément Lacroûte, T. Lauprêtre, Bachir Achi +4 more

In this talk, I will review our recent work on the development of a compact, optical atomic clock based on trapped Yb+ ions. We have developed a simple surface-electrodes microtrap designed towards optical frequency metrology. After reviewing the advantages of microtraps for single-ion optical clocks, I will show our experimental results of heating rate measurements with a simple prototype trap.

•Jun 20, 2022•0 citations

Compact Yb+optical atomic clock project: design principle and current status

Clément Lacroûte, Maël Souidi, Pierre-Yves Bourgeois +6 more

We present the design of a compact optical clock based on the 2 S 1/2 → 2 D 3/2 435.5 nm transition in 171 Yb + . The ion trap will be based on a micro-fabricated circuit, with surface electrodes generating a trapping potential to localize a single Yb ion a few hundred μ m from the electrodes. We present our trap design as well as simulations of the resulting trapping pseudo-potential. We also present a compact, multi-channel wavelength meter that will permit the frequency stabilization of the cooling, repumping and clear-out lasers at 369.5 nm, 935.2 nm and 638.6 nm needed to cool the ion. We use this wavelength meter to characterize and stabilize the frequency of extended cavity diode lasers at 369.5 nm and 638.6 nm.

arXiv:1603.05816•Journal of Physics Conference Series•Jun 1, 2016•20 citations
Optical atomic clocks are the world's most accurateinstruments. Even though they are still voluminous instruments, there is a needfor on-field measurements campaigns. I will first give a brief state-of-the-artof optical atomic clocks, and then review existing approaches towards therealization of transportable atomic clocks. Finally, I will introduce thedesign of our prototype surface electrode trap for optical frequency metrology. <!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 21 false false false FR X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
For the past 15 years, tremendous progress within the fields of laser stabilization, optical frequency combs and atom cooling and trapping have allowed the realization of optical atomic clocks with unrivaled performances. These instruments can perform frequency comparisons with fractional uncertainties well below 10-17, finding applications in fundamental physics tests, relativistic geodesy and time and frequency metrology. Even though most optical clocks are currently laboratory setups, several proposals for using these clocks for field measurements or within an optical clock network have been published, and most of time and frequency metrology institutes have started to develop transportable optical clocks. For the purpose of this special issue, we chose to focus on trapped-ion optical clocks. Even though their short-term fractional frequency stability is impaired by a lower signal-to-noise ratio, they offer a high potential for compactness: trapped ions demand low optical powers and simple loading schemes, and can be trapped in small vacuum chambers. We review recent advances on the clock key components, including ion trap and ultra-stable optical cavity, as well as existing projects and experiments which draw the picture of what future transportable, single-ion optical clocks may resemble.
Optical atomic clocks based on laser-cooled trapped ions and atoms have advanced rapidly over the past decade. With fractional frequency uncertainties now surpassing 10 −18 , they are some of the most precise measurement tools ever built. Yet researchers are still pursuing new avenues of research to explore the fundamental limits to their stability, accuracy, and reproducibility. In this mini-review, we provide a survey of the current state of the art by describing the fundamental principles and techniques that underpin this progress, the architectures used to realize optical clocks, and the supporting laser technologies that are essential to their operation. We also examine the progress that has been made toward a redefinition of the second in the International System of Units and the inclusion of optical clocks into the global time and frequency metrology infrastructure. Finally, we discuss emerging applications of optical clocks and look at the prospects for making their precision more readily accessible to end users.
We present the design of a compact optical clock based on the 2 S 1/2 → 2 D 3/2 435.5 nm transition in 171 Yb + . The ion trap will be based on a micro-fabricated circuit, with surface electrodes generating a trapping potential to localize a single Yb ion a few hundred μ m from the electrodes. We present our trap design as well as simulations of the resulting trapping pseudo-potential. We also present a compact, multi-channel wavelength meter that will permit the frequency stabilization of the cooling, repumping and clear-out lasers at 369.5 nm, 935.2 nm and 638.6 nm needed to cool the ion. We use this wavelength meter to characterize and stabilize the frequency of extended cavity diode lasers at 369.5 nm and 638.6 nm.