Progress Toward an Neutral Yb Frequency Standard

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cramer, Claire; Hong, Tao; Nagourney, Warren; Fortson, Norval

2004-05-01

We report recent progress toward a direct observation of the ^1S_0^ -- ^3P0 clock transition at 578 nm in atomic Yb and review the experimental path to an optical frequency standard based on neutral Yb confined in a Stark-free optical lattice. Lamb-Dicke confinement in an optical lattice at the ``magic wavelength'' (λ _M) at which ground and excited state light shifts cancel will free the spectrum from Doppler and recoil shifts, providing an optimal environment for a clock consisting of an ensemble of cold, trapped atoms. In^171Yb the ^3P0 level has a hfs induced lifetime of 21 s. With this isotope in a Stark-free lattice at λ M ng 750 nm, perturbations to the clock energy levels can be held below the mHz level, providing an accuracy of a few parts in 10^18[1]. To observe the clock transition we use a shelving scheme that creates a leak in a MOT on the ^1S_0^ -- ^1P1 transition. A laser resonant with the clock transition drives atoms into the ^3P0 state, in which they can escape the MOT, leading to an observable decrease in MOT fluorescence. [1] S. Porsev and A. Derevianko, to be published in PRA

Mapping the magnetic field vector in a fountain clock

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gertsvolf, Marina; Marmet, Louis

2011-12-15

We show how the mapping of the magnetic field vector components can be achieved in a fountain clock by measuring the Larmor transition frequency in atoms that are used as a spatial probe. We control two vector components of the magnetic field and apply audio frequency magnetic pulses to localize and measure the field vector through Zeeman spectroscopy.

Atomic Clock Based on Opto-Electronic Oscillator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maleki, Lute; Yu, Nan

2005-01-01

A proposed highly accurate clock or oscillator would be based on the concept of an opto-electronic oscillator (OEO) stabilized to an atomic transition. Opto-electronic oscillators, which have been described in a number of prior NASA Tech Briefs articles, generate signals at frequencies in the gigahertz range characterized by high spectral purity but not by longterm stability or accuracy. On the other hand, the signals generated by previously developed atomic clocks are characterized by long-term stability and accuracy but not by spectral purity. The proposed atomic clock would provide high spectral purity plus long-term stability and accuracy a combination of characteristics needed to realize advanced developments in communications and navigation. In addition, it should be possible to miniaturize the proposed atomic clock. When a laser beam is modulated by a microwave signal and applied to a photodetector, the electrical output of the photodetector includes a component at the microwave frequency. In atomic clocks of a type known as Raman clocks or coherent-population-trapping (CPT) clocks, microwave outputs are obtained from laser beams modulated, in each case, to create two sidebands that differ in frequency by the amount of a hyperfine transition in the ground state of atoms of an element in vapor form in a cell. The combination of these sidebands produces a transparency in the population of a higher electronic level that can be reached from either of the two ground-state hyperfine levels by absorption of a photon. The beam is transmitted through the vapor to a photodetector. The components of light scattered or transmitted by the atoms in the two hyperfine levels mix in the photodetector and thereby give rise to a signal at the hyperfine- transition frequency. The proposed atomic clock would include an OEO and a rubidium- or cesium- vapor cell operating in the CPT/Raman regime (see figure). In the OEO portion of this atomic clock, as in a typical prior OEO, a laser beam would pass through an electro-optical modulator, the modulated beam would be fed into a fiber-optic delay line, and the delayed beam would be fed to a photodetector. The electrical output of the photodetector would be detected, amplified, filtered, and fed back to the microwave input port of the modulator. The laser would be chosen to have the same wavelength as that of the pertinent ground-state/higher-state transition of the atoms in the vapor. The modulator/ filter combination would be designed to operate at the microwave frequency of the hyperfine transition. Part of the laser beam would be tapped from the fiberoptic loop of the OEO and introduced into the vapor cell. After passing through the cell, this portion of the beam would be detected differentially with a tapped portion of the fiber-optically-delayed beam. The electrical output of the photodetector would be amplified and filtered in a loop that would control a DC bias applied to the modulator. In this manner, the long-term stability and accuracy of the atomic transition would be transferred to the OEO.

Innovation and reliability of atomic standards for PTTI applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kern, R.

1981-01-01

Innovation and reliability in hyperfine frequency standards and clock systems are discussed. Hyperfine standards are defined as those precision frequency sources and clocks which use a hyperfine atomic transition for frequency control and which have realized significant commercial production and acceptance (cesium, hydrogen, and rubidium atoms). References to other systems such as thallium and ammonia are excluded since these atomic standards have not been commercially exploited in this country.

Absolute measurement of the 1S0 − 3P0 clock transition in neutral 88Sr over the 330 km-long stabilized fibre optic link

PubMed Central

Morzyński, Piotr; Bober, Marcin; Bartoszek-Bober, Dobrosława; Nawrocki, Jerzy; Krehlik, Przemysław; Śliwczyński, Łukasz; Lipiński, Marcin; Masłowski, Piotr; Cygan, Agata; Dunst, Piotr; Garus, Michał; Lisak, Daniel; Zachorowski, Jerzy; Gawlik, Wojciech; Radzewicz, Czesław; Ciuryło, Roman; Zawada, Michał

2015-01-01

We report a stability below 7 × 10−17 of two independent optical lattice clocks operating with bosonic 88Sr isotope. The value (429 228 066 418 008.3(1.9)syst (0.9)stat Hz) of the absolute frequency of the 1S0 – 3P0 transition was measured with an optical frequency comb referenced to the local representation of the UTC by the 330 km-long stabilized fibre optical link. The result was verified by series of measurements on two independent optical lattice clocks and agrees with recommendation of Bureau International des Poids et Mesures. PMID:26639347

Autobalanced Ramsey Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanner, Christian; Huntemann, Nils; Lange, Richard; Tamm, Christian; Peik, Ekkehard

2018-01-01

We devise a perturbation-immune version of Ramsey's method of separated oscillatory fields. Spectroscopy of an atomic clock transition without compromising the clock's accuracy is accomplished by actively balancing the spectroscopic responses from phase-congruent Ramsey probe cycles of unequal durations. Our simple and universal approach eliminates a wide variety of interrogation-induced line shifts often encountered in high precision spectroscopy, among them, in particular, light shifts, phase chirps, and transient Zeeman shifts. We experimentally demonstrate autobalanced Ramsey spectroscopy on the light shift prone Yb+ 171 electric octupole optical clock transition and show that interrogation defects are not turned into clock errors. This opens up frequency accuracy perspectives below the 10-18 level for the Yb+ system and for other types of optical clocks.

Compact Optical Atomic Clock Based on a Two-Photon Transition in Rubidium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, Kyle W.; Phelps, Gretchen; Lemke, Nathan D.; Bigelow, Matthew S.; Stuhl, Benjamin; Wojcik, Michael; Holt, Michael; Coddington, Ian; Bishop, Michael W.; Burke, John H.

2018-01-01

Extralaboratory atomic clocks are necessary for a wide array of applications (e.g., satellite-based navigation and communication). Building upon existing vapor-cell and laser technologies, we describe an optical atomic clock, designed around a simple and manufacturable architecture, that utilizes the 778-nm two-photon transition in rubidium and yields fractional-frequency instabilities of 4 ×10-13/√{τ (s ) } for τ from 1 to 10 000 s. We present a complete stability budget for this system and explore the required conditions under which a fractional-frequency instability of 1 ×10-15 can be maintained on long time scales. We provide a precise characterization of the leading sensitivities to external processes, including magnetic fields and fluctuations of the vapor-cell temperature and 778-nm laser power. The system is constructed primarily from commercially available components, an attractive feature from the standpoint of the commercialization and deployment of optical frequency standards.

A high-performance Hg(+) trapped ion frequency standard

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prestage, J. D.; Tjoelker, R. L.; Dick, G. J.; Maleki, L.

1992-01-01

A high-performance frequency standard based on (199)Hg(+) ions confined in a hybrid radio frequency (RF)/dc linear ion trap is demonstrated. This trap permits storage of large numbers of ions with reduced susceptibility to the second-order Doppler effect caused by the RF confining fields. A 160-mHz-wide atomic resonance line for the 40.5-GHz clock transition is used to steer the output of a 5-mHz crystal oscillator to obtain a stability of 2 x 10(exp -15) for 24,000-second averaging times. Measurements with a 37-mHz line width for the Hg(+) clock transition demonstrate that the inherent stability for this frequency standard is better than 1 x 10(exp -15) at 10,000-second averaging times.

Active Faraday optical frequency standard.

PubMed

Zhuang, Wei; Chen, Jingbiao

2014-11-01

We propose the mechanism of an active Faraday optical clock, and experimentally demonstrate an active Faraday optical frequency standard based on narrow bandwidth Faraday atomic filter by the method of velocity-selective optical pumping of cesium vapor. The center frequency of the active Faraday optical frequency standard is determined by the cesium 6 (2)S(1/2) F=4 to 6 (2)P(3/2) F'=4 and 5 crossover transition line. The optical heterodyne beat between two similar independent setups shows that the frequency linewidth reaches 281(23) Hz, which is 1.9×10(4) times smaller than the natural linewidth of the cesium 852-nm transition line. The maximum emitted light power reaches 75 μW. The active Faraday optical frequency standard reported here has advantages of narrow linewidth and reduced cavity pulling, which can readily be extended to other atomic transition lines of alkali and alkaline-earth metal atoms trapped in optical lattices at magic wavelengths, making it useful for new generation of optical atomic clocks.

Development of an optically-pumped cesium standard at the Aerospace Corporation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, Yat C.

1992-01-01

We have initiated a research program to study the performance of compact optically-pumped cesium (Cs) frequency standards, which have potential for future timekeeping applications in space. A Cs beam clock apparatus has been assembled. Basic functions of the frequency standard have been demonstrated. Clock signals are observed with optical pumping schemes using one or two lasers. With two laser pumping, we are able to selectively place up to 80 percent of the atomic population into one of the clock transition states. The observed pattern of clock signal indicates that the velocity distribution of the Cs atoms contributing to the microwave signal is beam-Maxwellian. Thus, in the optically-pumped Cs frequency standards, the entire Cs population in the atomic beam could be utilized to generate the clock signals. This is in contrast to the conventional Cs beam standards where only approx. 1 percent of the atoms in the beam are used. More efficient Cs consumption can lead to improved reliability and increased useful lifetime of the clock.

Microfabricated ion frequency standard

DOEpatents

Schwindt, Peter; Biedermann, Grant; Blain, Matthew G.; Stick, Daniel L.; Serkland, Darwin K.; Olsson, III, Roy H.

2010-12-28

A microfabricated ion frequency standard (i.e. an ion clock) is disclosed with a permanently-sealed vacuum package containing a source of ytterbium (Yb) ions and an octupole ion trap. The source of Yb ions is a micro-hotplate which generates Yb atoms which are then ionized by a ultraviolet light-emitting diode or a field-emission electron source. The octupole ion trap, which confines the Yb ions, is formed from suspended electrodes on a number of stacked-up substrates. A microwave source excites a ground-state transition frequency of the Yb ions, with a frequency-doubled vertical-external-cavity laser (VECSEL) then exciting the Yb ions up to an excited state to produce fluorescent light which is used to tune the microwave source to the ground-state transition frequency, with the microwave source providing a precise frequency output for the ion clock.

Frequency Standards and Metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maleki, Lute

2009-04-01

Preface / Lute Maleki -- Symposium history / Jacques Vanier -- Symposium photos -- pt. I. Fundamental physics. Variation of fundamental constants from the big bang to atomic clocks: theory and observations (Invited) / V. V. Flambaum and J. C. Berengut. Alpha-dot or not: comparison of two single atom optical clocks (Invited) / T. Rosenband ... [et al.]. Variation of the fine-structure constant and laser cooling of atomic dysprosium (Invited) / N. A. Leefer ... [et al.]. Measurement of short range forces using cold atoms (Invited) / F. Pereira Dos Santos ... [et al.]. Atom interferometry experiments in fundamental physics (Invited) / S. W. Chiow ... [et al.]. Space science applications of frequency standards and metrology (Invited) / M. Tinto -- pt. II. Frequency & metrology. Quantum metrology with lattice-confined ultracold Sr atoms (Invited) / A. D. Ludlow ... [et al.]. LNE-SYRTE clock ensemble: new [symbol]Rb hyperfine frequency measurement - spectroscopy of [symbol]Hg optical clock transition (Invited) / M. Petersen ... [et al.]. Precise measurements of S-wave scattering phase shifts with a juggling atomic clock (Invited) / S. Gensemer ... [et al.]. Absolute frequency measurement of the [symbol] clock transition (Invited) / M. Chwalla ... [et al.]. The semiclassical stochastic-field/atom interaction problem (Invited) / J. Camparo. Phase and frequency noise metrology (Invited) / E. Rubiola ... [et al.]. Optical spectroscopy of atomic hydrogen for an improved determination of the Rydberg constant / J. L. Flowers ... [et al.] -- pt. III. Clock applications in space. Recent progress on the ACES mission (Invited) / L. Cacciapuoti and C. Salomon. The SAGAS mission (Invited) / P. Wolf. Small mercury microwave ion clock for navigation and radioScience (Invited) / J. D. Prestage ... [et al.]. Astro-comb: revolutionizing precision spectroscopy in astrophysics (Invited) / C. E. Kramer ... [et al.]. High frequency very long baseline interferometry: frequency standards and imaging an event horizon (Invited) / S. Doeleman. Optically-pumped space cesium clock for Galileo: results of the breadboard / R. Ruffieux ... [et al.] -- pt. IV. Optical clocks I: lattice clocks. Optical lattice clock: seven years of progress and next steps (Invited) / H. Katori, M. Takamoto and T. Akatsuka. The Yb optical lattice clock (Invited) / N. D. Demke ... [et al.]. Optical Lattice clock with Sr atoms (Invited) / P. G. Westergaard ... [et al.]. Development of an optical clock based on neutral strontium atoms held in a lattice trap / E. A. Curtis ... [et al.]. Decoherence and losses by collisions in a [symbol]Sr lattice clock / J. S. R. Vellore Winfred ... [et al.]. Lattice Yb optical clock and cryogenic Cs fountain at INRIM / F. Levi ... [et al.] -- pt. V. Optical clocks II: ion clocks. [Symbol]Yb+ single-ion optical frequency standards (Invited) / Chr. Tamm ... [et al.]. An optical clock based on a single trapped [symbol]Sr+ ion (Invited) / H. S. Margolis ... [et al.]. A trapped [symbol]Yb+ ion optical frequency standard based on the [symbol] transition (Invited) / P. Gill ... [et al.]. Overview of highly accurate RF and optical frequency standards at the National Research Council of Canada (Invited) / A. A. Madej ... [et al.] -- pt. VI. Optical frequency combs. Extreme ultraviolet frequency combs for spectroscopy (Invited) / A. Ozawa ... [et al.]. Development of an optical clockwork for the single trapped strontium ion standard at 445 THz / J. E. Bernard ... [et al.]. A phase-coherent link between the visible and infrared spectral ranges using a combination of CW OPO and femtosecond laser frequency comb / E. V. Kovalchuk and A. Peters. Improvements to the robustness of a TI: sapphire-based femtosecond comb at NPL / V. Tsatourian ... [et al.] -- pt. VII. Atomic microwave standards. NIST FI and F2 (Invited) / T. P. Heavner ... [et al.]. Atomic fountains for the USNO master clock (Invited) / C. Ekstrom ... [et al.]. The transportable cesium fountain clock NIM5: its construction and performance (Invited) / T. Li ... [et al.].Compensated multi-pole mercury trapped ion frequency standard and stability evaluation of systematic effects (Invited) / E. A. Burt ... [et al.]. Research of frequency standards in SIOM - atomic frequency standards based on coherent storage (Invited) / B. Yan ... [et al.]. The PTB fountain clock ensemble preliminary characterization of the new fountain CSF2 / N. Nemitz ... [et al.]. The pulsed optically pumped clock: microwave and optical detection / S. Micalizio ... [et al.]. Research on characteristics of pulsed optically pumped rubidium frequency standard / J. Deng ... [et al.]. Status of the continuous cold fountain clocks at METAS-LTF / A. Joyet ... [et al.]. Experiments with a new [symbol]Hg+ ion clock / E. A. Burt ... [et al.]. Optimising a high-stability CW laser-pumped rubidium gas-cell frequency standard / C. Affolderbach ... [et al.]. Raman-Ramsey Cs cell atomic clock / R. Boudot ... [et al.] -- pt. VIII. Microwave resonators & oscillators. Solutions and ultimate limits in temperature compensation of metallic cylindrical microwave resonators (Invited) / A. De Marchi. Cryogenic sapphire oscillators (Invited) / J. G. Hartnett, E. N. Ivanov and M. E. Tobar. Ultra-stable optical cavity: design and experiments / J. Millo ... [et al.]. New results for whispering gallery mode cryogenic sapphire maser oscillators / K. Benmessai ... [et al.] -- pt. IX. Advanced techniques. Fundamental noise-limited optical phase locking at Femtowatt light levels (Invited) / J. Dick ... [et al.]. Microwave and optical frequency transfer via optical fibre / G. Marra ... [et al.]. Ultra-stable laser source for the [symbol]Sr+ single-ion optical frequency standard at NRC / P. Dubé, A. A. Madej and J. E. Bernard. Clock laser system for a strontium lattice clock / T. Legero ... [et al.]. Measurement noise floor for a long-distance optical carrier transmission via fiber / G. Grosche ... [et al.]. Optical frequency transfer over 172 KM of installed fiber / S. Crane -- pt. X. Miniature systems. Chip-scale atomic devices: precision atomic instruments based on MEMS (Invited) / J. Kitching ... [et al.]. CSAC - the chip-scale atomic clock (Invited) / R. Lutwak ... [et al.]. Reaching a few 10[symbol] stability level with a compact cold atom clock / F. X. Esnault ... [et al.]. Evaluation of Lin||Lin CPT for compact and high performance frequency standard / E. Breschi ... [et al.] -- pt. XI. Time scales. Atomic time scales TAI and TI(BIPM): present status and prospects (Invited) / G. Petit. Weight functions for biases in atomic frequency standards / J. H. Shirley -- pt. XII. Interferometers. Definition and construction of noise budget in atom interferometry (Invited) / E. D'Ambriosio. Characterization of a cold atom gyroscope (Invited) / A. Landragin ... [et al.]. A mobile atom interferometer for high precision measurements of local gravity / M. Schmidt ... [et al.]. Demonstration of atom interferometer comprised of geometric beam splitters / Hiromitsu Imai and Atsuo Morinaga -- pt. XIII. New directions. Active optical clocks (Invited) / J. Chen. Prospects for a nuclear optical frequency standard based on Thorium-229 (Invited) / E. Peik ... [et al.]. Whispering gallery mode oscillators and optical comb generators (Invited) / A. B. Matsko ... [et al.]. Frequency comparison using energy-time entangled photons / A. Stefanov -- List of participants.

Atomic Clocks with Suppressed Blackbody Radiation Shift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yudin, V. I.; Taichenachev, A. V.; Okhapkin, M. V.; Bagayev, S. N.; Tamm, Chr.; Peik, E.; Huntemann, N.; Mehlstäubler, T. E.; Riehle, F.

2011-07-01

We develop a concept of atomic clocks where the blackbody radiation shift and its fluctuations can be suppressed by 1-3 orders of magnitude independent of the environmental temperature. The suppression is based on the fact that in a system with two accessible clock transitions (with frequencies ν1 and ν2) which are exposed to the same thermal environment, there exists a “synthetic” frequency νsyn ∝ (ν1-ɛ12ν2) largely immune to the blackbody radiation shift. For example, in the case of Yb+171 it is possible to create a synthetic-frequency-based clock in which the fractional blackbody radiation shift can be suppressed to the level of 10-18 in a broad interval near room temperature (300±15K). We also propose a realization of our method with the use of an optical frequency comb generator stabilized to both frequencies ν1 and ν2, where the frequency νsyn is generated as one of the components of the comb spectrum.

High-speed clock recovery unit based on a phase aligner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tejera, Efrain; Esper-Chain, Roberto; Tobajas, Felix; De Armas, Valentin; Sarmiento, Roberto

2003-04-01

Nowadays clock recovery units are key elements in high speed digital communication systems. For an efficient operation, this units should generate a low jitter clock based on the NRZ received data, and be tolerant to long absence of transitions. Architectures based on Hogge phase detectors have been widely used, nevertheless, they are very sensitive to jitter of the received data and they have a limited tolerance to the absence of transitions. This paper shows a novel high speed clock recovery unit based on a phase aligner. The system allows a very fast clock recovery with a low jitter, moreover, it is very resistant to absence of transitions. The design is based on eight phases obtained from a reference clock running at the nominal frequency of the received signal. This high speed reference clock is generated using a crystal and a clock multiplier unit. The phase alignment system chooses, as starting point, the two phases closest to the data phase. This allows a maximum error of 45 degrees between the clock and data signal phases. Furthermore, the system includes a feed-back loop that interpolates the chosen phases to reduce the phase error to zero. Due to the high stability and reduced tolerance of the local reference clock, the jitter obtained is highly reduced and the system becomes able to operate under long absence of transitions. This performances make this design suitable for systems such as high speed serial link technologies. This system has been designed for CMOS 0.25μm at 1.25GHz and has been verified through HSpice simulations.

Frequency measurement of the 2S(1/2)-2D(3/2) electric quadrupole transition in a single 171Yb+ ion.

PubMed

Webster, Stephen; Godun, Rachel; King, Steven; Huang, Guilong; Walton, Barney; Tsatourian, Veronika; Margolis, Helen; Lea, Stephen; Gill, Patrick

2010-03-01

We report on precision laser spectroscopy of the 2S(1/2)(F = 0)-2D(3/2) (F = 2, m(F) = 0) clock transition in a single ion of 171Yb+. The absolute value of the transition frequency, determined using an optical frequency comb referenced to a hydrogen maser, is 688358979309310 +/- 9 Hz. This corresponds to a fractional frequency uncertainty of 1.3 x 10(-14).

Hyper-Ramsey spectroscopy with probe-laser-intensity fluctuations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beloy, K.

2018-03-01

We examine the influence of probe-laser-intensity fluctuations on hyper-Ramsey spectroscopy. We assume, as is appropriate for relevant cases of interest, that the probe-laser intensity I determines both the Rabi frequency (∝√{I } ) and the frequency shift to the atomic transition (∝I ) during probe-laser interactions with the atom. The spectroscopic signal depends on these two quantities that covary with fluctuations in the probe-laser intensity. Introducing a simple model for the fluctuations, we find that the signature robustness of the hyper-Ramsey method can be compromised. Taking the Yb+ electric octupole clock transition as an example, we quantify the clock error under different levels of probe-laser-intensity fluctuations.

Suppressing Loss of Ions in an Atomic Clock

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prestage, John; Chung, Sang

2010-01-01

An improvement has been made in the design of a compact, highly stable mercury- ion clock to suppress a loss of ions as they are transferred between the quadrupole and higher multipole ion traps. Such clocks are being developed for use aboard spacecraft for navigation and planetary radio science. The modification is also applicable to ion clocks operating on Earth: indeed, the success of the modification has been demonstrated in construction and operation of a terrestrial breadboard prototype of the compact, highly stable mercury-ion clock. Selected aspects of the breadboard prototype at different stages of development were described in previous NASA Tech Briefs articles. The following background information is reviewed from previous articles: In this clock as in some prior ion clocks, mercury ions are shuttled between two ion traps, one a 16- pole linear radio-frequency trap, while the other is a quadrupole radio-frequency trap. In the quadrupole trap, ions are tightly confined and optical state selection from a 202Hg lamp is carried out. In the 16-pole trap, the ions are more loosely confined and atomic transitions are interrogated by use of a microwave beam at approximately 40.507 GHz. The trapping of ions effectively eliminates the frequency pulling that would otherwise be caused by collisions between clock atoms and the wall of a gas cell. The shuttling of the ions between the two traps enables separation of the state-selection process from the clock microwave-resonance process, so that each of these processes can be optimized independently of the other. This is similar to the operation of an atomic beam clock, except that with ions the beam can be halted and reversed as ions are shuttled back and forth between the two traps. When the two traps are driven at the same radio frequency, the strength of confinement can be reduced near the junction between the two traps, depending upon the relative phase of the RF voltage used to operate each of the two traps, and can cause loss of ions during each transit between the traps and thereby cause loss of the 40.507-GHz ion-clock resonance signal. The essence of the modification is to drive the two traps at different frequencies typically between 1.5 and 2 MHz for the quadrupole trap and a frequency a few hundred kHz higher for the 16- pole trap. A frequency difference of a few hundred kHz ensures that the ion motion caused by the trapping electric fields is small relative to the diameter of the traps. Unlike in the case in which both traps are driven at the same frequency, the trapping electric fields near the junction are not zero at all times; instead, the regions of low electric field near the junction open and close at the difference frequency. An additional benefit of making the 16-pole trap operate at higher frequency is that the strength or depth of the multipole trap can be increased independent of the quadrupole ion trap.

Mass defect effects in atomic clocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yudin, Valeriy; Taichenachev, Alexey

2018-03-01

We consider some implications of the mass defect on the frequency of atomic transitions. We have found that some well-known frequency shifts (the gravitational shift and motion-induced shifts such as quadratic Doppler and micromotion shifts) can be interpreted as consequences of the mass defect in quantum atomic physics, i.e. without the need for the concept of time dilation used in special and general relativity theories. Moreover, we show that the inclusion of the mass defect leads to previously unknown shifts for clocks based on trapped ions.

Repetitive Interrogation of 2-Level Quantum Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prestage, John D.; Chung, Sang K.

2010-01-01

Trapped ion clocks derive information from a reference atomic transition by repetitive interrogations of the same quantum system, either a single ion or ionized gas of many millions of ions. Atomic beam frequency standards, by contrast, measure reference atomic transitions in a continuously replenished "flow through" configuration where initial ensemble atomic coherence is zero. We will describe some issues and problems that can arise when atomic state selection and preparation of the quantum atomic system is not completed, that is, optical pumping has not fully relaxed the coherence and also not fully transferred atoms to the initial state. We present a simple two-level density matrix analysis showing how frequency shifts during the state-selection process can cause frequency shifts of the measured clock transition. Such considerations are very important when a low intensity lamp light source is used for state selection, where there is relatively weak relaxation and re-pumping of ions to an initial state and much weaker 'environmental' relaxation of the atomic coherence set-up in the atomic sample.

Optical Lattice Clocks with Weakly Bound Molecules.

PubMed

Borkowski, Mateusz

2018-02-23

Optical molecular clocks promise unparalleled sensitivity to the temporal variation of the electron-to-proton mass ratio and insight into possible new physics beyond the standard model. We propose to realize a molecular clock with bosonic ^{174}Yb_{2} molecules, where the forbidden ^{1}S_{0}→^{3}P_{0} clock transition would be induced magnetically. The use of a bosonic species avoids possible complications due to the hyperfine structure present in fermionic species. While direct clock line photoassociation would be challenging, weakly bound ground state molecules could be produced by stimulated Raman adiabatic passage and used instead. The recent scattering measurements [L. Franchi, et al. New J. Phys. 19, 103037 (2017)NJOPFM1367-263010.1088/1367-2630/aa8fb4] enable us to determine the positions of target ^{1}S_{0}+^{3}P_{0} vibrational levels and calculate the Franck-Condon factors for clock transitions between ground and excited molecular states. The resulting magnetically induced Rabi frequencies are similar to those for atoms hinting that an experimental realization is feasible. A successful observation could pave the way towards Hz-level molecular spectroscopy.

Optical Lattice Clocks with Weakly Bound Molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borkowski, Mateusz

2018-02-01

Optical molecular clocks promise unparalleled sensitivity to the temporal variation of the electron-to-proton mass ratio and insight into possible new physics beyond the standard model. We propose to realize a molecular clock with bosonic 174Yb2 molecules, where the forbidden 1S0 →3P0 clock transition would be induced magnetically. The use of a bosonic species avoids possible complications due to the hyperfine structure present in fermionic species. While direct clock line photoassociation would be challenging, weakly bound ground state molecules could be produced by stimulated Raman adiabatic passage and used instead. The recent scattering measurements [L. Franchi, et al. New J. Phys. 19, 103037 (2017), 10.1088/1367-2630/aa8fb4] enable us to determine the positions of target 1S0 +3P0 vibrational levels and calculate the Franck-Condon factors for clock transitions between ground and excited molecular states. The resulting magnetically induced Rabi frequencies are similar to those for atoms hinting that an experimental realization is feasible. A successful observation could pave the way towards Hz-level molecular spectroscopy.

Absolute frequency measurement of the ? optical clock transition in ? with an uncertainty of ? using a frequency link to international atomic time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baynham, Charles F. A.; Godun, Rachel M.; Jones, Jonathan M.; King, Steven A.; Nisbet-Jones, Peter B. R.; Baynes, Fred; Rolland, Antoine; Baird, Patrick E. G.; Bongs, Kai; Gill, Patrick; Margolis, Helen S.

2018-03-01

The highly forbidden ? electric octupole transition in ? is a potential candidate for a redefinition of the SI second. We present a measurement of the absolute frequency of this optical transition, performed using a frequency link to International Atomic Time to provide traceability to the SI second. The ? optical frequency standard was operated for 76% of a 25-day period, with the absolute frequency measured to be 642 121 496 772 645.14(26) Hz. The fractional uncertainty of ? is comparable to that of the best previously reported measurement, which was made by a direct comparison to local caesium primary frequency standards.

A review of atomic clock technology, the performance capability of present spaceborne and terrestrial atomic clocks, and a look toward the future

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vessot, Robert F. C.

1989-01-01

Clocks have played a strong role in the development of general relativity. The concept of the proper clock is presently best realized by atomic clocks, whose development as precision instruments has evolved very rapidly in the last decades. To put a historical prospective on this progress since the year AD 1000, the time stability of various clocks expressed in terms of seconds of time error over one day of operation is shown. This stability of operation must not be confused with accuracy. Stability refers to the constancy of a clock operation as compared to that of some other clocks that serve as time references. Accuracy, on the other hand, is the ability to reproduce a previously defined frequency. The issues are outlined that must be considered when accuracy and stability of clocks and oscillators are studied. In general, the most widely used resonances result from the hyperfine interaction of the nuclear magnetic dipole moment and that of the outermost electron, which is characteristic of hydrogen and the alkali atoms. During the past decade hyperfine resonances of ions have also been used. The principal reason for both the accuracy and the stability of atomic clocks is the ability of obtaining very narrow hyperfine transition resonances by isolating the atom in some way so that only the applied stimulating microwave magnetic field is a significant source of perturbation. It is also important to make resonance transitions among hyperfine magnetic sublevels where separation is independent, at least to first order, of the magnetic field. In the case of ions stored in traps operating at high magnetic fields, one selects the trapping field to be consistent with a field-independent transition of the trapped atoms.

Critique of a Hughes shuttle Ku-band data sampler/bit synchronizer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holmes, J. K.

1980-01-01

An alternative bit synchronizer proposed for shuttle was analyzed in a noise-free environment by considering the basic operation of the loop via timing diagrams and by linearizing the bit synchronizer as an equivalent, continuous, phased-lock loop (PLL). The loop is composed of a high-frequency phase-frequency detector which is capable of detecting both phase and frequency errors and is used to track the clock, and a bit transition detector which attempts to track the transitions of the data bits. It was determined that the basic approach was a good design which, with proper implementation of the accumulator, up/down counter and logic should provide accurate mid-bit sampling with symmetric bits. However, when bit asymmetry occurs, the bit synchronizer can lock up with a large timing error, yet be quasi-stable (timing will not change unless the clock and bit sequence drift). This will result in incorrectly detecting some bits.

Quantum Algorithmic Readout in Multi-Ion Clocks.

PubMed

Schulte, M; Lörch, N; Leroux, I D; Schmidt, P O; Hammerer, K

2016-01-08

Optical clocks based on ensembles of trapped ions promise record frequency accuracy with good short-term stability. Most suitable ion species lack closed transitions, so the clock signal must be read out indirectly by transferring the quantum state of the clock ions to cotrapped logic ions of a different species. Existing methods of quantum logic readout require a linear overhead in either time or the number of logic ions. Here we describe a quantum algorithmic readout whose overhead scales logarithmically with the number of clock ions in both of these respects. The scheme allows a quantum nondemolition readout of the number of excited clock ions using a single multispecies gate operation which can also be used in other areas of ion trap technology such as quantum information processing, quantum simulations, metrology, and precision spectroscopy.

Clock recovery PLL with gated PFD for NRZ ON-OFF Modulated Signals in a retinal implant system.

PubMed

Brendler, Christian; Aryan, Naser Pour; Rieger, Viola; Rothermel, Albrecht

2013-01-01

A Clock Recovery Phase Locked Loop with Gated Phase Frequency Detector (GPLL) for NRZ ON-OFF Modulated Signals with low data transmission rates for an inductively powered subretinal implant system is presented. Low data transmission rate leads to a long absence of inductive powering in the system when zeros are transmitted. Consequently there is no possibility to extract any clock in these pauses, thus the digital circuitry can not work any more. Compared to a commonly used PLL for clock extraction, no certain amount of data transitions is needed. This is achieved by having two operating modes. In one mode the GPLL tracks the HF input signal. In the other, the GPLL is an adjustable oscillator oscillating at the last used frequency. The proposed GPLL is fabricated and measured using a 350 nm High Voltage CMOS technology.

All-digital phase-lock loops for noise-free signals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, T. O.

1973-01-01

Bit-synchronizers utilize all-digital phase-lock loops that are referenced to a high frequency digital clock. Phase-lock loop of first design acquires frequency within nominal range and tracks phase; second design is modified for random binary data by addition of simple transition detector; and third design acquires frequency over wide dynamic range.

Frequency stability measurement of pulsed superradiance from strontium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norcia, Matthew; Cline, Julia; Robinson, John; Ye, Jun; Thompson, James

2017-04-01

Superradiant laser light from an ultra-narrow optical transition holds promise as a next-generation of active frequency references. We have recently demonstrated pulsed lasing on the milliHertz linewidth clock transition in strontium. Here, we present the first frequency comparisons between such a superradiant source and a state of the art stable laser system. We characterize the stability of the superradiant system, and demonstrate a reduction in sensitivity to cavity frequency fluctuations of nearly five orders of magnitude compared to a conventional laser. DARPA QUASAR, NIST, NSF PFC.

Frequency Comparison of [Formula: see text] Ion Optical Clocks at PTB and NPL via GPS PPP.

PubMed

Leute, J; Huntemann, N; Lipphardt, B; Tamm, Christian; Nisbet-Jones, P B R; King, S A; Godun, R M; Jones, J M; Margolis, H S; Whibberley, P B; Wallin, A; Merimaa, M; Gill, P; Peik, E

2016-07-01

We used precise point positioning, a well-established GPS carrier-phase frequency transfer method to perform a direct remote comparison of two optical frequency standards based on single laser-cooled [Formula: see text] ions operated at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), U.K. and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Germany. At both institutes, an active hydrogen maser serves as a flywheel oscillator which is connected to a GPS receiver as an external frequency reference and compared simultaneously to a realization of the unperturbed frequency of the (2)S1/2(F=0)-(2)D3/2(F=2) electric quadrupole transition in [Formula: see text] via an optical femtosecond frequency comb. To profit from long coherent GPS-link measurements, we extrapolate the fractional frequency difference over the various data gaps in the optical clock to maser comparisons which introduces maser noise to the frequency comparison but improves the uncertainty from the GPS-link instability. We determined the total statistical uncertainty consisting of the GPS-link uncertainty and the extrapolation uncertainties for several extrapolation schemes. Using the extrapolation scheme with the smallest combined uncertainty, we find a fractional frequency difference [Formula: see text] of -1.3×10(-15) with a combined uncertainty of 1.2×10(-15) for a total measurement time of 67 h. This result is consistent with an agreement of the frequencies realized by both optical clocks and with recent absolute frequency measurements against caesium fountain clocks within the corresponding uncertainties.

Atom Interferometry with the Sr Optical Clock Transition.

PubMed

Hu, Liang; Poli, Nicola; Salvi, Leonardo; Tino, Guglielmo M

2017-12-29

We report on the realization of a matter-wave interferometer based on single-photon interaction on the ultranarrow optical clock transition of strontium atoms. We experimentally demonstrate its operation as a gravimeter and as a gravity gradiometer. No reduction of interferometric contrast was observed for a total interferometer time up to ∼10  ms, limited by geometric constraints of the apparatus. Single-photon interferometers represent a new class of high-precision sensors that could be used for the detection of gravitational waves in so far unexplored frequency ranges and to enlighten the boundary between quantum mechanics and general relativity.

Buffer Gas Experiments in Mercury (Hg+) Ion Clock

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chung, Sang K.; Prestage, John D.; Tjoelker, Robert L.; Maleki, Lute

2004-01-01

We describe the results of the frequency shifts measured from various buffer gases that might be used as a buffer gas to increase the loading efficiency and cooling of ions trapped in a small mercury ion clock. The small mass, volume and power requirement of space clock precludes the use of turbo pumps. Hence, a hermetically sealed vacuum system, incorporating a suitable getter material with a fixed amount of inert buffer gas may be a practical alternative to the groundbased system. The collision shifts of 40,507,347.996xx Hz clock transition for helium, neon and argon buffer gases were measured in the ambient earth magnetic field. In addition to the above non-getterable inert gases we also measured the frequency shifts due to getterable, molecular hydrogen and nitrogen gases which may be used as buffer gases when incorporated with a miniature ion pump. We also examined the frequency shift due to the low methane gas partial pressure in a fixed higher pressure neon buffer gas environment. Methane gas interacted with mercury ions in a peculiar way as to preserve the ion number but to relax the population difference in the two hyperfine clock states and thereby reducing the clock resonance signal. The same population relaxation was also observed for other molecular buffer gases (N H,) but at much reduced rate.

Doppler-Free Spectroscopy of the {sup 1}S{sub 0}-{sup 3}P{sub 0} Optical Clock Transition in Laser-Cooled Fermionic Isotopes of Neutral Mercury

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Petersen, M.; Chicireanu, R.; Dawkins, S. T.

2008-10-31

We report direct laser spectroscopy of the {sup 1}S{sub 0}-{sup 3}P{sub 0} transition at 265.6 nm in fermionic isotopes of neutral mercury in a magneto-optical trap. Measurements of the frequency against the LNE-SYRTE primary reference using an optical frequency comb yield 1 128 575 290 808.4{+-}5.6 kHz in {sup 199}Hg and 1 128 569 561 139.6{+-}5.3 kHz in {sup 201}Hg. The uncertainty, allowed by the observation of the Doppler-free recoil doublet, is 4 orders of magnitude lower than previous indirect determinations. Mercury is a promising candidate for future optical lattice clocks due to its low sensitivity to blackbody radiation.

Simultaneous Faraday filtering of the Mollow triplet sidebands with the Cs-D1 clock transition.

PubMed

Portalupi, Simone Luca; Widmann, Matthias; Nawrath, Cornelius; Jetter, Michael; Michler, Peter; Wrachtrup, Jörg; Gerhardt, Ilja

2016-11-25

Hybrid quantum systems integrating semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) and atomic vapours become important building blocks for scalable quantum networks due to the complementary strengths of individual parts. QDs provide on-demand single-photon emission with near-unity indistinguishability comprising unprecedented brightness-while atomic vapour systems provide ultra-precise frequency standards and promise long coherence times for the storage of qubits. Spectral filtering is one of the key components for the successful link between QD photons and atoms. Here we present a tailored Faraday anomalous dispersion optical filter based on the caesium-D 1 transition for interfacing it with a resonantly pumped QD. The presented Faraday filter enables a narrow-bandwidth (Δω=2π × 1 GHz) simultaneous filtering of both Mollow triplet sidebands. This result opens the way to use QDs as sources of single as well as cascaded photons in photonic quantum networks aligned to the primary frequency standard of the caesium clock transition.

Eight-Channel Continuous Timer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cole, Steven

2004-01-01

A custom laboratory electronic timer circuit measures the durations of successive cycles of nominally highly stable input clock signals in as many as eight channels, for the purpose of statistically quantifying the small instabilities of these signals. The measurement data generated by this timer are sent to a personal computer running software that integrates the measurements to form a phase residual for each channel and uses the phase residuals to compute Allan variances for each channel. (The Allan variance is a standard statistical measure of instability of a clock signal.) Like other laboratory clock-cycle-measuring circuits, this timer utilizes an externally generated reference clock signal having a known frequency (100 MHz) much higher than the frequencies of the input clock signals (between 100 and 120 Hz). It counts the number of reference-clock cycles that occur between successive rising edges of each input clock signal of interest, thereby affording a measurement of the input clock-signal period to within the duration (10 ns) of one reference clock cycle. Unlike typical prior laboratory clock-cycle-measuring circuits, this timer does not skip some cycles of the input clock signals. The non-cycle-skipping feature is an important advantage because in applications that involve integration of measurements over long times for characterizing nominally highly stable clock signals, skipping cycles can degrade accuracy. The timer includes a field-programmable gate array that functions as a 20-bit counter running at the reference clock rate of 100 MHz. The timer also includes eight 20-bit latching circuits - one for each channel - at the output terminals of the counter. Each transition of an input signal from low to high causes the corresponding latching circuit to latch the count at that instant. Each such transition also sets a status flip-flop circuit to indicate the presence of the latched count. A microcontroller reads the values of all eight status flipflops and then reads the latched count for each channel for which the flip-flop indicates the presence of a count. Reading the count for each channel automatically causes the flipflop of that channel to be reset. The microcontroller places the counts in time order, identifies the channel number for each count, and transmits these data to the personal computer.

Generalized Autobalanced Ramsey Spectroscopy of Clock Transitions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yudin, V. I.; Taichenachev, A. V.; Basalaev, M. Yu.; Zanon-Willette, T.; Pollock, J. W.; Shuker, M.; Donley, E. A.; Kitching, J.

2018-05-01

When performing precision measurements, the quantity being measured is often perturbed by the measurement process itself. Such measurements include precision frequency measurements for atomic clock applications carried out with Ramsey spectroscopy. With the aim of eliminating probe-induced perturbations, a method of generalized autobalanced Ramsey spectroscopy (GABRS) is presented and rigorously substantiated. The usual local-oscillator frequency control loop is augmented with a second control loop derived from secondary Ramsey sequences interspersed with the primary sequences and with a different Ramsey period. This second loop feeds back to a secondary clock variable and ultimately compensates for the perturbation of the clock frequency caused by the measurements in the first loop. We show that such a two-loop scheme can lead to perfect compensation for measurement-induced light shifts and does not suffer from the effects of relaxation, time-dependent pulse fluctuations and phase-jump modulation errors that are typical of other hyper-Ramsey schemes. Several variants of GABRS are explored based on different secondary variables including added relative phase shifts between Ramsey pulses, external frequency-step compensation, and variable second-pulse duration. We demonstrate that a universal antisymmetric error signal, and hence perfect compensation at a finite modulation amplitude, is generated only if an additional frequency step applied during both Ramsey pulses is used as the concomitant variable parameter. This universal technique can be applied to the fields of atomic clocks, high-resolution molecular spectroscopy, magnetically induced and two-photon probing schemes, Ramsey-type mass spectrometry, and the field of precision measurements. Some variants of GABRS can also be applied for rf atomic clocks using coherent-population-trapping-based Ramsey spectroscopy of the two-photon dark resonance.

Spectroscopy of 171Yb in an optical lattice based on laser linewidth transfer using a narrow linewidth frequency comb.

PubMed

Inaba, Hajime; Hosaka, Kazumoto; Yasuda, Masami; Nakajima, Yoshiaki; Iwakuni, Kana; Akamatsu, Daisuke; Okubo, Sho; Kohno, Takuya; Onae, Atsushi; Hong, Feng-Lei

2013-04-08

We propose a novel, high-performance, and practical laser source system for optical clocks. The laser linewidth of a fiber-based frequency comb is reduced by phase locking a comb mode to an ultrastable master laser at 1064 nm with a broad servo bandwidth. A slave laser at 578 nm is successively phase locked to a comb mode at 578 nm with a broad servo bandwidth without any pre-stabilization. Laser frequency characteristics such as spectral linewidth and frequency stability are transferred to the 578-nm slave laser from the 1064-nm master laser. Using the slave laser, we have succeeded in observing the clock transition of (171)Yb atoms confined in an optical lattice with a 20-Hz spectral linewidth.

Ultra-stable clock laser system development towards space applications.

PubMed

Świerad, Dariusz; Häfner, Sebastian; Vogt, Stefan; Venon, Bertrand; Holleville, David; Bize, Sébastien; Kulosa, André; Bode, Sebastian; Singh, Yeshpal; Bongs, Kai; Rasel, Ernst Maria; Lodewyck, Jérôme; Le Targat, Rodolphe; Lisdat, Christian; Sterr, Uwe

2016-09-26

The increasing performance of optical lattice clocks has made them attractive for scientific applications in space and thus has pushed the development of their components including the interrogation lasers of the clock transitions towards being suitable for space, which amongst others requires making them more power efficient, radiation hardened, smaller, lighter as well as more mechanically stable. Here we present the development towards a space-compatible interrogation laser system for a strontium lattice clock constructed within the Space Optical Clock (SOC2) project where we have concentrated on mechanical rigidity and size. The laser reaches a fractional frequency instability of 7.9 × 10 -16 at 300 ms averaging time. The laser system uses a single extended cavity diode laser that gives enough power for interrogating the atoms, frequency comparison by a frequency comb and diagnostics. It includes fibre link stabilisation to the atomic package and to the comb. The optics module containing the laser has dimensions 60 × 45 × 8 cm 3 ; and the ultra-stable reference cavity used for frequency stabilisation with its vacuum system takes 30 × 30 × 30 cm 3 . The acceleration sensitivities in three orthogonal directions of the cavity are 3.6 × 10 -10 /g, 5.8 × 10 -10 /g and 3.1 × 10 -10 /g, where g ≈ 9.8 m/s 2 is the standard gravitational acceleration.

Ultrahigh-resolution spectroscopy with atomic or molecular dark resonances: Exact steady-state line shapes and asymptotic profiles in the adiabatic pulsed regime

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zanon-Willette, Thomas; Clercq, Emeric de; Arimondo, Ennio

2011-12-15

Exact and asymptotic line shape expressions are derived from the semiclassical density matrix representation describing a set of closed three-level {Lambda} atomic or molecular states including decoherences, relaxation rates, and light shifts. An accurate analysis of the exact steady-state dark-resonance profile describing the Autler-Townes doublet, the electromagnetically induced transparency or coherent population trapping resonance, and the Fano-Feshbach line shape leads to the linewidth expression of the two-photon Raman transition and frequency shifts associated to the clock transition. From an adiabatic analysis of the dynamical optical Bloch equations in the weak field limit, a pumping time required to efficiently trap amore » large number of atoms into a coherent superposition of long-lived states is established. For a highly asymmetrical configuration with different decay channels, a strong two-photon resonance based on a lower states population inversion is established when the driving continuous-wave laser fields are greatly unbalanced. When time separated resonant two-photon pulses are applied in the adiabatic pulsed regime for atomic or molecular clock engineering, where the first pulse is long enough to reach a coherent steady-state preparation and the second pulse is very short to avoid repumping into a new dark state, dark-resonance fringes mixing continuous-wave line shape properties and coherent Ramsey oscillations are created. Those fringes allow interrogation schemes bypassing the power broadening effect. Frequency shifts affecting the central clock fringe computed from asymptotic profiles and related to the Raman decoherence process exhibit nonlinear shapes with the three-level observable used for quantum measurement. We point out that different observables experience different shifts on the lower-state clock transition.« less

Indium Single-Ion Frequency Standard

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nagourney, Warren

2001-01-01

A single laser-cooled indium ion is a promising candidate for an ultimate resolution optical time or frequency standard. It can be shown that single ions from group IIIA of the periodic table (indium, thallium, etc.) can have extremely small systematic errors. In addition to being free from Doppler, transit-time and collisional shifts, these ions are also quite insensitive to perturbations from ambient magnetic and electric fields (mainly due to the use of a J=0-0 transition for spectroscopy). Of all group IIIA ions, indium seems to be the most practical, since it is heavy enough to have a tolerable intercombination cooling transition rate and (unlike thallium) has transitions which are easily accessible with frequency multiplied continuous-wave lasers. A single indium ion standard has a potential inaccuracy of one part in 10(exp 18) for integration times of 10(exp 6) seconds. We have made substantial progress during the grant period in constructing a frequency standard based upon a single indium ion. At the beginning of the grant period, single indium ions were being successfully trapped, but the lasers and optical systems were inadequate to achieve the desired goal. We have considerably improved the stability of the dye laser used to cool the ions and locked it to a molecular resonance line, making it possible to observe stable cooling-line fluorescence from a single indium ion for reasonable periods of time, as required by the demands of precision spectroscopy. We have substantially improved the single-ion fluorescence signal with significant benefits for the detection efficiency of forbidden transitions using the 'shelving' technique. Finally, we have constructed a compact, efficient UV 'clock' laser and observed 'clock' transitions in single indium ions using this laser system. We will elaborate on these accomplishments.

Absolute frequency list of the ν3-band transitions of methane at a relative uncertainty level of 10(-11).

PubMed

Okubo, Sho; Nakayama, Hirotaka; Iwakuni, Kana; Inaba, Hajime; Sasada, Hiroyuki

2011-11-21

We determine the absolute frequencies of 56 rotation-vibration transitions of the ν(3) band of CH(4) from 88.2 to 90.5 THz with a typical uncertainty of 2 kHz corresponding to a relative uncertainty of 2.2 × 10(-11) over an average time of a few hundred seconds. Saturated absorption lines are observed using a difference-frequency-generation source and a cavity-enhanced absorption cell, and the transition frequencies are measured with a fiber-laser-based optical frequency comb referenced to a rubidium atomic clock linked to the international atomic time. The determined value of the P(7) F(2)((2)) line is consistent with the International Committee for Weights and Measures recommendation within the uncertainty. © 2011 Optical Society of America

Modular high speed counter employing edge-triggered code

DOEpatents

Vanstraelen, Guy F.

1993-06-29

A high speed modular counter (100) utilizing a novel counting method in which the first bit changes with the frequency of the driving clock, and changes in the higher order bits are initiated one clock pulse after a "0" to "1" transition of the next lower order bit. This allows all carries to be known one clock period in advance of a bit change. The present counter is modular and utilizes two types of standard counter cells. A first counter cell determines the zero bit. The second counter cell determines any other higher order bit. Additional second counter cells are added to the counter to accommodate any count length without affecting speed.

Modular high speed counter employing edge-triggered code

DOEpatents

Vanstraelen, G.F.

1993-06-29

A high speed modular counter (100) utilizing a novel counting method in which the first bit changes with the frequency of the driving clock, and changes in the higher order bits are initiated one clock pulse after a 0'' to 1'' transition of the next lower order bit. This allows all carries to be known one clock period in advance of a bit change. The present counter is modular and utilizes two types of standard counter cells. A first counter cell determines the zero bit. The second counter cell determines any other higher order bit. Additional second counter cells are added to the counter to accommodate any count length without affecting speed.

Trapped ultracold molecular ions: candidates for an optical molecular clock for a fundamental physics mission in space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roth, B.; Koelemeij, J.; Daerr, H.; Ernsting, I.; Jorgensen, S.; Okhapkin, M.; Wicht, A.; Nevsky, A.; Schiller, S.

2017-11-01

Narrow ro-vibrational transitions in ultracold molecules are excellent candidates for frequency references in the near-IR to visible spectral domain and interesting systems for fundamental tests of physics, in particular for a satellite test of the gravitational redshift of clocks. We have performed laser spectroscopy of several ro-vibrational overtone transitions υ = 0 → υ = 4 in HD+ ions at around 1.4 μm. 1+1 REMPD was used as a detection method, followed by measurement of the number of remaining molecules. The molecular ions were stored in a linear radiofrequency trap and cooled to millikelvin temperatures, by sympathetic cooling using laser-cooled Be+ ions simultaneously stored in the same trap.

Compact, Highly Stable Ion Atomic Clock

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prestage, John

2008-01-01

A mercury-ion clock now at the breadboard stage of development (see figure) has a stability comparable to that of a hydrogen-maser clock: In tests, the clock exhibited an Allan deviation of between 2 x 10(exp -13) and 3 x 10(exp -13) at a measurement time of 1 second, averaging to about 10(exp -15) at 1 day. However, the clock occupies a volume of only about 2 liters . about a hundredth of the volume of a hydrogen-maser clock. The ion-handling parts of the apparatus are housed in a sealed vacuum tube, wherein only a getter pump is used to maintain the vacuum. Hence, this apparatus is a prototype of a generation of small, potentially portable high-precision clocks for diverse ground- and space-based navigation and radio science applications. Furthermore, this new ion-clock technology is about 100 times more stable and precise than the rubidium atomic clocks currently in use in the NAV STAR GPS Earth-orbiting satellites. In this clock, mercury ions are shuttled between a quadrupole and a 16-pole linear radio-frequency trap. In the quadrupole trap, the ions are tightly confined and optical state selection from a Hg-202 radio-frequency-discharge ultraviolet lamp is carried out. In the 16-pole trap, the ions are more loosely confined and atomic transitions resonant at frequency of about 40.507 GHz are interrogated by use of a microwave beam at that frequency. The trapping of ions effectively eliminates the frequency pulling caused by wall collisions inherent to gas-cell clocks. The shuttling of the ions between the two traps enables separation of the state-selection process from the clock microwave- resonance process, so that each of these processes can be optimized independently of the other. The basic ion-shuttling, two-trap scheme as described thus far is not new: it has been the basis of designs of prior larger clocks. The novelty of the present development lies in major redesigns of its physics package (the ion traps and the vacuum and optical subsystems) to effect the desired reduction of size to a volume of no more than a couple of liters. The redesign effort has included selection of materials for the vacuum tube, ion trap, and ultraviolet windows that withstand bakeout at a temperature of approx.450 C in preparation for sealing the tube to contain the vacuum. This part of the redesign effort follows the approach taken in the development of such other vacuum-tube electronic components as flight traveling- wave-tube amplifiers having operational and shelf lives as long as 15 years. The redesign effort has also included a thorough study of residual-gas-induced shifts of the ion-clock frequency and a study of alternative gases as candidates for use as a buffer gas within the sealed tube. It has been found that neon is more suitable than is helium, which has been traditionally used for this purpose, in that the pressure-induced frequency pulling by neon is between a third and a half of that of helium. In addition, because neon diffuses through solids much more slowly than does helium, the loss of neon by diffusion over the operational lifetime is expected to be negligible.

Generating clock signals for a cycle accurate, cycle reproducible FPGA based hardware accelerator

DOEpatents

Asaad, Sameth W.; Kapur, Mohit

2016-01-05

A method, system and computer program product are disclosed for generating clock signals for a cycle accurate FPGA based hardware accelerator used to simulate operations of a device-under-test (DUT). In one embodiment, the DUT includes multiple device clocks generating multiple device clock signals at multiple frequencies and at a defined frequency ratio; and the FPG hardware accelerator includes multiple accelerator clocks generating multiple accelerator clock signals to operate the FPGA hardware accelerator to simulate the operations of the DUT. In one embodiment, operations of the DUT are mapped to the FPGA hardware accelerator, and the accelerator clock signals are generated at multiple frequencies and at the defined frequency ratio of the frequencies of the multiple device clocks, to maintain cycle accuracy between the DUT and the FPGA hardware accelerator. In an embodiment, the FPGA hardware accelerator may be used to control the frequencies of the multiple device clocks.

EDITORIAL: Award for Patrick Gill

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hauptmann, Peter

2007-12-01

On behalf of the journal I would like to congratulate Professor Patrick Gill, a long-serving member of the Editorial Board for Measurement Science and Technology, who has been awarded the prestigious Institute of Physics Young medal and prize for world-leading contributions to optical frequency metrology. He is recognized as the UK leader in the quest for very accurate optical clocks. Professor Gill's work is concerned with the development of cold trapped ion systems as optical frequency standards with potential for future redefinition of the SI second, and the frequency metrology needed to relate optical and microwave standards to high accuracy. Interested readers may wish to read a short review of the wider state-of-the-art development of single cold trapped ion frequency standards, coupled with a more detailed account of results achieved at the National Physical Laboratory, written by Professor Gill and co-workers from NPL: ''Trapped ion optical frequency standards'' by P Gill, G P Barwood, H A Klein, G Huang, S A Webster, P J Blythe, K Hosaka, S N Lea and H S Margolis 2003 Meas. Sci. Technol. 14 (8) 1174-86 He was one of the very early developers of the frequency comb idea, and in 2004 he led an experiment where the femtosecond laser frequency comb measured the prototype optical clock frequency, based on a strontium-ion optical transition, with accuracy close to the capability of the best caesium microwave clocks. Once again I congratulate Professor Gill and wish him every success for his future work.

Limit on the present temporal variation of the fine structure constant.

PubMed

Peik, E; Lipphardt, B; Schnatz, H; Schneider, T; Tamm, Chr; Karshenboim, S G

2004-10-22

The comparison of different atomic transition frequencies over time can be used to determine the present value of the temporal derivative of the fine structure constant alpha in a model-independent way without assumptions on constancy or variability of other parameters, allowing tests of the consequences of unification theories. We have measured an optical transition frequency at 688 THz in 171Yb+ with a cesium atomic clock at 2 times separated by 2.8 yr and find a value for the fractional variation of the frequency ratio f(Yb)/f(Cs) of (-1.2+/-4.4)x10(-15) yr(-1), consistent with zero. Combined with recently published values for the constancy of other transition frequencies this measurement sets an upper limit on the present variability of alpha at the level of 2.0x10(-15) yr(-1) (1sigma), corresponding so far to the most stringent limit from laboratory experiments.

Selected highly charged ions as prospective candidates for optical clocks with quality factors larger than 1015

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Yan-mei; Sahoo, B. K.

2018-04-01

The Ni12 +, Cu13 +, Pd12 +, and Ag13 + highly charged ions (HCIs) are proposed for making very accurate optical clocks with the fractional uncertainties below 10-19 level. These HCIs have simple atomic energy levels, clock transitions with quality factors larger than 1015, and optical magnetic-dipole (M 1 ) transitions that can be used for laser cooling and detecting quantum jumps on the clock transitions by the shelving method. To demonstrate the projected fractional uncertainties, we estimate orders of magnitude of the Zeeman, Stark, blackbody radiation, and electric quadrupole shifts of the clock transitions by performing calculations of the relevant atomic properties in the above HCIs.

Scrutinizing Al-like 10+51V, 11+53Cr, 12+55Mn, 13+57Fe, 14+59Co, 15+61Ni, and 16+63Cu 1ions for atomic clocks with uncertainties below the 10-19 level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Yan-mei; Sahoo, B. K.

2016-12-01

We investigate the transition between the fine structure levels of the ground state, 3 p 2P1 /2→3 p 2P3 /2 , of the highly charged Al-like 10+51V, 11+53Cr, 12+55Mn, 13+57Fe, 14+59Co, 15+61Ni, and 16+63Cu ions for frequency standards. To comprehend them as prospective atomic clocks, we determine their transition wavelengths, quality factors, and various plausible systematics during the measurements. Since most of these ions have nuclear spin I =3 /2 , uncertainties due to dominant quadrupole shifts can be evaded in the F =0 hyperfine level of the 3 p 2P3 /2 state. Other dominant systematics such as quadratic Stark and black-body radiation shifts have been evaluated precisely demonstrating the feasibility of achieving high accuracy, below 10-19 fractional uncertainty, atomic clocks using the above transitions. Moreover, relativistic sensitivity coefficients are determined to find out the aptness of these proposed clocks to investigate possible temporal variation of the fine structure constant. To carry out these analysis, a relativistic coupled-cluster method considering Dirac-Coulomb-Breit Hamiltonian along with lower-order quantum electrodynamics interactions is employed and many spectroscopic properties are evaluated. These properties are also of immense interest for astrophysical studies.

Variable frequency microprocessor clock generator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Branson, C.N.

A microprocessor-based system is described comprising: a digital central microprocessor provided with a clock input and having a rate of operation determined by the frequency of a clock signal input thereto; memory means operably coupled to the central microprocessor for storing programs respectively including a plurality of instructions and addressable by the central microprocessor; peripheral device operably connected to the central microprocessor, the first peripheral device being addressable by the central microprocessor for control thereby; a system clock generator for generating a digital reference clock signal having a reference frequency rate; and frequency rate reduction circuit means connected between themore » clock generator and the clock input of the central microprocessor for selectively dividing the reference clock signal to generate a microprocessor clock signal as an input to the central microprocessor for clocking the central microprocessor.« less

Hg-201 (+) CO-Magnetometer for HG-199(+) Trapped Ion Space Atomic Clocks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burt, Eric A. (Inventor); Taghavi, Shervin (Inventor); Tjoelker, Robert L. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

Local magnetic field strength in a trapped ion atomic clock is measured in real time, with high accuracy and without degrading clock performance, and the measurement is used to compensate for ambient magnetic field perturbations. First and second isotopes of an element are co-located within the linear ion trap. The first isotope has a resonant microwave transition between two hyperfine energy states, and the second isotope has a resonant Zeeman transition. Optical sources emit ultraviolet light that optically pump both isotopes. A microwave radiation source simultaneously emits microwave fields resonant with the first isotope's clock transition and the second isotope's Zeeman transition, and an optical detector measures the fluorescence from optically pumping both isotopes. The second isotope's Zeeman transition provides the measure of magnetic field strength, and the measurement is used to compensate the first isotope's clock transition or to adjust the applied C-field to reduce the effects of ambient magnetic field perturbations.

Accurate determination of black-body radiation shift, magic and tune-out wavelengths for the 6S1/2 \\rightarrow 5D3/2 clock transition in Yb+

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, A.; De, S.; Arora, Bindiya; Sahoo, B. K.

2017-10-01

We present precise values of the dipole polarizabilities (α) of the ground [4{{{f}}}146{{s}}]{}2{{{S}}}1/2 and metastable [4{{{f}}}145{{d}}]{}2{{{D}}}3/2 states of Yb+, that are important in reducing systematics in the clock frequency of the [4{{{f}}}146{{s}}]{}2{{{S}}}1/2\\to [4{{{f}}}145{{d}}]{}2{{{D}}}3/2 transition. The static values of α for the ground and [4{{{f}}}145{{d}}]{}2{{{D}}}3/2 states are estimated to be 9.8(1)× {10}-40 {{{J}}{{m}}}2 {{{V}}}-2 and 17.6(5) × {10}-40 {{J}} {{{m}}}2 {{{V}}}-2, respectively, while the tensor contribution to the [4{{{f}}}145{{d}}]{}2{{{D}}}3/2 state as -12.3(3)× {10}-40 {{{J}}{{m}}}2 {{{V}}}-2 compared to the experimental value -13.6(22)× {10}-40 {{J}} {{{m}}}2 {{{V}}}-2. This corresponds to the differential scalar polarizability value of the above transition as -7.8(5) × {10}-40 {{{J}}{{m}}}2 {{{V}}}-2 in contrast to the available experimental value -6.9(1.4) × {10}-40 J m2 V-2 . This results in the black-body radiation shift of the clock transition as -0.44(3) Hz at the room temperature, which is large as compared to the previously estimated values. Using the dynamic α values, we report the tune-out and magic wavelengths that could be of interest to subdue systematics due to the Stark shifts and for constructing lattice optical clock using Yb+.

A Novel Photonic Clock and Carrier Recovery Device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yao, X. Steve; Lutes, George; Maleki, Lute

1996-01-01

As data communication rates climb toward ten Gb/s, clock recovery and synchronization become more difficult, if not impossible, using conventional electronic circuits. We present in this article experimental results of a high speed clock and carrier recovery using a novel device called a photonic oscillator that we recently developed in our laboratory. This device is capable of recovering clock signals up to 70 GHz. To recover the clock, the incoming data is injected into the photonic oscillator either through the optical injection port or the electrical injection port. The free running photonic oscillator is tuned to oscillate at a nominal frequency equal to the clock frequency of the incoming data. With the injection of the data, the photonic oscillator will be quickly locked to clock frequency of the data stream while rejecting other frequency components associated with the data. Consequently, the output of the locked photonic oscillator is a continuous periodical wave synchronized with the incoming data or simply the recovered clock. We have demonstrated a clock to spur ratio of more than 60 dB of the recovered clock using this technique. Similar to the clock recovery, the photonic oscillator can be used to recover a high frequency carrier degraded by noise and an improvement of about 50 dB in signal-to-noise ratio was demonstrated. The photonic oscillator has both electrical and optical inputs and outputs and can be directly interfaced with a photonic system without signal conversion. In addition to clock and carrier recovery, the photonic oscillator can also be used for (1) stable high frequency clock signal generation, (2) frequency multiplication, (3) square wave and comb frequency generation, and (4) photonic phase locked loop.

The NIST 27 Al+ quantum-logic clock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leibrandt, David; Brewer, Samuel; Chen, Jwo-Sy; Hume, David; Hankin, Aaron; Huang, Yao; Chou, Chin-Wen; Rosenband, Till; Wineland, David

2016-05-01

Optical atomic clocks based on quantum-logic spectroscopy of the 1 S0 <--> 3 P0 transition in 27 Al+ have reached a systematic fractional frequency uncertainty of 8 . 0 ×10-18 , enabling table-top tests of fundamental physics as well as measurements of gravitational potential differences. Currently, the largest limitations to the accuracy are second order time dilation shifts due to the driven motion (i.e., micromotion) and thermal motion of the trapped ions. In order to suppress these shifts, we have designed and built new ion traps based on gold-plated, laser-machined diamond wafers with differential RF drive, and we have operated one of our clocks with the ions laser cooled to near the six mode motional ground state. We present a characterization of the time dilation shifts in the new traps with uncertainties near 1 ×10-18 . Furthermore, we describe a new protocol for clock comparison measurements based on synchronous probing of the two clocks using phase-locked local oscillators, which allows for probe times longer than the laser coherence time and avoids the Dick effect. This work is supported by ARO, DARPA, and ONR.

Sub-Doppler Frequency Metrology in HD for Tests of Fundamental Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cozijn, F. M. J.; Dupré, P.; Salumbides, E. J.; Eikema, K. S. E.; Ubachs, W.

2018-04-01

Weak transitions in the (2,0) overtone band of the hydrogen deuteride molecule at λ =1.38 μ m were measured in saturated absorption using the technique of noise-immune cavity-enhanced optical heterodyne molecular spectroscopy. Narrow Doppler-free lines were interrogated with a spectroscopy laser locked to a frequency comb laser referenced to an atomic clock to yield transition frequencies [R (1 )=217105181895 (20 ) kHz ; R (2 )=219042856621 (28 ) kHz ; R (3 )=220704304951 (28 ) kHz ] at three orders of magnitude improved accuracy. These benchmark values provide a test of QED in the smallest neutral molecule, and they open up an avenue to resolve the proton radius puzzle, as well as constrain putative fifth forces and extra dimensions.

Phase locking and multiple oscillating attractors for the coupled mammalian clock and cell cycle

PubMed Central

Feillet, Céline; Krusche, Peter; Tamanini, Filippo; Janssens, Roel C.; Downey, Mike J.; Martin, Patrick; Teboul, Michèle; Saito, Shoko; Lévi, Francis A.; Bretschneider, Till; van der Horst, Gijsbertus T. J.; Delaunay, Franck; Rand, David A.

2014-01-01

Daily synchronous rhythms of cell division at the tissue or organism level are observed in many species and suggest that the circadian clock and cell cycle oscillators are coupled. For mammals, despite known mechanistic interactions, the effect of such coupling on clock and cell cycle progression, and hence its biological relevance, is not understood. In particular, we do not know how the temporal organization of cell division at the single-cell level produces this daily rhythm at the tissue level. Here we use multispectral imaging of single live cells, computational methods, and mathematical modeling to address this question in proliferating mouse fibroblasts. We show that in unsynchronized cells the cell cycle and circadian clock robustly phase lock each other in a 1:1 fashion so that in an expanding cell population the two oscillators oscillate in a synchronized way with a common frequency. Dexamethasone-induced synchronization reveals additional clock states. As well as the low-period phase-locked state there are distinct coexisting states with a significantly higher period clock. Cells transition to these states after dexamethasone synchronization. The temporal coordination of cell division by phase locking to the clock at a single-cell level has significant implications because disordered circadian function is increasingly being linked to the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cancer. PMID:24958884

Phase locking and multiple oscillating attractors for the coupled mammalian clock and cell cycle.

PubMed

Feillet, Céline; Krusche, Peter; Tamanini, Filippo; Janssens, Roel C; Downey, Mike J; Martin, Patrick; Teboul, Michèle; Saito, Shoko; Lévi, Francis A; Bretschneider, Till; van der Horst, Gijsbertus T J; Delaunay, Franck; Rand, David A

2014-07-08

Daily synchronous rhythms of cell division at the tissue or organism level are observed in many species and suggest that the circadian clock and cell cycle oscillators are coupled. For mammals, despite known mechanistic interactions, the effect of such coupling on clock and cell cycle progression, and hence its biological relevance, is not understood. In particular, we do not know how the temporal organization of cell division at the single-cell level produces this daily rhythm at the tissue level. Here we use multispectral imaging of single live cells, computational methods, and mathematical modeling to address this question in proliferating mouse fibroblasts. We show that in unsynchronized cells the cell cycle and circadian clock robustly phase lock each other in a 1:1 fashion so that in an expanding cell population the two oscillators oscillate in a synchronized way with a common frequency. Dexamethasone-induced synchronization reveals additional clock states. As well as the low-period phase-locked state there are distinct coexisting states with a significantly higher period clock. Cells transition to these states after dexamethasone synchronization. The temporal coordination of cell division by phase locking to the clock at a single-cell level has significant implications because disordered circadian function is increasingly being linked to the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cancer.

A highly miniaturized vacuum package for a trapped ion atomic clock

DOE PAGES

Schwindt, Peter D. D.; Jau, Yuan-Yu; Partner, Heather; ...

2016-05-12

We report on the development of a highly miniaturized vacuum package for use in an atomic clock utilizing trapped ytterbium-171 ions. The vacuum package is approximately 1 cm 3 in size and contains a linear quadrupole RF Paul ion trap, miniature neutral Yb sources, and a non-evaporable getter pump. We describe the fabrication process for making the Yb sources and assembling the vacuum package. To prepare the vacuum package for ion trapping, it was evacuated, baked at a high temperature, and then back filled with a helium buffer gas. Once appropriate vacuum conditions were achieved in the package, the packagemore » was sealed with a copper pinch-off and was then pumped only by the non-evaporable getter. We demonstrated ion trapping in this vacuum package and the operation of an atomic clock, stabilizing a local oscillator to the 12.6 GHz hyperfine transition of 171Yb +. The fractional frequency stability of the clock was measured to be 2 × 10 -11 / τ 1/2.« less

An open source digital servo for atomic, molecular, and optical physics experiments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Leibrandt, D. R., E-mail: david.leibrandt@nist.gov; Heidecker, J.

2015-12-15

We describe a general purpose digital servo optimized for feedback control of lasers in atomic, molecular, and optical physics experiments. The servo is capable of feedback bandwidths up to roughly 1 MHz (limited by the 320 ns total latency); loop filter shapes up to fifth order; multiple-input, multiple-output control; and automatic lock acquisition. The configuration of the servo is controlled via a graphical user interface, which also provides a rudimentary software oscilloscope and tools for measurement of system transfer functions. We illustrate the functionality of the digital servo by describing its use in two example scenarios: frequency control of themore » laser used to probe the narrow clock transition of {sup 27}Al{sup +} in an optical atomic clock, and length control of a cavity used for resonant frequency doubling of a laser.« less

An open source digital servo for atomic, molecular, and optical physics experiments.

PubMed

Leibrandt, D R; Heidecker, J

2015-12-01

We describe a general purpose digital servo optimized for feedback control of lasers in atomic, molecular, and optical physics experiments. The servo is capable of feedback bandwidths up to roughly 1 MHz (limited by the 320 ns total latency); loop filter shapes up to fifth order; multiple-input, multiple-output control; and automatic lock acquisition. The configuration of the servo is controlled via a graphical user interface, which also provides a rudimentary software oscilloscope and tools for measurement of system transfer functions. We illustrate the functionality of the digital servo by describing its use in two example scenarios: frequency control of the laser used to probe the narrow clock transition of (27)Al(+) in an optical atomic clock, and length control of a cavity used for resonant frequency doubling of a laser.

An open source digital servo for atomic, molecular, and optical physics experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leibrandt, D. R.; Heidecker, J.

2015-12-01

We describe a general purpose digital servo optimized for feedback control of lasers in atomic, molecular, and optical physics experiments. The servo is capable of feedback bandwidths up to roughly 1 MHz (limited by the 320 ns total latency); loop filter shapes up to fifth order; multiple-input, multiple-output control; and automatic lock acquisition. The configuration of the servo is controlled via a graphical user interface, which also provides a rudimentary software oscilloscope and tools for measurement of system transfer functions. We illustrate the functionality of the digital servo by describing its use in two example scenarios: frequency control of the laser used to probe the narrow clock transition of 27Al+ in an optical atomic clock, and length control of a cavity used for resonant frequency doubling of a laser.

An open source digital servo for atomic, molecular, and optical physics experiments

PubMed Central

Leibrandt, D. R.; Heidecker, J.

2016-01-01

We describe a general purpose digital servo optimized for feedback control of lasers in atomic, molecular, and optical physics experiments. The servo is capable of feedback bandwidths up to roughly 1 MHz (limited by the 320 ns total latency); loop filter shapes up to fifth order; multiple-input, multiple-output control; and automatic lock acquisition. The configuration of the servo is controlled via a graphical user interface, which also provides a rudimentary software oscilloscope and tools for measurement of system transfer functions. We illustrate the functionality of the digital servo by describing its use in two example scenarios: frequency control of the laser used to probe the narrow clock transition of 27Al+ in an optical atomic clock, and length control of a cavity used for resonant frequency doubling of a laser. PMID:26724014

Limit on the temporal variation of the fine-structure constant using atomic dysprosium.

PubMed

Cingöz, A; Lapierre, A; Nguyen, A-T; Leefer, N; Budker, D; Lamoreaux, S K; Torgerson, J R

2007-01-26

Over 8 months, we monitored transition frequencies between nearly degenerate, opposite-parity levels in two isotopes of atomic dysprosium (Dy). These frequencies are sensitive to variation of the fine-structure constant (alpha) due to relativistic corrections of opposite sign for the opposite-parity levels. In this unique system, in contrast to atomic-clock comparisons, the difference of the electronic energies of the opposite-parity levels can be monitored directly utilizing a rf electric-dipole transition between them. Our measurements show that the frequency variation of the 3.1-MHz transition in (163)Dy and the 235-MHz transition in (162)Dy are 9.0+/-6.7 Hz/yr and -0.6+/-6.5 Hz/yr, respectively. These results provide a rate of fractional variation of alpha of (-2.7+/-2.6) x 10(-15) yr(-1) (1 sigma) without assumptions on constancy of other fundamental constants, indicating absence of significant variation at the present level of sensitivity.

Properties of nearly perfect crystals at very low temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weber, J.; Hamilton, J. J.

1994-01-01

Data shows that the frequency stability of 5 MHz AT-cut quartz crystal oscillators is improved by lowering the temperature to 4.3 K. The resultant level of stability is apparently not, at this point, sufficient for a clock accurate to 1 part in 10(exp 17). However, many improvements are possible in the scheme presented here. These would involve better temperature regulation, better crystal mounting and vibration isolation, and lower temperatures. Below the lambda-transition at 2.17 K the residual bubbling of the bath would be eliminated. Thus, the prospect of a successful clock built on this scheme is not ruled out.

Sub-Doppler Frequency Metrology in HD for Tests of Fundamental Physics.

PubMed

Cozijn, F M J; Dupré, P; Salumbides, E J; Eikema, K S E; Ubachs, W

2018-04-13

Weak transitions in the (2,0) overtone band of the hydrogen deuteride molecule at λ=1.38  μm were measured in saturated absorption using the technique of noise-immune cavity-enhanced optical heterodyne molecular spectroscopy. Narrow Doppler-free lines were interrogated with a spectroscopy laser locked to a frequency comb laser referenced to an atomic clock to yield transition frequencies [R(1)=217105181895(20)  kHz; R(2)=219042856621(28)  kHz; R(3)=220704304951(28)  kHz] at three orders of magnitude improved accuracy. These benchmark values provide a test of QED in the smallest neutral molecule, and they open up an avenue to resolve the proton radius puzzle, as well as constrain putative fifth forces and extra dimensions.

Precision atomic spectroscopy for improved limits on variation of the fine structure constant and local position invariance.

PubMed

Fortier, T M; Ashby, N; Bergquist, J C; Delaney, M J; Diddams, S A; Heavner, T P; Hollberg, L; Itano, W M; Jefferts, S R; Kim, K; Levi, F; Lorini, L; Oskay, W H; Parker, T E; Shirley, J; Stalnaker, J E

2007-02-16

We report tests of local position invariance and the variation of fundamental constants from measurements of the frequency ratio of the 282-nm 199Hg+ optical clock transition to the ground state hyperfine splitting in 133Cs. Analysis of the frequency ratio of the two clocks, extending over 6 yr at NIST, is used to place a limit on its fractional variation of <5.8x10(-6) per change in normalized solar gravitational potential. The same frequency ratio is also used to obtain 20-fold improvement over previous limits on the fractional variation of the fine structure constant of |alpha/alpha|<1.3x10(-16) yr-1, assuming invariance of other fundamental constants. Comparisons of our results with those previously reported for the absolute optical frequency measurements in H and 171Yb+ vs other 133Cs standards yield a coupled constraint of -1.5x10(-15)

GPS satellite clock determination in case of inter-frequency clock biases for triple-frequency precise point positioning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Jiang; Geng, Jianghui

2017-12-01

Significant time-varying inter-frequency clock biases (IFCBs) within GPS observations prevent the application of the legacy L1/L2 ionosphere-free clock products on L5 signals. Conventional approaches overcoming this problem are to estimate L1/L5 ionosphere-free clocks in addition to their L1/L2 counterparts or to compute IFCBs between the L1/L2 and L1/L5 clocks which are later modeled through a harmonic analysis. In contrast, we start from the undifferenced uncombined GNSS model and propose an alternative approach where a second satellite clock parameter dedicated to the L5 signals is estimated along with the legacy L1/L2 clock. In this manner, we do not need to rely on the correlated L1/L2 and L1/L5 ionosphere-free observables which complicates triple-frequency GPS stochastic models, or account for the unfavorable time-varying hardware biases in undifferenced GPS functional models since they can be absorbed by the L5 clocks. An extra advantage over the ionosphere-free model is that external ionosphere constraints can potentially be introduced to improve PPP. With 27 days of triple-frequency GPS data from globally distributed stations, we find that the RMS of the positioning differences between our GPS model and all conventional models is below 1 mm for all east, north and up components, demonstrating the effectiveness of our model in addressing triple-frequency observations and time-varying IFCBs. Moreover, we can combine the L1/L2 and L5 clocks derived from our model to calculate precisely the L1/L5 clocks which in practice only depart from their legacy counterparts by less than 0.006 ns in RMS. Our triple-frequency GPS model proves convenient and efficient in combating time-varying IFCBs and can be generalized to more than three frequency signals for satellite clock determination.

Frequency stability of on-orbit GPS Block-I and Block-II Navstar clocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCaskill, Thomas B.; Reid, Wilson G.; Buisson, James A.

On-orbit analysis of the Global Positioning System (GPS) Block-I and Block-II Navstar clocks has been performed by the Naval Research Laboratory using a multi-year database. The Navstar clock phase-offset measurements were computed from pseudorange measurements made by the five GPS monitor sites and from the U.S. Naval Observatory precise-time site using single or dual frequency GPS receivers. Orbital data was obtained from the Navstar broadcast ephemeris and from the best-fit, postprocessed orbital ephemerides supplied by the Naval Surface Weapons Center or by the Defense Mapping Agency. Clock performance in the time domain is characterized using frequency-stability profiles with sample times that vary from 1 to 100 days. Composite plots of Navstar frequency stability and time-prediction uncertainty are included as a summary of clock analysis results. The analysis includes plots of the clock phase offset and frequency offset histories with the eclipse seasons superimposed on selected plots to demonstrate the temperature sensitivity of one of the Block-I Navstar rubidium clocks. The potential impact on navigation and on transferring precise time of the degradation in the long-term frequency stability of the rubidium clocks is discussed.

An improved adaptive interpolation clock recovery loop based on phase splitting algorithm for coherent optical communication system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xuan; Liu, Bo; Zhang, Li-jia; Xin, Xiang-jun; Zhang, Qi; Wang, Yong-jun; Tian, Qing-hua; Tian, Feng; Mao, Ya-ya

2018-01-01

Traditional clock recovery scheme achieves timing adjustment by digital interpolation, thus recovering the sampling sequence. Based on this, an improved clock recovery architecture joint channel equalization for coherent optical communication system is presented in this paper. The loop is different from the traditional clock recovery. In order to reduce the interpolation error caused by the distortion in the frequency domain of the interpolator and to suppress the spectral mirroring generated by the sampling rate change, the proposed algorithm joint equalization, improves the original interpolator in the loop, along with adaptive filtering, and makes error compensation for the original signals according to the balanced pre-filtering signals. Then the signals are adaptive interpolated through the feedback loop. Furthermore, the phase splitting timing recovery algorithm is adopted in this paper. The time error is calculated according to the improved algorithm when there is no transition between the adjacent symbols, making calculated timing error more accurate. Meanwhile, Carrier coarse synchronization module is placed before the beginning of timing recovery to eliminate the larger frequency offset interference, which effectively adjust the sampling clock phase. In this paper, the simulation results show that the timing error is greatly reduced after the loop is changed. Based on the phase splitting algorithm, the BER and MSE are better than those in the unvaried architecture. In the fiber channel, using MQAM modulation format, after 100 km-transmission of single-mode fiber, especially when ROF(roll-off factor) values tends to 0, the algorithm shows a better clock performance under different ROFs. When SNR values are less than 8, the BER could achieve 10-2 to 10-1 magnitude. Furthermore, the proposed timing recovery is more suitable for the situation with low SNR values.

Agile Blocker and Clock Jitter Tolerant Low-Power Frequency Selective Receiver with Energy Harvesting Capability.

PubMed

Hasan, Abul; Helaoui, Mohamed; Ghannouchi, Fadhel M

2017-08-29

In this article, a novel tunable, blocker and clock jitter tolerant, low power, quadrature phase shift frequency selective (QPS-FS) receiver with energy harvesting capability is proposed. The receiver's design embraces and integrates (i) the baseband to radio frequency (RF) impedance translation concept to improve selectivity over that of conventional homodyne receiver topologies and (ii) broadband quadrature phase shift circuitry in the RF path to remove an active multi-phase clock generation circuit in passive mixer (PM) receivers. The use of a single local oscillator clock signal with a passive clock division network improves the receiver's robustness against clock jitter and reduces the source clock frequency by a factor of N, compared to PM receivers using N switches (N≥4). As a consequence, the frequency coverage of the QPS-FS receiver is improved by a factor of N, given a clock source of maximum frequency; and, the power consumption of the whole receiver system can eventually be reduced. The tunable QPS-FS receiver separates the wanted RF band signal from the unwanted blockers/interferers. The desired RF signal is frequency down-converted to baseband, while the undesired blocker/interferer signals are reflected by the receiver, collected and could be energy recycled using an auxiliary energy harvesting device.

Single-ion, transportable optical atomic clocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delehaye, Marion; Lacroûte, Clément

2018-03-01

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 ?, 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.

On-orbit frequency stability analysis of the GPS NAVSTAR-1 quartz clock and the NAVSTARs-6 and -8 rubidium clocks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mccaskill, T. B.; Buisson, J. A.; Reid, W. G.

1984-01-01

An on-orbit frequency stability performance analysis of the GPS NAVSTAR-1 quartz clock and the NAVSTARs-6 and -8 rubidium clocks is presented. The clock offsets were obtained from measurements taken at the GPS monitor stations which use high performance cesium standards as a reference. Clock performance is characterized through the use of the Allan variance, which is evaluated for sample times of 15 minutes to two hours, and from one day to 10 days. The quartz and rubidium clocks' offsets were corrected for aging rate before computing the frequency stability. The effect of small errors in aging rate is presented for the NAVSTAR-8 rubidium clock's stability analysis. The analysis includes presentation of time and frequency residuals with respect to linear and quadratic models, which aid in obtaining aging rate values and identifying systematic and random effects. The frequency stability values were further processed with a time domain noise process analysis, which is used to classify random noise process and modulation type.

Cold Atom Clock Test of Lorentz Invariance in the Matter Sector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wolf, Peter; Chapelet, Frederic; Bize, Sebastien

2006-02-17

We report on a new experiment that tests for a violation of Lorentz invariance (LI), by searching for a dependence of atomic transition frequencies on the orientation of the spin of the involved states (Hughes-Drever type experiment). The atomic frequencies are measured using a laser cooled {sup 133}Cs atomic fountain clock, operating on a particular combination of Zeeman substates. We analyze the results within the framework of the Lorentz violating standard model extension (SME), where our experiment is sensitive to a largely unexplored region of the SME parameter space, corresponding to first measurements of four proton parameters and improvements bymore » 11 and 13 orders of magnitude on the determination of four others. In spite of the attained uncertainties, and of having extended the search into a new region of the SME, we still find no indication of LI violation.« less

Atomic clocks and the continuous-time random-walk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Formichella, Valerio; Camparo, James; Tavella, Patrizia

2017-11-01

Atomic clocks play a fundamental role in many fields, most notably they generate Universal Coordinated Time and are at the heart of all global navigation satellite systems. Notwithstanding their excellent timekeeping performance, their output frequency does vary: it can display deterministic frequency drift; diverse continuous noise processes result in nonstationary clock noise (e.g., random-walk frequency noise, modelled as a Wiener process), and the clock frequency may display sudden changes (i.e., "jumps"). Typically, the clock's frequency instability is evaluated by the Allan or Hadamard variances, whose functional forms can identify the different operative noise processes. Here, we show that the Allan and Hadamard variances of a particular continuous-time random-walk, the compound Poisson process, have the same functional form as for a Wiener process with drift. The compound Poisson process, introduced as a model for observed frequency jumps, is an alternative to the Wiener process for modelling random walk frequency noise. This alternate model fits well the behavior of the rubidium clocks flying on GPS Block-IIR satellites. Further, starting from jump statistics, the model can be improved by considering a more general form of continuous-time random-walk, and this could bring new insights into the physics of atomic clocks.

Synthesizing genetic sequential logic circuit with clock pulse generator.

PubMed

Chuang, Chia-Hua; Lin, Chun-Liang

2014-05-28

Rhythmic clock widely occurs in biological systems which controls several aspects of cell physiology. For the different cell types, it is supplied with various rhythmic frequencies. How to synthesize a specific clock signal is a preliminary but a necessary step to further development of a biological computer in the future. This paper presents a genetic sequential logic circuit with a clock pulse generator based on a synthesized genetic oscillator, which generates a consecutive clock signal whose frequency is an inverse integer multiple to that of the genetic oscillator. An analogous electronic waveform-shaping circuit is constructed by a series of genetic buffers to shape logic high/low levels of an oscillation input in a basic sinusoidal cycle and generate a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) output with various duty cycles. By controlling the threshold level of the genetic buffer, a genetic clock pulse signal with its frequency consistent to the genetic oscillator is synthesized. A synchronous genetic counter circuit based on the topology of the digital sequential logic circuit is triggered by the clock pulse to synthesize the clock signal with an inverse multiple frequency to the genetic oscillator. The function acts like a frequency divider in electronic circuits which plays a key role in the sequential logic circuit with specific operational frequency. A cascaded genetic logic circuit generating clock pulse signals is proposed. Based on analogous implement of digital sequential logic circuits, genetic sequential logic circuits can be constructed by the proposed approach to generate various clock signals from an oscillation signal.

A high-overtone bulk acoustic wave resonator-oscillator-based 4.596 GHz frequency source: Application to a coherent population trapping Cs vapor cell atomic clock

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Daugey, Thomas; Friedt, Jean-Michel; Martin, Gilles

2015-11-15

This article reports on the design and characterization of a high-overtone bulk acoustic wave resonator (HBAR)-oscillator-based 4.596 GHz frequency source. A 2.298 GHz signal, generated by an oscillator constructed around a thermally controlled two-port aluminum nitride-sapphire HBAR resonator with a Q-factor of 24 000 at 68 °C, is frequency multiplied by 2–4.596 GHz, half of the Cs atom clock frequency. The temperature coefficient of frequency of the HBAR is measured to be −23 ppm/ °C at 2.298 GHz. The measured phase noise of the 4.596 GHz source is −105 dB rad{sup 2}/Hz at 1 kHz offset and −150 dB rad{sup 2}/Hz at 100more » kHz offset. The 4.596 GHz output signal is used as a local oscillator in a laboratory-prototype Cs microcell-based coherent population trapping atomic clock. The signal is stabilized onto the atomic transition frequency by tuning finely a voltage-controlled phase shifter implemented in the 2.298 GHz HBAR-oscillator loop, preventing the need for a high-power-consuming direct digital synthesis. The short-term fractional frequency stability of the free-running oscillator is 1.8 × 10{sup −9} at one second integration time. In locked regime, the latter is improved in a preliminary proof-of-concept experiment at the level of 6.6 × 10{sup −11} τ{sup −1/2} up to a few seconds and found to be limited by the signal-to-noise ratio of the detected CPT resonance.« less

A high-overtone bulk acoustic wave resonator-oscillator-based 4.596 GHz frequency source: Application to a coherent population trapping Cs vapor cell atomic clock.

PubMed

Daugey, Thomas; Friedt, Jean-Michel; Martin, Gilles; Boudot, Rodolphe

2015-11-01

This article reports on the design and characterization of a high-overtone bulk acoustic wave resonator (HBAR)-oscillator-based 4.596 GHz frequency source. A 2.298 GHz signal, generated by an oscillator constructed around a thermally controlled two-port aluminum nitride-sapphire HBAR resonator with a Q-factor of 24,000 at 68 °C, is frequency multiplied by 2-4.596 GHz, half of the Cs atom clock frequency. The temperature coefficient of frequency of the HBAR is measured to be -23 ppm/ °C at 2.298 GHz. The measured phase noise of the 4.596 GHz source is -105 dB rad(2)/Hz at 1 kHz offset and -150 dB rad(2)/Hz at 100 kHz offset. The 4.596 GHz output signal is used as a local oscillator in a laboratory-prototype Cs microcell-based coherent population trapping atomic clock. The signal is stabilized onto the atomic transition frequency by tuning finely a voltage-controlled phase shifter implemented in the 2.298 GHz HBAR-oscillator loop, preventing the need for a high-power-consuming direct digital synthesis. The short-term fractional frequency stability of the free-running oscillator is 1.8 × 10(-9) at one second integration time. In locked regime, the latter is improved in a preliminary proof-of-concept experiment at the level of 6.6 × 10(-11) τ(-1/2) up to a few seconds and found to be limited by the signal-to-noise ratio of the detected CPT resonance.

A high-overtone bulk acoustic wave resonator-oscillator-based 4.596 GHz frequency source: Application to a coherent population trapping Cs vapor cell atomic clock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daugey, Thomas; Friedt, Jean-Michel; Martin, Gilles; Boudot, Rodolphe

2015-11-01

This article reports on the design and characterization of a high-overtone bulk acoustic wave resonator (HBAR)-oscillator-based 4.596 GHz frequency source. A 2.298 GHz signal, generated by an oscillator constructed around a thermally controlled two-port aluminum nitride-sapphire HBAR resonator with a Q-factor of 24 000 at 68 °C, is frequency multiplied by 2-4.596 GHz, half of the Cs atom clock frequency. The temperature coefficient of frequency of the HBAR is measured to be -23 ppm/ °C at 2.298 GHz. The measured phase noise of the 4.596 GHz source is -105 dB rad2/Hz at 1 kHz offset and -150 dB rad2/Hz at 100 kHz offset. The 4.596 GHz output signal is used as a local oscillator in a laboratory-prototype Cs microcell-based coherent population trapping atomic clock. The signal is stabilized onto the atomic transition frequency by tuning finely a voltage-controlled phase shifter implemented in the 2.298 GHz HBAR-oscillator loop, preventing the need for a high-power-consuming direct digital synthesis. The short-term fractional frequency stability of the free-running oscillator is 1.8 × 10-9 at one second integration time. In locked regime, the latter is improved in a preliminary proof-of-concept experiment at the level of 6.6 × 10-11 τ-1/2 up to a few seconds and found to be limited by the signal-to-noise ratio of the detected CPT resonance.

Progress towards a cesium atomic fountain clock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klipstein, William M.; Raithel, Georg A.; Rolston, Steven L.; Phillips, William D.; Ekstrom, Christopher R.

1997-04-01

We have been developing a fountain of laser--cooled cesium atoms for use as an atomic clock. Our design largely follows that of the fountain built at LPTF in Paris. In our fountain, chirp--slowed atoms are first collected in a Magneto--Optic Trap (MOT) and then cooled to a few μK in optical molasses. The cooled atoms are then launched vertically into a "moving molasses" by shifting the frequencies of the vertical cooling beams. The atoms then travel through a microwave cavity tuned to the 9.2 GHz cesium hyperfine frequency for a first Ramsey pulse. After roughly 0.5 seconds of free flight under the influence of gravity, the atoms fall back through the microwave cavity and into an optical state--detection region which detects the number of atoms making the F=3 arrow F=4 transition. The increased Ramsey interaction time improves the short--time precision as compared to traditional atomic beam experiments, while many systematic shifts which limit the accuracy of an atomic beam clock are reduced by the low atomic velocity and the retrace of the atomic trajectory through the microwave cavity. We will discuss the progress towards a working fountain being assembled in our laboratory.

Progress Report on the Improved Linear Ion Trap Physics Package

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prestage, John D.

1995-01-01

This article describes the first operational results from the extended linear ion trap frequency standard now being developed at JPL. This new design separates the state selection/interrogation region from the more critical microwave resonance region where the multiplied local oscillator (LO) signal is compared to the stable atomic transition. Hg+ ions have been trapped, shuttled back and forth between the resonance and state selection traps. In addition, microwave transitions between the Hg+ clock levels have been driven in the resonance trap and detected in the state selection trap.

Recent Developments in Microwave Ion Clocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prestage, John D.; Tjoelker, Robert L.; Maleki, Lute

We review the development of microwave-frequency standards based on trapped ions. Following two distinct paths, microwave ion clocks have evolved greatly in the last twenty years since the earliest Paul-trap-based units. Laser-cooled ion frequency standards reduce the second-order Doppler shift from ion micromotion and thermal secular motion achieving good signal-to-noise ratios via cycling transitions where as many as ~10^8 photons per second per ion may be scattered. Today, laser-cooled ion standards are based on linear Paul traps which hold ions near the node line of the trapping electric field, minimizing micromotion at the trapping-field frequency and the consequent second-order Doppler frequency shift. These quadrupole (radial) field traps tightly confine tens of ions to a crystalline single-line structure. As more ions are trapped, space charge forces some ions away from the node-line axis and the second-order Doppler effect grows larger, even at negligibly small secular temperatures. Buffer-gas-cooled clocks rely on large numbers of ions, typically ~10^7, optically pumped by a discharge lamp at a scattering rate of a few photons per second per ion. To reduce the second-order Doppler shift from space charge repulsion of ions from the trap node line, novel multipole ion traps are now being developed where ions are weakly bound with confining fields that are effectively zero through the trap interior and grow rapidly near the trap electrode ``walls''.

A highly miniaturized vacuum package for a trapped ion atomic clock

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schwindt, Peter D. D., E-mail: pschwin@sandia.gov; Jau, Yuan-Yu; Partner, Heather

2016-05-15

We report on the development of a highly miniaturized vacuum package for use in an atomic clock utilizing trapped ytterbium-171 ions. The vacuum package is approximately 1 cm{sup 3} in size and contains a linear quadrupole RF Paul ion trap, miniature neutral Yb sources, and a non-evaporable getter pump. We describe the fabrication process for making the Yb sources and assembling the vacuum package. To prepare the vacuum package for ion trapping, it was evacuated, baked at a high temperature, and then back filled with a helium buffer gas. Once appropriate vacuum conditions were achieved in the package, it wasmore » sealed with a copper pinch-off and was subsequently pumped only by the non-evaporable getter. We demonstrated ion trapping in this vacuum package and the operation of an atomic clock, stabilizing a local oscillator to the 12.6 GHz hyperfine transition of {sup 171}Y b{sup +}. The fractional frequency stability of the clock was measured to be 2 × 10{sup −11}/τ{sup 1/2}.« less

Synthesizing genetic sequential logic circuit with clock pulse generator

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Rhythmic clock widely occurs in biological systems which controls several aspects of cell physiology. For the different cell types, it is supplied with various rhythmic frequencies. How to synthesize a specific clock signal is a preliminary but a necessary step to further development of a biological computer in the future. Results This paper presents a genetic sequential logic circuit with a clock pulse generator based on a synthesized genetic oscillator, which generates a consecutive clock signal whose frequency is an inverse integer multiple to that of the genetic oscillator. An analogous electronic waveform-shaping circuit is constructed by a series of genetic buffers to shape logic high/low levels of an oscillation input in a basic sinusoidal cycle and generate a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) output with various duty cycles. By controlling the threshold level of the genetic buffer, a genetic clock pulse signal with its frequency consistent to the genetic oscillator is synthesized. A synchronous genetic counter circuit based on the topology of the digital sequential logic circuit is triggered by the clock pulse to synthesize the clock signal with an inverse multiple frequency to the genetic oscillator. The function acts like a frequency divider in electronic circuits which plays a key role in the sequential logic circuit with specific operational frequency. Conclusions A cascaded genetic logic circuit generating clock pulse signals is proposed. Based on analogous implement of digital sequential logic circuits, genetic sequential logic circuits can be constructed by the proposed approach to generate various clock signals from an oscillation signal. PMID:24884665

A novel power-efficient high-speed clock management unit using quantum-dot cellular automata

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abutaleb, M. M.

2017-04-01

Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) is one of the most attractive alternatives for complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technology. The QCA widely supports a new paradigm in the field of nanotechnology that has the potential for high density, low power, and high speed. The clock manager is an essential building block in the new microwave and radio frequency integrated circuits. This paper describes a novel QCA-based clock management unit (CMU) that provides innovative clocking capabilities. The proposed CMU is achieved by utilizing edge-triggered D-type flip-flops (D-FFs) in the design of frequency synthesizer and phase splitter. Edge-triggered D-FF structures proposed in this paper have the successful QCA implementation and simulation with the least complexity and power dissipation as compared to earlier structures. The frequency synthesizer is used to generate new clock frequencies from the reference clock frequency based on a combination of power-of-two frequency dividers. The phase splitter is integrated with the frequency synthesizer to generate four clock signals that are 90o out of phase with each other. This paper demonstrates that the proposed QCA CMU structure has a superior performance. Furthermore, the proposed CMU is straightforwardly scalable due to the use of modular component architecture.

Optical atomic phase reference and timing.

PubMed

Hollberg, L; Cornell, E H; Abdelrahmann, A

2017-08-06

Atomic clocks based on laser-cooled atoms have made tremendous advances in both accuracy and stability. However, advanced clocks have not found their way into widespread use because there has been little need for such high performance in real-world/commercial applications. The drive in the commercial world favours smaller, lower-power, more robust compact atomic clocks that function well in real-world non-laboratory environments. Although the high-performance atomic frequency references are useful to test Einstein's special relativity more precisely, there are not compelling scientific arguments to expect a breakdown in special relativity. On the other hand, the dynamics of gravity, evidenced by the recent spectacular results in experimental detection of gravity waves by the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, shows dramatically that there is new physics to be seen and understood in space-time science. Those systems require strain measurements at less than or equal to 10 -20 As we discuss here, cold atom optical frequency references are still many orders of magnitude away from the frequency stability that should be achievable with narrow-linewidth quantum transitions and large numbers of very cold atoms, and they may be able to achieve levels of phase stability, Δ Φ / Φ total  ≤ 10 -20 , that could make an important impact in gravity wave science.This article is part of the themed issue 'Quantum technology for the 21st century'. © 2017 The Author(s).

Tight real-time synchronization of a microwave clock to an optical clock across a turbulent air path

PubMed Central

Bergeron, Hugo; Sinclair, Laura C.; Swann, William C.; Nelson, Craig W.; Deschênes, Jean-Daniel; Baumann, Esther; Giorgetta, Fabrizio R.; Coddington, Ian; Newbury, Nathan R.

2018-01-01

The ability to distribute the precise time and frequency from an optical clock to remote platforms could enable future precise navigation and sensing systems. Here we demonstrate tight, real-time synchronization of a remote microwave clock to a master optical clock over a turbulent 4-km open air path via optical two-way time-frequency transfer. Once synchronized, the 10-GHz frequency signals generated at each site agree to 10−14 at one second and below 10−17 at 1000 seconds. In addition, the two clock times are synchronized to ±13 fs over an 8-hour period. The ability to phase-synchronize 10-GHz signals across platforms supports future distributed coherent sensing, while the ability to time-synchronize multiple microwave-based clocks to a high-performance master optical clock supports future precision navigation/timing systems. PMID:29607352

Tight real-time synchronization of a microwave clock to an optical clock across a turbulent air path.

PubMed

Bergeron, Hugo; Sinclair, Laura C; Swann, William C; Nelson, Craig W; Deschênes, Jean-Daniel; Baumann, Esther; Giorgetta, Fabrizio R; Coddington, Ian; Newbury, Nathan R

2016-04-01

The ability to distribute the precise time and frequency from an optical clock to remote platforms could enable future precise navigation and sensing systems. Here we demonstrate tight, real-time synchronization of a remote microwave clock to a master optical clock over a turbulent 4-km open air path via optical two-way time-frequency transfer. Once synchronized, the 10-GHz frequency signals generated at each site agree to 10 -14 at one second and below 10 -17 at 1000 seconds. In addition, the two clock times are synchronized to ±13 fs over an 8-hour period. The ability to phase-synchronize 10-GHz signals across platforms supports future distributed coherent sensing, while the ability to time-synchronize multiple microwave-based clocks to a high-performance master optical clock supports future precision navigation/timing systems.

Method and apparatus to debug an integrated circuit chip via synchronous clock stop and scan

DOEpatents

Bellofatto, Ralph E [Ridgefield, CT; Ellavsky, Matthew R [Rochester, MN; Gara, Alan G [Mount Kisco, NY; Giampapa, Mark E [Irvington, NY; Gooding, Thomas M [Rochester, MN; Haring, Rudolf A [Cortlandt Manor, NY; Hehenberger, Lance G [Leander, TX; Ohmacht, Martin [Yorktown Heights, NY

2012-03-20

An apparatus and method for evaluating a state of an electronic or integrated circuit (IC), each IC including one or more processor elements for controlling operations of IC sub-units, and each the IC supporting multiple frequency clock domains. The method comprises: generating a synchronized set of enable signals in correspondence with one or more IC sub-units for starting operation of one or more IC sub-units according to a determined timing configuration; counting, in response to one signal of the synchronized set of enable signals, a number of main processor IC clock cycles; and, upon attaining a desired clock cycle number, generating a stop signal for each unique frequency clock domain to synchronously stop a functional clock for each respective frequency clock domain; and, upon synchronously stopping all on-chip functional clocks on all frequency clock domains in a deterministic fashion, scanning out data values at a desired IC chip state. The apparatus and methodology enables construction of a cycle-by-cycle view of any part of the state of a running IC chip, using a combination of on-chip circuitry and software.

Heterodyne optical phase-locking of extended-cavity semiconductor lasers at 9 GHz

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santarelli, G.; Clairon, A.; Lea, S. N.; Tino, G. M.

1994-01-01

In order to stimulate atomic velocity-selective Raman transitions on the 852 nm caesium D 2 line in an atomic fountain clock, two extended-cavity diode lasers have been optically phase-locked at a frequency offset of 9.192 GHz. The measured linewidth (fwhm) of the free-running lasers is 50 kHz. The phase-locked loop bandwidth, evaluated by observing the frequency noise spectrum, is 3.7 MHz and the phase error variance is found to be no more than 4 × 10 -3 rad 2.

Study of additive manufactured microwave cavities for pulsed optically pumped atomic clock applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Affolderbach, C.; Moreno, W.; Ivanov, A. E.; Debogovic, T.; Pellaton, M.; Skrivervik, A. K.; de Rijk, E.; Mileti, G.

2018-03-01

Additive manufacturing (AM) of passive microwave components is of high interest for the cost-effective and rapid prototyping or manufacture of devices with complex geometries. Here, we present an experimental study on the properties of recently demonstrated microwave resonator cavities manufactured by AM, in view of their applications to high-performance compact atomic clocks. The microwave cavities employ a loop-gap geometry using six electrodes. The critical electrode structures were manufactured monolithically using two different approaches: Stereolithography (SLA) of a polymer followed by metal coating and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) of aluminum. The tested microwave cavities show the desired TE011-like resonant mode at the Rb clock frequency of ≈6.835 GHz, with a microwave magnetic field highly parallel to the quantization axis across the vapor cell. When operated in an atomic clock setup, the measured atomic Rabi oscillations are comparable to those observed for conventionally manufactured cavities and indicate a good uniformity of the field amplitude across the vapor cell. Employing a time-domain Ramsey scheme on one of the SLA cavities, high-contrast (34%) Ramsey fringes are observed for the Rb clock transition, along with a narrow (166 Hz linewidth) central fringe. The measured clock stability of 2.2 × 10-13 τ-1/2 up to the integration time of 30 s is comparable to the current state-of-the-art stabilities of compact vapor-cell clocks based on conventional microwave cavities and thus demonstrates the feasibility of the approach.

Detecting an atomic clock frequency anomaly using an adaptive Kalman filter algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Huijie; Dong, Shaowu; Wu, Wenjun; Jiang, Meng; Wang, Weixiong

2018-06-01

The abnormal frequencies of an atomic clock mainly include frequency jump and frequency drift jump. Atomic clock frequency anomaly detection is a key technique in time-keeping. The Kalman filter algorithm, as a linear optimal algorithm, has been widely used in real-time detection for abnormal frequency. In order to obtain an optimal state estimation, the observation model and dynamic model of the Kalman filter algorithm should satisfy Gaussian white noise conditions. The detection performance is degraded if anomalies affect the observation model or dynamic model. The idea of the adaptive Kalman filter algorithm, applied to clock frequency anomaly detection, uses the residuals given by the prediction for building ‘an adaptive factor’ the prediction state covariance matrix is real-time corrected by the adaptive factor. The results show that the model error is reduced and the detection performance is improved. The effectiveness of the algorithm is verified by the frequency jump simulation, the frequency drift jump simulation and the measured data of the atomic clock by using the chi-square test.

Rb vapor-cell clock demonstration with a frequency-doubled telecom laser.

PubMed

Almat, Nil; Pellaton, Matthieu; Moreno, William; Gruet, Florian; Affolderbach, Christoph; Mileti, Gaetano

2018-06-01

We employ a recently developed laser system, based on a low-noise telecom laser emitting around 1.56 μm, to evaluate its impact on the performance of an Rb vapor-cell clock in a continuous-wave double-resonance scheme. The achieved short-term clock instability below 2.5·10 -13 ·τ -1/2 demonstrates, for the first time, the suitability of a frequency-doubled telecom laser for this specific application. We measure and study quantitatively the impact of laser amplitude and frequency noises and of the ac Stark shift, which limit the clock frequency stability on short timescales. We also report on the detailed noise budgets and demonstrate experimentally that, under certain conditions, the short-term stability of the clock operated with the low-noise telecom laser is improved by a factor of three compared to clock operation using the direct 780-nm laser.

Experimental verification of clock noise transfer and components for space based gravitational wave detectors.

PubMed

Sweeney, Dylan; Mueller, Guido

2012-11-05

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and other space based gravitational wave detector designs require a laser communication subsystem to, among other things, transfer clock signals between spacecraft (SC) in order to cancel clock noise in post-processing. The original LISA baseline design requires frequency synthesizers to convert each SC clock into a 2 GHz signal, and electro-optic modulators (EOMs) to modulate this 2 GHz clock signal onto the laser light. Both the frequency synthesizers and the EOMs must operate with a phase fidelity of 2×10(-4)cycles/√Hz. In this paper we present measurements of the phase fidelity of frequency synthesizers and EOMs. We found that both the frequency synthesizers and the EOMs meet the requirement when tested independently and together. We also performed an electronic test of the clock noise transfer using frequency synthesizers and the University of Florida LISA Interferometry (UFLIS) phasemeter. We found that by applying a time varying fractional delay filter we could suppress the clock noise to a level below our measurement limit, which is currently determined by timing jitter and is less than an order of magnitude above the LISA requirement for phase measurements.

Adaptive sampler

DOEpatents

Watson, Bobby L.; Aeby, Ian

1982-01-01

An adaptive data compression device for compressing data having variable frequency content, including a plurality of digital filters for analyzing the content of the data over a plurality of frequency regions, a memory, and a control logic circuit for generating a variable rate memory clock corresponding to the analyzed frequency content of the data in the frequency region and for clocking the data into the memory in response to the variable rate memory clock.

Trapping of thulium atoms in a cavity-enhanced optical lattice near a magic wavelength of 814.5 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalganova, E. S.; Golovizin, A. A.; Shevnin, D. O.; Tregubov, D. O.; Khabarova, K. Yu; Sorokin, V. N.; Kolachevsky, N. N.

2018-05-01

A cavity-enhanced optical lattice at a wavelength of 814.5 nm for thulium atoms is designed and its characteristics are investigated. The parametric resonances at the vibrational frequencies of the trap are measured. The enhancement cavity will be applied to search for the magic wavelength of the clock transition at 1.14 μm in thulium atoms.

Wire like link for cycle reproducible and cycle accurate hardware accelerator

DOEpatents

Asaad, Sameh; Kapur, Mohit; Parker, Benjamin D

2015-04-07

First and second field programmable gate arrays are provided which implement first and second blocks of a circuit design to be simulated. The field programmable gate arrays are operated at a first clock frequency and a wire like link is provided to send a plurality of signals between them. The wire like link includes a serializer, on the first field programmable gate array, to serialize the plurality of signals; a deserializer on the second field programmable gate array, to deserialize the plurality of signals; and a connection between the serializer and the deserializer. The serializer and the deserializer are operated at a second clock frequency, greater than the first clock frequency, and the second clock frequency is selected such that latency of transmission and reception of the plurality of signals is less than the period corresponding to the first clock frequency.

All-polarization-maintaining, single-port Er:fiber comb for high-stability comparison of optical lattice clocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohmae, Noriaki; Kuse, Naoya; Fermann, Martin E.; Katori, Hidetoshi

2017-06-01

All-polarization-maintaining, single-port Er:fiber combs offer long-term robust operation as well as high stability. We have built two such combs and evaluated the transfer noise for linking optical clocks. A uniformly broadened spectrum over 135-285 THz with a high signal-to-noise ratio enables the optical frequency measurement of the subharmonics of strontium, ytterbium, and mercury optical lattice clocks with the fractional frequency-noise power spectral density of (1-2) × 10-17 Hz-1/2 at 1 Hz. By applying a synchronous clock comparison, the comb enables clock ratio measurements with 10-17 instability at 1 s, which is one order of magnitude smaller than the best instability of the frequency ratio of optical lattice clocks.

Adaptive sampler

DOEpatents

Watson, B.L.; Aeby, I.

1980-08-26

An adaptive data compression device for compressing data is described. The device has a frequency content, including a plurality of digital filters for analyzing the content of the data over a plurality of frequency regions, a memory, and a control logic circuit for generating a variable rate memory clock corresponding to the analyzed frequency content of the data in the frequency region and for clocking the data into the memory in response to the variable rate memory clock.

Atomic clocks for geodesy.

PubMed

Mehlstäubler, Tanja E; Grosche, Gesine; Lisdat, Christian; Schmidt, Piet O; Denker, Heiner

2018-06-01

We review experimental progress on optical atomic clocks and frequency transfer, and consider the prospects of using these technologies for geodetic measurements. Today, optical atomic frequency standards have reached relative frequency inaccuracies below 10 -17 , opening new fields of fundamental and applied research. The dependence of atomic frequencies on the gravitational potential makes atomic clocks ideal candidates for the search for deviations in the predictions of Einstein's general relativity, tests of modern unifying theories and the development of new gravity field sensors. In this review, we introduce the concepts of optical atomic clocks and present the status of international clock development and comparison. Besides further improvement in stability and accuracy of today's best clocks, a large effort is put into increasing the reliability and technological readiness for applications outside of specialized laboratories with compact, portable devices. With relative frequency uncertainties of 10 -18 , comparisons of optical frequency standards are foreseen to contribute together with satellite and terrestrial data to the precise determination of fundamental height reference systems in geodesy with a resolution at the cm-level. The long-term stability of atomic standards will deliver excellent long-term height references for geodetic measurements and for the modelling and understanding of our Earth.

Atomic clocks for geodesy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehlstäubler, Tanja E.; Grosche, Gesine; Lisdat, Christian; Schmidt, Piet O.; Denker, Heiner

2018-06-01

We review experimental progress on optical atomic clocks and frequency transfer, and consider the prospects of using these technologies for geodetic measurements. Today, optical atomic frequency standards have reached relative frequency inaccuracies below 10‑17, opening new fields of fundamental and applied research. The dependence of atomic frequencies on the gravitational potential makes atomic clocks ideal candidates for the search for deviations in the predictions of Einstein’s general relativity, tests of modern unifying theories and the development of new gravity field sensors. In this review, we introduce the concepts of optical atomic clocks and present the status of international clock development and comparison. Besides further improvement in stability and accuracy of today’s best clocks, a large effort is put into increasing the reliability and technological readiness for applications outside of specialized laboratories with compact, portable devices. With relative frequency uncertainties of 10‑18, comparisons of optical frequency standards are foreseen to contribute together with satellite and terrestrial data to the precise determination of fundamental height reference systems in geodesy with a resolution at the cm-level. The long-term stability of atomic standards will deliver excellent long-term height references for geodetic measurements and for the modelling and understanding of our Earth.

Optical lattice clock with atoms confined in a shallow trap

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lemonde, Pierre; Wolf, Peter; Bureau International des Poids et Mesures, Pavillon de Breteuil, 92312 Sevres Cedex

2005-09-15

We study the trap depth requirement for the realization of an optical clock using atoms confined in a lattice. We show that site-to-site tunneling leads to a residual sensitivity to the atom dynamics hence requiring large depths [(50-100)E{sub r} for Sr] to avoid any frequency shift or line broadening of the atomic transition at the 10{sup -17}-10{sup -18} level. Such large depths and the corresponding laser power may, however, lead to difficulties (e.g., higher-order light shifts, two-photon ionization, technical difficulties) and therefore one would like to operate the clock in much shallower traps. To circumvent this problem we propose themore » use of an accelerated lattice. Acceleration lifts the degeneracy between adjacents potential wells which strongly inhibits tunneling. We show that using the Earth's gravity, much shallower traps (down to 5E{sub r} for Sr) can be used for the same accuracy goal.« less

Probing atomic Higgs-like forces at the precision frontier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delaunay, Cédric; Ozeri, Roee; Perez, Gilad; Soreq, Yotam

2017-11-01

We propose a novel approach to probe new fundamental interactions using isotope shift spectroscopy in atomic clock transitions. As a concrete toy example we focus on the Higgs boson couplings to the building blocks of matter: the electron and the up and down quarks. We show that the attractive Higgs force between nuclei and their bound electrons, which is poorly constrained, might induce effects that are larger than the current experimental sensitivities. More generically, we discuss how new interactions between the electron and the neutrons, mediated via light new degrees of freedom, may lead to measurable nonlinearities in a King plot comparison between isotope shifts of two different transitions. Given state-of-the-art accuracy in frequency comparison, isotope shifts have the potential to be measured with sub-Hz accuracy, thus potentially enabling the improvement of current limits on new fundamental interactions. A candidate atomic system for this measurement requires two different clock transitions and four zero nuclear spin isotopes. We identify several systems that satisfy this requirement and also briefly discuss existing measurements. We consider the size of the effect related to the Higgs force and the requirements for it to produce an observable signal.

Mercury Atomic Frequency Standards for Space Based Navigation and Timekeeping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tjoelker, R. L.; Burt, E. A.; Chung, S.; Hamell, R. L.; Prestage, J. D.; Tucker, B.; Cash, P.; Lutwak, R.

2012-01-01

A low power Mercury Atomic Frequency Standard (MAFS) has been developed and demonstrated on the path towards future space clock applications. A self contained mercury ion breadboard clock: emulating flight clock interfaces, steering a USO local oscillator, and consuming approx 40 Watts has been operating at JPL for more than a year. This complete, modular ion clock instrument demonstrates that key GNSS size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements can be achieved while still maintaining short and long term performance demonstrated in previous ground ion clocks. The MAFS breadboard serves as a flexible platform for optimizing further space clock development and guides engineering model design trades towards fabrication of an ion clock for space flight.

Hyperpolarizability and Operational Magic Wavelength in an Optical Lattice Clock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, R. C.; Phillips, N. B.; Beloy, K.; McGrew, W. F.; Schioppo, M.; Fasano, R. J.; Milani, G.; Zhang, X.; Hinkley, N.; Leopardi, H.; Yoon, T. H.; Nicolodi, D.; Fortier, T. M.; Ludlow, A. D.

2017-12-01

Optical clocks benefit from tight atomic confinement enabling extended interrogation times as well as Doppler- and recoil-free operation. However, these benefits come at the cost of frequency shifts that, if not properly controlled, may degrade clock accuracy. Numerous theoretical studies have predicted optical lattice clock frequency shifts that scale nonlinearly with trap depth. To experimentally observe and constrain these shifts in an 171Yb optical lattice clock, we construct a lattice enhancement cavity that exaggerates the light shifts. We observe an atomic temperature that is proportional to the optical trap depth, fundamentally altering the scaling of trap-induced light shifts and simplifying their parametrization. We identify an "operational" magic wavelength where frequency shifts are insensitive to changes in trap depth. These measurements and scaling analysis constitute an essential systematic characterization for clock operation at the 10-18 level and beyond.

Using a transportable optical clock for chronometric levelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lisdat, Christian; Sterr, Uwe; Koller, Silvio; Grotti, Jacopo; Vogt, Stefan; Häfner, Sebastian; Herbers, Sofia; Al-Masoudi, Ali

2016-07-01

With their supreme accuracy and precision, optical clocks in combination with new methods of long-distance frequency transfer can be used to determine height differences by measuring the gravitational red shift between two clocks without accumulation of measurement errors, as in classical levelling. We are developing transportable optical clocks for this purpose that will also serve for the technology development regarding optical clocks in Space and for international comparisons between optical clocks that cannot be linked with sufficient accuracy otherwise. In this talk we will focus on the transportable strontium lattice clock that we are developing and its first evaluation. Presently, we achieve a fractional frequency instability of 3 × 10^{-17} after 1000 s averaging time, which is equivalent to a height resolution of 30 cm. The first uncertainty evaluation of the system yielded 7 × 10^{-17}. We expect rapid improvements to an uncertainty of a few parts in 10^{17}. The clock is now located within a car trailer, which requires compact and rugged lasers systems and physics package. Special care has been taken in the design of the ultra-frequency stable interrogation laser that has to achieve fractional frequency instabilities of considerably below 10^{-15}. Typical laboratory constructions of the reference resonator system used to pre-stabilize the laser frequency are not compatible with the requirement of transportability. In an actual levelling campaign, this clock will be connected via a stabilized optical fibre link with another, stationary frequency standard. The measured gravitational red shift will be compared with the ones calculated from potential differences derived with state of the art geodetic data and models. We will discuss the status of measurements of geodetic relevance with optical clocks and give an outlook on our next steps. This work is supported by QUEST, DFG (RTG 1729, CRC 1128), EU-FP7 (FACT) and EMRP (ITOC). The EMRP is jointly funded by the EMRP participating countries within EURAMET and the European Union.

A clock network for geodesy and fundamental science

PubMed Central

Lisdat, C.; Grosche, G.; Quintin, N.; Shi, C.; Raupach, S.M.F.; Grebing, C.; Nicolodi, D.; Stefani, F.; Al-Masoudi, A.; Dörscher, S.; Häfner, S.; Robyr, J.-L.; Chiodo, N.; Bilicki, S.; Bookjans, E.; Koczwara, A.; Koke, S.; Kuhl, A.; Wiotte, F.; Meynadier, F.; Camisard, E.; Abgrall, M.; Lours, M.; Legero, T.; Schnatz, H.; Sterr, U.; Denker, H.; Chardonnet, C.; Le Coq, Y.; Santarelli, G.; Amy-Klein, A.; Le Targat, R.; Lodewyck, J.; Lopez, O; Pottie, P.-E.

2016-01-01

Leveraging the unrivalled performance of optical clocks as key tools for geo-science, for astronomy and for fundamental physics beyond the standard model requires comparing the frequency of distant optical clocks faithfully. Here, we report on the comparison and agreement of two strontium optical clocks at an uncertainty of 5 × 10−17 via a newly established phase-coherent frequency link connecting Paris and Braunschweig using 1,415 km of telecom fibre. The remote comparison is limited only by the instability and uncertainty of the strontium lattice clocks themselves, with negligible contributions from the optical frequency transfer. A fractional precision of 3 × 10−17 is reached after only 1,000 s averaging time, which is already 10 times better and more than four orders of magnitude faster than any previous long-distance clock comparison. The capability of performing high resolution international clock comparisons paves the way for a redefinition of the unit of time and an all-optical dissemination of the SI-second. PMID:27503795

A clock network for geodesy and fundamental science.

PubMed

Lisdat, C; Grosche, G; Quintin, N; Shi, C; Raupach, S M F; Grebing, C; Nicolodi, D; Stefani, F; Al-Masoudi, A; Dörscher, S; Häfner, S; Robyr, J-L; Chiodo, N; Bilicki, S; Bookjans, E; Koczwara, A; Koke, S; Kuhl, A; Wiotte, F; Meynadier, F; Camisard, E; Abgrall, M; Lours, M; Legero, T; Schnatz, H; Sterr, U; Denker, H; Chardonnet, C; Le Coq, Y; Santarelli, G; Amy-Klein, A; Le Targat, R; Lodewyck, J; Lopez, O; Pottie, P-E

2016-08-09

Leveraging the unrivalled performance of optical clocks as key tools for geo-science, for astronomy and for fundamental physics beyond the standard model requires comparing the frequency of distant optical clocks faithfully. Here, we report on the comparison and agreement of two strontium optical clocks at an uncertainty of 5 × 10(-17) via a newly established phase-coherent frequency link connecting Paris and Braunschweig using 1,415 km of telecom fibre. The remote comparison is limited only by the instability and uncertainty of the strontium lattice clocks themselves, with negligible contributions from the optical frequency transfer. A fractional precision of 3 × 10(-17) is reached after only 1,000 s averaging time, which is already 10 times better and more than four orders of magnitude faster than any previous long-distance clock comparison. The capability of performing high resolution international clock comparisons paves the way for a redefinition of the unit of time and an all-optical dissemination of the SI-second.

A Pseudo Fractional-N Clock Generator with 50% Duty Cycle Output

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Wei-Bin; Lo, Yu-Lung; Chao, Ting-Sheng

A proposed pseudo fractional-N clock generator with 50% duty cycle output is presented by using the pseudo fractional-N controller for SoC chips and the dynamic frequency scaling applications. The different clock frequencies can be generated with the particular phase combinations of a four-stage voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). It has been fabricated in a 0.13µm CMOS technology, and work with a supply voltage of 1.2V. According to measured results, the frequency range of the proposed pseudo fractional-N clock generator is from 71.4MHz to 1GHz and the peak-to-peak jitter is less than 5% of the output period. Duty cycle error rates of the output clock frequencies are from 0.8% to 2% and the measured power dissipation of the pseudo fractional-N controller is 146µW at 304MHz.

Sub-mm Scale Fiber Guided Deep/Vacuum Ultra-Violet Optical Source for Trapped Mercury Ion Clocks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yi, Lin; Burt, Eric A.; Huang, Shouhua; Tjoelker, Robert L.

2013-01-01

We demonstrate the functionality of a mercury capillary lamp with a diameter in the sub-mm range and deep ultraviolet (DUV)/ vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation delivery via an optical fiber integrated with the capillary. DUV spectrum control is observed by varying the fabrication parameters such as buffer gas type and pressure, capillary diameter, electrical resonator design, and temperature. We also show spectroscopic data of the 199Hg+ hyper-fine transition at 40.5GHz when applying the above fiber optical design. We present efforts toward micro-plasma generation in hollow-core photonic crystal fiber with related optical design and theoretical estimations. This new approach towards a more practical DUV optical interface could benefit trapped ion clock developments for future ultra-stable frequency reference and time-keeping applications.

Toward a High-Stability Coherent Population Trapping Cs Vapor-Cell Atomic Clock Using Autobalanced Ramsey Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdel Hafiz, Moustafa; Coget, Grégoire; Petersen, Michael; Rocher, Cyrus; Guérandel, Stéphane; Zanon-Willette, Thomas; de Clercq, Emeric; Boudot, Rodolphe

2018-06-01

Vapor-cell atomic clocks are widely appreciated for their excellent short-term fractional frequency stability and their compactness. However, they are known to suffer on medium and long time scales from significant frequency instabilities, generally attributed to light-induced frequency-shift effects. In order to tackle this limitation, we investigate the application of the recently proposed autobalanced Ramsey (ABR) interrogation protocol onto a pulsed hot-vapor Cs vapor-cell clock based on coherent population trapping (CPT). We demonstrate that the ABR protocol, developed initially to probe the one-photon resonance of quantum optical clocks, can be successfully applied to a two-photon CPT resonance. The applied method, based on the alternation of two successive Ramsey-CPT sequences with unequal free-evolution times and the subsequent management of two interconnected phase and frequency servo loops, is found to allow a relevant reduction of the clock-frequency sensitivity to laser-power variations. This original ABR-CPT approach, combined with the implementation of advanced electronics laser-power stabilization systems, yields the demonstration of a CPT-based Cs vapor-cell clock with a short-term fractional frequency stability at the level of 3.1×10 -13τ-1 /2 , averaging down to the level of 6 ×10-15 at 2000-s integration time. These encouraging performances demonstrate that the use of the ABR interrogation protocol is a promising option towards the development of high-stability CPT-based frequency standards. Such clocks could be attractive candidates in numerous applications including next-generation satellite-based navigation systems, secure communications, instrumentation, or defense systems.

The ferroin-catalyzed Belousov-Zhabotinskii system with a "clock" behaviour

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melicherčík, Milan; Treindl, L̆udovít

1991-07-01

The ferroin-catalyzed Belousov-Zhabotinskii oscillatory system with methyl-, ethyl-, or isopropyl-ester of 3-oxobutanoic acid exhibits a "clock" behaviour and subsequent two-frequency oscillations. The influence of oxygen on the "clock" behaviour is assumed to be caused by an interaction of oxygen as a scavenger with intermediary radicals. A mechanism of the "clock" behaviour together with two-frequency oscillations of the Belousov-Zhabotinskii type will be developed later.

A 2-to-48-MHz Phase-Locked Loop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koudelka, Robert D.

2004-01-01

A 2-to-48-MHz phase-locked loop (PLL), developed for the U.S. space program, meets or exceeds all space shuttle clock electrical interface requirements by taking as its reference a 2-to-48-MHz clock signal and outputting a phaselocked clock signal set at the same frequency as the reference clock with transistor- transistor logic (TTL) voltage levels. Because it is more adaptable than other PLLs, the new PLL can be used in industries that employ signaling devices and as a tool in future space missions. A conventional PLL consists of a phase/frequency detector, loop filter, and voltage-controlled oscillator in which each component exists individually and is integrated into a single device. PLL components phase-lock to a single frequency or to a narrow bandwidth of frequencies. It is this design, however, that prohibits them from maintaining phase lock to a dynamically changing reference clock when a large bandwidth is required a deficiency the new PLL overcomes. Since most PLL components require their voltage-controlled oscillators to operate at greater than 2-MHz frequencies, conventional PLLs often cannot achieve the low-frequency phase lock allowed by the new PLL. The 2-to-48-MHz PLL is built on a wire-wrap board with pins wired to three position jumpers; this makes changing configurations easy. It responds to variations in voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) ranges, duty cycle, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), amplitude, and jitter, exceeding design specifications. A consensus state machine, implemented in a VCO range detector which assures the PLL continues to operate in the correct range, is the primary control state machine for the 2-to-48-MHz PLL circuit. By using seven overlapping frequency ranges with hysteresis, the PLL output sets the resulting phase-locked clock signal at a frequency that agrees with the reference clock with TTL voltage levels. As a space-shuttle tool, the new PLL circuit takes the noisy, degraded reference clock signals as input and outputs phase-locked clock signals of the same frequency but with a corrected wave shape. Since its configuration circuit can be easily changed, the new PLL can do the following: readily respond to variations in VCO ranges, duty cycle, SNR, amplitude, and jitter; continuously operate in the correct VCO range because of its consensus state machine; and use its range detector implements to overlap seven frequency ranges with hysteresis, thus giving the current design a flexibility that exceeds anything available at the time of this development. These features will benefit any industry in which safe and timely clock signals are vital to operation.

A polarization converting device for an interfering enhanced CPT atomic clock.

PubMed

Wang, Kewei; Tian, Yuan; Yin, Yi; Wang, Yuanchao; Gu, Sihong

2017-11-01

With interfering enhanced coherent population trapping (CPT) signals, a CPT atomic clock with improved frequency stability performance can be realized. We explore an optical device that converts single-polarized bichromatic light to left and right circularly polarized superposed bichromatic light to generate interfering enhanced CPT resonance with atoms. We have experimentally studied a tabletop CPT atomic clock apparatus with a microfabricated 87 Rb atomic chip-scale cell, and the study results show that it is promising to realize a compact CPT atomic clock, even a chip-scale CPT atomic clock through microfabrication, with improved frequency stability performance.

A polarization converting device for an interfering enhanced CPT atomic clock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kewei; Tian, Yuan; Yin, Yi; Wang, Yuanchao; Gu, Sihong

2017-11-01

With interfering enhanced coherent population trapping (CPT) signals, a CPT atomic clock with improved frequency stability performance can be realized. We explore an optical device that converts single-polarized bichromatic light to left and right circularly polarized superposed bichromatic light to generate interfering enhanced CPT resonance with atoms. We have experimentally studied a tabletop CPT atomic clock apparatus with a microfabricated 87Rb atomic chip-scale cell, and the study results show that it is promising to realize a compact CPT atomic clock, even a chip-scale CPT atomic clock through microfabrication, with improved frequency stability performance.

Search for variation of fundamental constants and violations of fundamental symmetries using isotope comparisons

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Berengut, J. C.; Flambaum, V. V.; Kava, E. M.

2011-10-15

Atomic microwave clocks based on hyperfine transitions, such as the caesium standard, tick with a frequency that is proportional to the magnetic moment of the nucleus. This magnetic moment varies strongly between isotopes of the same atom, while all atomic electron parameters remain the same. Therefore the comparison of two microwave clocks based on different isotopes of the same atom can be used to constrain variation of fundamental constants. In this paper, we calculate the neutron and proton contributions to the nuclear magnetic moments, as well as their sensitivity to any potential quark-mass variation, in a number of isotopes ofmore » experimental interest including {sup 201,199}Hg and {sup 87,85}Rb, where experiments are underway. We also include a brief treatment of the dependence of the hyperfine transitions to variation in nuclear radius, which in turn is proportional to any change in quark mass. Our calculations of expectation values of proton and neutron spin in nuclei are also needed to interpret measurements of violations of fundamental symmetries.« less

A New Type of Frequency Chain and Its Application to Fundamental Frequency Metrology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Udem, Thomas; Reichert, Joerg; Holzwarth, Ronald; Diddams, Scott; Jones, David; Ye, Jun; Cundiff, Steven; Haensch, Theodor; Hall, John

A suitable femtosecond (fs) laser system can provide a broad band comb of stable optical frequencies and thus can serve as an rf/optical coherent link. In this way we have performed a direct comparison of the 1S-2S transition in atomic hydrogen at 121 nm with a cesium fountain clock, built at the LPTF/Paris, to reach an accuracy of 1.9times 10^{-14}. The same comb-line counting technique was exploited to determine and recalibrate several important optical frequency standards. In particular, the improved measurement of the Cesium D1 line is necessary for a more precise determination of the fine structure constant. In addition, several of the best-known optical frequency standards have been recalibrated via the fs method. By creating an octave-spanning frequency comb a single-laser frequency chain has been realized and tested.

Aging studies on micro-fabricated alkali buffer-gas cells for miniature atomic clocks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Abdullah, S.; Affolderbach, C.; Gruet, F.

2015-04-20

We report an aging study on micro-fabricated alkali vapor cells using neon as a buffer gas. An experimental atomic clock setup is used to measure the cell's intrinsic frequency, by recording the clock frequency shift at different light intensities and extrapolating to zero intensity. We find a drift of the cell's intrinsic frequency of (−5.2 ± 0.6) × 10{sup −11}/day and quantify deterministic variations in sources of clock frequency shifts due to the major physical effects to identify the most probable cause of the drift. The measured drift is one order of magnitude stronger than the total frequency variations expected from clock parameter variationsmore » and corresponds to a slow reduction of buffer gas pressure inside the cell, which is compatible with the hypothesis of loss of Ne gas from the cell due to its permeation through the cell windows. A negative drift on the intrinsic cell frequency is reproducible for another cell of the same type. Based on the Ne permeation model and the measured cell frequency drift, we determine the permeation constant of Ne through borosilicate glass as (5.7 ± 0.7) × 10{sup −22} m{sup 2} s{sup −1 }Pa{sup −1} at 81 °C. We propose this method based on frequency metrology in an alkali vapor cell atomic clock setup based on coherent population trapping for measuring permeation constants of inert gases.« less

Lattice-Induced Frequency Shifts in Sr Optical Lattice Clocks at the 10{sup -17} Level

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Westergaard, P. G.; Lodewyck, J.; Lecallier, A.

2011-05-27

We present a comprehensive study of the frequency shifts associated with the lattice potential in a Sr lattice clock by comparing two such clocks with a frequency stability reaching 5x10{sup -17} after a 1 h integration time. We put the first experimental upper bound on the multipolar M1 and E2 interactions, significantly smaller than the recently predicted theoretical upper limit, and give a 30-fold improved upper limit on the effect of hyperpolarizability. Finally, we report on the first observation of the vector and tensor shifts in a Sr lattice clock. Combining these measurements, we show that all known lattice relatedmore » perturbations will not affect the clock accuracy down to the 10{sup -17} level, even for lattices as deep as 150 recoil energies.« less

Code-Phase Clock Bias and Frequency Offset in PPP Clock Solutions.

PubMed

Defraigne, Pascale; Sleewaegen, Jean-Marie

2016-07-01

Precise point positioning (PPP) is a zero-difference single-station technique that has proved to be very effective for time and frequency transfer, enabling the comparison of atomic clocks with a precision of a hundred picoseconds and a one-day stability below the 1e-15 level. It was, however, noted that for some receivers, a frequency difference is observed between the clock solution based on the code measurements and the clock solution based on the carrier-phase measurements. These observations reveal some inconsistency either between the code and carrier phases measured by the receiver or between the data analysis strategy of codes and carrier phases. One explanation for this discrepancy is the time offset that can exist for some receivers between the code and the carrier-phase latching. This paper explains how a code-phase bias in the receiver hardware can induce a frequency difference between the code and the carrier-phase clock solutions. The impact on PPP is then quantified. Finally, the possibility to determine this code-phase bias in the PPP modeling is investigated, and the first results are shown to be inappropriate due to the high level of code noise.

F -state quenching with CH 4 for buffer-gas cooled 171 Y b + frequency standard [Methane (CH4) for quenching the F-state in trapped Yb+ ions].

DOE PAGES

Jau, Y. -Y.; Hunker, J. D.; Schwindt, P. D. D.

2015-11-01

We report that methane, CH 4, can be used as an efficient F-state quenching gas for trapped ytterbium ions. The quenching rate coefficient is measured to be (2.8 ± 0.3) × 10 6 s -1 Torr -1. For applications that use microwave hyperfine transitions of the ground-state 171Y b ions, the CH4 induced frequency shift coefficient and the decoherence rate coefficient are measured as δν/ν = (-3.6 ± 0.1) × 10 -6 Torr -1 and 1/T2 = (1.5 ± 0.2) × 10 5 s -1 Torr -1. In our buffer-gas cooled 171Y b+ microwave clock system, we find that onlymore » ≤10 -8 Torr of CH 4 is required under normal operating conditions to efficiently clear the F-state and maintain ≥85% of trapped ions in the ground state with insignificant pressure shift and collisional decoherence of the clock resonance.« less

Optical Frequency Stabilization and Optical Phase Locked Loops: Golden Threads of Precision Measurement

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taubman, Matthew S.

Stabilization of lasers through locking to optical cavities, atomic transitions, and molecular transitions has enabled the field of precision optical measurement since shortly after the invention of the laser. Recent advances in the field have produced an optical clock that is orders of magnitude more stable than those of just a few years prior. Phase locking of one laser to another, or to a frequency offset from another, formed the basis for linking stable lasers across the optical spectrum, such frequency chains exhibiting progressively finer precision through the years. Phase locking between the modes within a femtosecond pulsed laser hasmore » yielded the optical frequency comb, one of the most beautiful and useful instruments of our time. This talk gives an overview of these topics, from early work through to the latest 1E-16 thermal noise-limited precision recently attained for a stable laser, and the ongoing quest for ever finer precision and accuracy. The issues of understanding and measuring line widths and shapes are also studied in some depth, highlighting implications for servo design for sub-Hz line widths.« less

An experimental study on the effects of blade row interactions on aerodynamic loss mechanisms in a multistage compressor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Natalie Rochelle

While the gas turbine engine has existed for nearly 80 years, much of the complex aerodynamics which governs compressor performance is still not well understood. The unsteady flow field consists of periodic blade row interactions from the wakes and potential fields of each blade and vane. Vane clocking is the relative circumferential indexing of adjacent vane rows with the same vane count, and it is one method to change blade row interactions. Though the potential of performance benefits with vane clocking is known, the driving flow physics have yet to be identified. This research examines the effects of blade row interactions on embedded stator total pressure loss and boundary layer transition in the Purdue 3-stage axial compressor. The inlet guide vane, Stator 1, and Stator 2 all have 44 vanes which enable vane clocking of the embedded stage, while the rotors have different blade counts producing amplitude modulation of the unsteady interactions. A detailed investigation of corrected conditions is presented to establish repeatable, compressor performance year-round in a facility utilizing ambient inlet conditions. Without proper humidity accounting of compressor corrected conditions and an understanding of the potential for inlet temperature changes to affect clearances due to thermal growth, measurements of small performance changes in detailed research studies could be indiscernible. The methodology and implementation of a powder-paint flow visualization technique along with the illuminated flow physics are presented in detail. This method assists in understanding the loss development in the compressor by highlighting stator corner separations and endwall flow patterns. Effects of loading condition, rotor tip clearance height, and stator wake and rotor tip leakage interactions are shown with this technique. Vane clocking effects on compressor performance were quantified for nine loading conditions and six clocking configurations - the largest vane clocking dataset in the open literature. These data show that vane clocking effects are small at low loading conditions, including peak efficiency operation, but become stronger as loading increases, and then eventually lessen at near stall operation. Additionally, stator wake profiles and flow visualization reveal that total pressure loss changes are due to a corner separation modulation between clocking configurations. To further address these clocking trends, high-frequency response data were acquired at the Stator 2 inlet and along the Stator 2 surface. The unsteadiness at the Stator 2 inlet was quantified with detailed radial traverses for the different clocking configurations. These data show the effects of interactions between the Stator 1 wake and Rotor 2 tip leakage flow, which result in significantly different inlet flow conditions for Stator 2. The high unsteadiness and blockage region formed by the rotor tip leakage flow changes in size and shape between clocking configurations. Finally, measurements of the Stator 2 surface flows were acquired to investigate the vane clocking effects on unsteady surface pressures and boundary layer transition. These data reveal that Stator 2 performance is influenced by blade row interactions including rotor-rotor interactions, stator wake-rotor tip leakage flow interactions, and vane clocking.

Flip-Flop Digital Modulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eno, R. F.

1984-01-01

Clock switched on and off in response to data signal. Flip-flop modulator generates square-wave carrier frequency that is half clock frequency and turns carrier on and off. Final demodulator output logical inverse of data input.

High-precision multi-node clock network distribution.

PubMed

Chen, Xing; Cui, Yifan; Lu, Xing; Ci, Cheng; Zhang, Xuesong; Liu, Bo; Wu, Hong; Tang, Tingsong; Shi, Kebin; Zhang, Zhigang

2017-10-01

A high precision multi-node clock network for multiple users was built following the precise frequency transmission and time synchronization of 120 km fiber. The network topology adopts a simple star-shaped network structure. The clock signal of a hydrogen maser (synchronized with UTC) was recovered from a 120 km telecommunication fiber link and then was distributed to 4 sub-stations. The fractional frequency instability of all substations is in the level of 10 -15 in a second and the clock offset instability is in sub-ps in root-mean-square average.

International time and frequency comparison using very long baseline interferometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hama, Shinichi; Yoshino, Taizoh; Kiuchi, Hitoshi; Morikawa, Takao; Sato, Tokuo

VLBI time comparison experiments using the Kashima station of the Radio Research Laboratory and the Richmond and Maryland Point stations of the U.S. Naval Observatory have been performed since April 1985. A precision of 0.2 ns for the clock offset and 0.2 ps/s for the clock rate have been achieved, and good agreement has been found with GPS results for clock offset. Much higher precision has been found for VLBI time and frequency comparison than that possible with conventional portable clock or Loran-C methods.

Radio frequency phototube and optical clock: High resolution, high rate and highly stable single photon timing technique

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Margaryan, Amur

2011-10-01

A new timing technique for single photons based on the radio frequency phototube and optical clock or femtosecond optical frequency comb generator is proposed. The technique has a 20 ps resolution for single photons, is capable of operating with MHz frequencies and achieving 10 fs instability level.

Advances in time-scale algorithms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stein, S. R.

1993-01-01

The term clock is usually used to refer to a device that counts a nearly periodic signal. A group of clocks, called an ensemble, is often used for time keeping in mission critical applications that cannot tolerate loss of time due to the failure of a single clock. The time generated by the ensemble of clocks is called a time scale. The question arises how to combine the times of the individual clocks to form the time scale. One might naively be tempted to suggest the expedient of averaging the times of the individual clocks, but a simple thought experiment demonstrates the inadequacy of this approach. Suppose a time scale is composed of two noiseless clocks having equal and opposite frequencies. The mean time scale has zero frequency. However if either clock fails, the time-scale frequency immediately changes to the frequency of the remaining clock. This performance is generally unacceptable and simple mean time scales are not used. First, previous time-scale developments are reviewed and then some new methods that result in enhanced performance are presented. The historical perspective is based upon several time scales: the AT1 and TA time scales of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the A.1(MEAN) time scale of the US Naval observatory (USNO), the TAI time scale of the Bureau International des Poids et Measures (BIPM), and the KAS-1 time scale of the Naval Research laboratory (NRL). The new method was incorporated in the KAS-2 time scale recently developed by Timing Solutions Corporation. The goal is to present time-scale concepts in a nonmathematical form with as few equations as possible. Many other papers and texts discuss the details of the optimal estimation techniques that may be used to implement these concepts.

A transportable optical clock for chronometric levelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lisdat, C.; Koller, S. B.; Grotti, J.; Vogt, S.; Al-Masoudi, A.; Dörscher, S.; Herbers, S.; Häfner, S.; Sterr, U.

2016-12-01

With their supreme accuracy and precision, optical clocks in combination with new methods of long-distance frequency transfer can be used to determine height differences by measuring the gravitational red shift between two clocks without accumulation of measurement errors, as in classical levelling. We are developing transportable optical clocks for this purpose that will also serve for the technology development regarding optical clocks in Space and for international comparisons between optical clocks that cannot be linked with sufficient accuracy otherwise.In this talk we will focus on the transportable strontium lattice clock that we are developing and its first evaluation. Presently, we achieve a fractional frequency instability of 3×10-17 after 1000 s averaging time, which is equivalent to a height resolution of 30 cm. The first uncertainty evaluation of the system yielded 7×10-17. We expect rapid improvements to an uncertainty of a few parts in 1017.The clock then placed within a car trailer, which requires compact and rugged lasers systems and physics package. Special care has been taken in the design of the ultra-frequency stable interrogation laser that has to achieve fractional frequency instabilities of considerably below 10-15. Typical laboratory constructions of the reference resonator system used to pre-stabilize the laser frequency are not compatible with the requirement of transportability.In an actual levelling campaign, this clock will be connected e.g. via a stabilized optical fibre link with another, stationary frequency standard. The measured gravitational red shift can be compared to the ones calculated from potential differences derived with state of the art geodetic data and models. A first campaign has been completed in cooperation with colleagues from the Italian and UK metrology institutes INRIM and NPL, respectively, and the Institut für Erdmessung (IfE), Leibniz University Hannover. We will discuss the status of the evaluation and give an outlook on our next steps.This work is supported by QUEST, DFG (CRC 1128, 1227), EU-FP7 (FACT) and EMRP (ITOC). The EMRP is jointly funded by the EMRP participating countries within EURAMET and the European Union.

Real Time Distributed Embedded Oscillator Operating Frequency Monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pollock, Julie (Inventor); Oliver, Brett D. (Inventor); Brickner, Christopher (Inventor)

2013-01-01

A method for clock monitoring in a network is provided. The method comprises receiving a first network clock signal at a network device and comparing the first network clock signal to a local clock signal from a primary oscillator coupled to the network device.

Results of using the global positioning system to maintain the time and frequency synchronization in the Deep Space Network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clements, P. A.; Kirk, A.; Unglaub, R.

1987-01-01

There are two hydrogen maser clocks located at each signal processing center (SPC) in the DSN. Close coordination of the time and frequency of the SPC clocks is needed to navigate spacecraft to the outer planets. A recent example was the Voyager spacecraft's encounter with Uranus in January 1986. The clocks were adjusted with the goal of minimizing time and frequency offsets between the SPCs at encounter. How time and frequency at each SPC is estimated using data acquired from the Global Positioning System Timing Receivers operating on the NBS-BIH (National Bureau of Standards-Bureau International de l'Heure) tracking schedule is described. These data are combined with other available timing receiver data to calculate the time offset estimates. The adjustment of the clocks is described. It was determined that long range hydrogen maser drift is quite predictable and adjustable within limits. This enables one to minimize time and frequency differences between the three SPCs for many months by matching the drift rates of the three standards. Data acquisition and processing techniques using a Kalman filter to make estimates of time and frequency offsets between the clocks at the SPCs and UTC(NBS) (Coordinated Universal Time realized at NBS) are described.

A compensated multi-pole linear ion trap mercury frequency standard for ultra-stable timekeeping.

PubMed

Burt, Eric A; Diener, William A; Tjoelker, Robert L

2008-12-01

The multi-pole linear ion trap frequency standard (LITS) being developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has demonstrated excellent short- and long-term stability. The technology has now demonstrated long-term field operation providing a new capability for timekeeping standards. Recently implemented enhancements have resulted in a record line Q of 5 x 10(12) for a room temperature microwave atomic transition and a short-term fractional frequency stability of 5 x 10(-14)/tau(1/2). A scheme for compensating the second order Doppler shift has led to a reduction of the combined sensitivity to the primary LITS systematic effects below 5 x 10(-17) fractional frequency. Initial comparisons to JPL's cesium fountain clock show a systematic floor of less than 2 x 10(-16). The compensated multi-pole LITS at JPL was operated continuously and unattended for a 9-mo period from October 2006 to July 2007. During that time it was used as the frequency reference for the JPL geodetic receiver known as JPLT, enabling comparisons to any clock used as a reference for an International GNSS Service (IGS) site. Comparisons with the laser-cooled primary frequency standards that reported to the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) over this period show a frequency deviation less than 2.7 x 10(-17)/day. In the capacity of a stand-alone ultra-stable flywheel, such a standard could be invaluable for long-term timekeeping applications in metrology labs while its methodology and robustness make it ideal for space applications as well.

Evidence Suggesting that the Cardiomyocyte Circadian Clock Modulates Responsiveness of the Heart to Hypertrophic Stimuli in Mice

PubMed Central

Durgan, David J.; Tsai, Ju-Yun; Grenett, Maximiliano H.; Pat, Betty M.; Ratcliffe, William F.; Villegas-Montoya, Carolina; Garvey, Merissa E.; Nagendran, Jeevan; Dyck, Jason R.B.; Bray, Molly S.; Gamble, Karen L.; Gimble, Jeffrey M.; Young, Martin E.

2011-01-01

Circadian dyssynchrony of an organism (at the whole body level) with its environment, either through light/dark cycle or genetic manipulation of clock genes, augments various cardiometabolic diseases. The cardiomyocyte circadian clock has recently been shown to influence multiple myocardial processes, ranging from transcriptional regulation and energy metabolism, to contractile function. We therefore reasoned that chronic dyssychrony of the cardiomyocyte circadian clock with its environment would precipitate myocardial maladaptation to a circadian challenge (simulated shift work; SSW). To test this hypothesis, 2 and 20 month old wild-type and CCM (Cardiomyocyte Clock Mutant; a model with genetic temporal suspension of the cardiomyocyte circadian clock at the active-to-sleep phase transition) mice were subjected to chronic (16-wks) bi-weekly 12-hr phase shifts in the light/dark cycle (i.e., SSW). Assessment of adaptation/maladaptation at whole body homeostatic, gravimetric, humoral, histological, transcriptional, and cardiac contractile function levels revealed essentially identical responses between wild-type and CCM littermates. However, CCM hearts exhibit increased bi-ventricular weight, cardiomyocyte size, and molecular markers of hypertrophy (anf, mcip1) independent of aging and/or SSW. Similarly, a second genetic model of selective temporal suspension of the cardiomyocyte circadian clock (Cardiomyocyte-specific BMAL1 Knockout [CBK] mice) exhibits increased bi-ventricular weight and mcip1 expression. Wild-type mice exhibit 5-fold greater cardiac hypertrophic growth (and 6-fold greater anf mRNA induction) when challenged with the hypertrophic agonist isoproterenol at the active-to-sleep phase transition, relative to isoproterenol administration at the sleep-to-active phase transition. This diurnal variation was absent in CCM mice. Collectively, these data suggest that the cardiomyocyte circadian clock likely influences responsiveness of the heart to hypertrophic stimuli. PMID:21452915

Frequency-comb-assisted precision laser spectroscopy of CHF{sub 3} around 8.6 μm

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gambetta, Alessio; Coluccelli, Nicola; Cassinerio, Marco

2015-12-21

We report a high-precision spectroscopic study of room-temperature trifluoromethane around 8.6 μm, using a CW quantum cascade laser phase-locked to a mid-infrared optical frequency comb. This latter is generated by a nonlinear down-conversion process starting from a dual-branch Er:fiber laser and is stabilized against a GPS-disciplined rubidium clock. By tuning the comb repetition frequency, several transitions falling in the υ{sub 5} vibrational band are recorded with a frequency resolution of 20 kHz. Due to the very dense spectra, a special multiple-line fitting code, involving a Voigt profile, is developed for data analysis. The combination of the adopted experimental approach andmore » survey procedure leads to fractional accuracy levels in the determination of line center frequencies, down to 2 × 10{sup −10}. Line intensity factors, pressure broadening, and shifting parameters are also provided.« less

Clocking and Synchronization Circuits in Multiprocessor Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-04-01

18 3.4 Inter -chip Clocking Strategies...may occur when two or more of the switches make transitions at different times during the inter - val during which those inputs are being processed...increased without any fruitful computation. The sources of the inter -chip clock skew are the electromagnetic propagation delay, the buffer delay within

Egyptian "Star Clocks"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Symons, Sarah

Diagonal, transit, and Ramesside star clocks are tables of astronomical information occasionally found in ancient Egyptian temples, tombs, and papyri. The tables represent the motions of selected stars (decans and hour stars) throughout the Egyptian civil year. Analysis of star clocks leads to greater understanding of ancient Egyptian constellations, ritual astronomical activities, observational practices, and pharaonic chronology.

Optoelectrical clock recovery with dispersion monitoring for high speed transmission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wen, He; Liao, Jinxin; Zheng, Xiaoping; Zhang, Hanyi; Guo, Yili

2010-12-01

The proposed clock recovery scheme introduces electrooptical modulation to down convert the clock frequency facilitating succeeding narrow band filtering by a phase locked loop (PLL) with ordinary radio frequency (RF) devices, further, employs a quadrature phase detector in the PLL to provide an indication signal for monitoring residual dispersion. It was demonstrated in a polarization multiplexed 160-Gbit/s optical non-return to zero quadrature phase shift keying (NRZ-QPSK) transmission system.

A space system for high-accuracy global time and frequency comparison of clocks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Decher, R.; Allan, D. W.; Alley, C. O.; Vessot, R. F. C.; Winkler, G. M. R.

1981-01-01

A Space Shuttle experiment in which a hydrogen maser clock on board the Space Shuttle will be compared with clocks on the ground using two-way microwave and short pulse laser signals is described. The accuracy goal for the experiment is 1 nsec or better for the time transfer and 10 to the minus 14th power for the frequency comparison. A direct frequency comparison of primary standards at the 10 to the minus 14th power accuracy level is a unique feature of the proposed system. Both time and frequency transfer will be accomplished by microwave transmission, while the laser signals provide calibration of the system as well as subnanosecond time transfer.

Test of an orbiting hydrogen maser clock system using laser time transfer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vessot, Robert F. C.; Mattison, Edward M.; Nystrom, G. U.; Decher, Rudolph

1992-01-01

We describe a joint Smithsonian Astrophysical Laboratory/National Aeronautics and Space Administration (SAO/NASA) program for flight testing a atomic hydrogen maser clock system designed for long-term operation in space. The clock system will be carried by a shuttle-launched EURECA spacecraft. Comparisons with earth clocks to measure the clock's long-term frequency stability (tau = 10(exp 4) seconds) will be made using laser time transfer from existing NASA laser tracking stations. We describe the design of the maser clock and its control systems, and the laser timing technique. We describe the precision of station time synchronization and the limitations in the comparison between the earth and space time scales owing to gravitational and relativistic effects. We will explore the implications of determining the spacecraft's location by an on-board Global Position System (GPS) receiver, and of using microwave techniques for time and frequency transfer.

Timekeeping for the Space Technology 5 (ST-5) Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raphael, Dave; Luers, Phil; Sank, Victor; Jackson, George

2002-01-01

Space Technology 5, or better known as ST-5, is a space technology development mission in the New Millennium Program (NMP) and NASA s first experiment in the design of miniaturized satellite constellations. The mission will design, integrate and launch multiple spacecraft into an orbit high above the Earth s protective magnetic field known as the magnetosphere. Each spacecraft incorporates innovative technology and constellation concepts which will be instrumental in future space science missions. A total of three ST-5 spacecraft will be launched as secondary payloads into a highly elliptical geo-synchronous transfer orbit, and will operate as a 3-element constellation for a minimum duration of 90 days. In order to correlate the time of science measurements with orbit position relative to the Earth, orbit position in space (with respect to other objects in space) and/or with events measured on Earth or other spacecraft, accurate knowledge of spacecraft and ground time is needed. Ground time as used in the USA (known as Universal Time Coordinated or UTC) is maintained by the U.S. Naval Observatory. Spacecraft time is maintained onboard within the Command and Data Handling (C&DH) system. The science requirements for ST-5 are that spacecraft time and ground time be correlatable to each other, with some degree of accuracy. Accurate knowledge of UTC time on a spacecraft is required so that science measurements can be correlated with orbit position relative to the Earth, orbit position in space and with events measured on Earth or other spacecraft. The most crucial parameter is not the clock oscillator frequency, but more importantly, how the clock oscillator frequency varies with time or temperature (clock oscillator drift). Even with an incorrect clock oscillator frequency, if there were no drift, the frequency could be assessed by comparing the spacecraft clock to a ground clock during a few correlation events. Once the frequency is accurately known, it is easy enough to make a regular adjustment to the spacecraft clock or to calculate the correct ground time for a given spacecraft clock time. The oscillator frequency, however, is temperature dependent, drifts with age and is affected by radiation; hence, repeated correlation measurements are required.

Clock Technology Development in the Laser Cooling and Atomic Physics (LCAP) Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seidel, Dave; Thompson, R. J.; Klipstein, W. M.; Kohel, J.; Maleki, L.

2000-01-01

This paper presents the Laser Cooling and Atomic Physics (LCAP) program. It focuses on clock technology development. The topics include: 1) Overview of LCAP Flight Projects; 2) Space Clock 101; 3) Physics with Clocks in microgravity; 4) Space Clock Challenges; 5) LCAP Timeline; 6) International Space Station (ISS) Science Platforms; 7) ISS Express Rack; 8) Space Qualification of Components; 9) Laser Configuration; 10) Clock Rate Comparisons: GPS Carrier Phase Frequency Transfer; and 11) ISS Model Views. This paper is presented in viewgraph form.

The Clock mutant mouse is a novel experimental model for nocturia and nocturnal polyuria.

PubMed

Ihara, Tatsuya; Mitsui, Takahiko; Nakamura, Yuki; Kira, Satoru; Miyamoto, Tatsuya; Nakagomi, Hiroshi; Sawada, Norifumi; Hirayama, Yuri; Shibata, Keisuke; Shigetomi, Eiji; Shinozaki, Yoichi; Yoshiyama, Mitsuharu; Andersson, Karl-Erik; Nakao, Atsuhito; Takeda, Masayuki; Koizumi, Schuichi

2017-04-01

The pathophysiologies of nocturia (NOC) and nocturnal polyuria (NP) are multifactorial and their etiologies remain unclear in a large number of patients. Clock genes exist in most cells and organs, and the products of Clock regulate circadian rhythms as representative clock genes. Clock genes regulate lower urinary tract function, and a newly suggested concept is that abnormalities in clock genes cause lower urinary tract symptoms. In the present study, we investigated the voiding behavior of Clock mutant (Clock Δ19/Δ19 ) mice in order to determine the effects of clock genes on NOC/NP. Male C57BL/6 mice aged 8-12 weeks (WT) and male C57BL/6 Clock Δ19/Δ19 mice aged 8 weeks were used. They were bred under 12 hr light/dark conditions for 2 weeks and voiding behavior was investigated by measuring water intake volume, urine volume, urine volume/void, and voiding frequency in metabolic cages in the dark and light periods. No significant differences were observed in behavior patterns between Clock Δ19/Δ19 and WT mice. Clock Δ19/Δ19 mice showed greater voiding frequencies and urine volumes during the sleep phase than WT mice. The diurnal change in urine volume/void between the dark and light periods in WT mice was absent in Clock Δ19/Δ19 mice. Additionally, functional bladder capacity was significantly lower in Clock Δ19/Δ19 mice than in WT mice. We demonstrated that Clock Δ19/Δ19 mice showed the phenotype of NOC/NP. The Clock Δ19/Δ19 mouse may be used as an animal model of NOC and NP. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:1034-1038, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

UTC Dissemination to the Real-Time User

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levine, Judah

1996-01-01

The current definition of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) dates from 1972. The duration of a UTC second is defined in terms of the frequency of a hyperfine transition in the ground state of cesium. This standard frequency is realized in a number of different laboratories using ensembles of commercial cesium clocks and a few primary frequency standards. The data from all of these devices are transmitted periodically to the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) in Sevres, France, where they are combined in a statistical procedure to produce International Atomic Time (TAI). The time of this scale is adjusted as needed ('coordinated') by adding or dropping integer seconds so as to keep it within plus or minus 0.9 s of UT1, a time scale based on the observation of the transit times of stars and corrected for the predicted seasonal variations in these observations. When the leap seconds are included into TAI, the result is called UTC. The difference between TAI and UTC is therefore an exact integer number of seconds. This difference is currently 29 s and will become 30 s at 0 UTC on 1 January 1996.

Measure synchronization in a Huygens's non-dissipative two-pendulum clocks system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Jing; Chen, ZiChen; Qiu, HaiBo; Xi, XiaoQiang

2018-01-01

In this paper, we characterize measure synchronization (MS) in a four-degrees-of-freedom Huygens's two-pendulum clocks system. The two-pendulum clocks are connected by a massless spring with stiffness constant k. We find that with the stiffness constant k increasing, the coupled pendulums system achieves MS above a threshold value of k c . The energy characteristics of measure synchronization have been discussed, it is found that averaged energy of each pendulum system provide us an easy way to characterize MS transition. Furthermore, we discuss the dependence of the critical value for MS transition on initial conditions and the characteristic parameters of the system.

Low-frequency gravitational wave detection via double optical clocks in space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Jianfeng; Wang, Qiang; Wang, Qinghua; Jetzer, Philippe

2018-04-01

We propose a Doppler tracking system for gravitational wave detection via double optical clocks in space (DOCS). In this configuration two spacecrafts (each containing an optical clock) are launched to space for Doppler shift observations. Compared to the similar attempt of gravitational wave detection in the Cassini mission, the radio signal of DOCS that contains the relative frequency changes avoids completely noise effects due for instance to troposphere, ionosphere, ground-based antenna and transponder. Given the high stabilities of the two optical clocks (Allan deviation  ∼ 4.1× 10-17 @ 1000 s), an overall estimated sensitivity of 5 × 10-19 could be achieved with an observation time of 2 yr, and would allow to detect gravitational waves in the frequency range from  ∼10‑4 Hz to  ∼10‑2 Hz.

Optical Stabilization of a Microwave Oscillator for Fountain Clock Interrogation.

PubMed

Lipphardt, Burghard; Gerginov, Vladislav; Weyers, Stefan

2017-04-01

We describe an optical frequency stabilization scheme of a microwave oscillator that is used for the interrogation of primary cesium fountain clocks. Because of its superior phase noise properties, this scheme, which is based on an ultrastable laser and a femtosecond laser frequency comb, overcomes the frequency instability limitations of fountain clocks given by the previously utilized quartz-oscillator-based frequency synthesis. The presented scheme combines the transfer of the short-term frequency instability of an optical cavity and the long-term frequency instability of a hydrogen maser to the microwave oscillator and is designed to provide continuous long-term operation for extended measurement periods of several weeks. The utilization of the twofold stabilization scheme on the one hand ensures the referencing of the fountain frequency to the hydrogen maser frequency and on the other hand results in a phase noise level of the fountain interrogation signal, which enables fountain frequency instabilities at the 2.5 ×10 -14 (τ/s) -1/2 level that are quantum projection noise limited.

Hunting for dark matter with ultra-stable fibre as frequency delay system.

PubMed

Yang, Wanpeng; Li, Dawei; Zhang, Shuangyou; Zhao, Jianye

2015-07-10

Many cosmological observations point towards the existence of dark-matter(DM) particles and consider them as the main component of the matter content of the universe. The goal of revealing the nature of dark-matter has triggered the development of new, extremely sensitive detectors. It has been demonstrated that the frequencies and phases of optical clock have a transient shift during the DMs' arrival due to the DM-SM(Standard Model) coupling. A simple, reliable and feasible experimental scheme is firstly proposed in this paper, based on "frequency-delay system" to search dark-matter by "self-frequency comparison" of an optical clock. During the arrival of a dark-matter, frequency discrepancy is expected between two signals with a short time difference(~ms) of the same optical clock to exhibit the interaction between atoms and dark-matter. Furthermore, this process can determine the exact position of dark-matter when it is crossing the optical clocks, therefore a network of detecting stations located in different places is recommended to reduce the misjudgment risk to an acceptable level.

Hunting for dark matter with ultra-stable fibre as frequency delay system

PubMed Central

Yang, Wanpeng; Li, Dawei; Zhang, Shuangyou; Zhao, Jianye

2015-01-01

Many cosmological observations point towards the existence of dark-matter(DM) particles and consider them as the main component of the matter content of the universe. The goal of revealing the nature of dark-matter has triggered the development of new, extremely sensitive detectors. It has been demonstrated that the frequencies and phases of optical clock have a transient shift during the DMs’ arrival due to the DM-SM(Standard Model) coupling. A simple, reliable and feasible experimental scheme is firstly proposed in this paper, based on “frequency-delay system” to search dark-matter by “self-frequency comparison” of an optical clock. During the arrival of a dark-matter, frequency discrepancy is expected between two signals with a short time difference(~ms) of the same optical clock to exhibit the interaction between atoms and dark-matter. Furthermore, this process can determine the exact position of dark-matter when it is crossing the optical clocks, therefore a network of detecting stations located in different places is recommended to reduce the misjudgment risk to an acceptable level. PMID:26159113

Self-organized synchronization of digital phase-locked loops with delayed coupling in theory and experiment

PubMed Central

Wetzel, Lucas; Jörg, David J.; Pollakis, Alexandros; Rave, Wolfgang; Fettweis, Gerhard; Jülicher, Frank

2017-01-01

Self-organized synchronization occurs in a variety of natural and technical systems but has so far only attracted limited attention as an engineering principle. In distributed electronic systems, such as antenna arrays and multi-core processors, a common time reference is key to coordinate signal transmission and processing. Here we show how the self-organized synchronization of mutually coupled digital phase-locked loops (DPLLs) can provide robust clocking in large-scale systems. We develop a nonlinear phase description of individual and coupled DPLLs that takes into account filter impulse responses and delayed signal transmission. Our phase model permits analytical expressions for the collective frequencies of synchronized states, the analysis of stability properties and the time scale of synchronization. In particular, we find that signal filtering introduces stability transitions that are not found in systems without filtering. To test our theoretical predictions, we designed and carried out experiments using networks of off-the-shelf DPLL integrated circuitry. We show that the phase model can quantitatively predict the existence, frequency, and stability of synchronized states. Our results demonstrate that mutually delay-coupled DPLLs can provide robust and self-organized synchronous clocking in electronic systems. PMID:28207779

A precise clock distribution network for MRPC-based experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, S.; Cao, P.; Shang, L.; An, Q.

2016-06-01

In high energy physics experiments, the MRPC (Multi-Gap Resistive Plate Chamber) detectors are widely used recently which can provide higher-resolution measurement for particle identification. However, the application of MRPC detectors leads to a series of challenges in electronics design with large number of front-end electronic channels, especially for distributing clock precisely. To deal with these challenges, this paper presents a universal scheme of clock transmission network for MRPC-based experiments with advantages of both precise clock distribution and global command synchronization. For precise clock distributing, the clock network is designed into a tree architecture with two stages: the first one has a point-to-multipoint long range bidirectional distribution with optical channels and the second one has a fan-out structure with copper link inside readout crates. To guarantee the precision of clock frequency or phase, the r-PTP (reduced Precision Time Protocol) and the DDMTD (digital Dual Mixer Time Difference) methods are used for frequency synthesis, phase measurement and adjustment, which is implemented by FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) in real-time. In addition, to synchronize global command execution, based upon this clock distribution network, synchronous signals are coded with clock for transmission. With technique of encoding/decoding and clock data recovery, signals such as global triggers or system control commands, can be distributed to all front-end channels synchronously, which greatly simplifies the system design. The experimental results show that both the clock jitter (RMS) and the clock skew can be less than 100 ps.

Atomic fountain clock with very high frequency stability employing a pulse-tube-cryocooled sapphire oscillator.

PubMed

Takamizawa, Akifumi; Yanagimachi, Shinya; Tanabe, Takehiko; Hagimoto, Ken; Hirano, Iku; Watabe, Ken-ichi; Ikegami, Takeshi; Hartnett, John G

2014-09-01

The frequency stability of an atomic fountain clock was significantly improved by employing an ultra-stable local oscillator and increasing the number of atoms detected after the Ramsey interrogation, resulting in a measured Allan deviation of 8.3 × 10(-14)τ(-1/2)). A cryogenic sapphire oscillator using an ultra-low-vibration pulse-tube cryocooler and cryostat, without the need for refilling with liquid helium, was applied as a local oscillator and a frequency reference. High atom number was achieved by the high power of the cooling laser beams and optical pumping to the Zeeman sublevel m(F) = 0 employed for a frequency measurement, although vapor-loaded optical molasses with the simple (001) configuration was used for the atomic fountain clock. The resulting stability is not limited by the Dick effect as it is when a BVA quartz oscillator is used as the local oscillator. The stability reached the quantum projection noise limit to within 11%. Using a combination of a cryocooled sapphire oscillator and techniques to enhance the atom number, the frequency stability of any atomic fountain clock, already established as primary frequency standard, may be improved without opening its vacuum chamber.

Dynamics of statistical distance: Quantum limits for two-level clocks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Braunstein, S.L.; Milburn, G.J.

1995-03-01

We study the evolution of statistical distance on the Bloch sphere under unitary and nonunitary dynamics. This corresponds to studying the limits to clock precision for a clock constructed from a two-state system. We find that the initial motion away from pure states under nonunitary dynamics yields the greatest accuracy for a one-tick'' clock; in this case the clock's precision is not limited by the largest frequency of the system.

Frequency metrology using highly charged ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crespo López-Urrutia, J. R.

2016-06-01

Due to the scaling laws of relativistic fine structure splitting, many forbidden optical transitions appear within the ground state configurations of highly charged ions (HCI). In some hydrogen-like ions, even the hyperfine splitting of the 1s ground state gives rise to optical transitions. Given the very low polarizability of HCI, such laser-accessible transitions are extremely impervious to external perturbations and systematics that limit optical clock performance and arise from AC and DC Stark effects, such as black-body radiation and light shifts. Moreover, AC and DC Zeeman splitting are symmetric due to the much larger relativistic spin-orbit coupling and corresponding fine-structure splitting. Appropriate choice of states or magnetic sub-states with suitable total angular momentum and magnetic quantum numbers can lead to a cancellation of residual quadrupolar shifts. All these properties are very advantageous for the proposed use of HCI forbidden lines as optical frequency standards. Extremely magnified relativistic, quantum electrodynamic, and nuclear size contributions to the binding energies of the optically active electrons make HCI ideal tools for fundamental research, as in proposed studies of a possible time variation of the fine structure constant. Beyond this, HCI that cannot be photoionized by vacuum-ultraviolet photons could also provide frequency standards for future lasers operating in that range.

Spin-orbit-coupled fermions in an optical lattice clock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolkowitz, S.; Bromley, S. L.; Bothwell, T.; Wall, M. L.; Marti, G. E.; Koller, A. P.; Zhang, X.; Rey, A. M.; Ye, J.

2017-02-01

Engineered spin-orbit coupling (SOC) in cold-atom systems can enable the study of new synthetic materials and complex condensed matter phenomena. However, spontaneous emission in alkali-atom spin-orbit-coupled systems is hindered by heating, limiting the observation of many-body effects and motivating research into potential alternatives. Here we demonstrate that spin-orbit-coupled fermions can be engineered to occur naturally in a one-dimensional optical lattice clock. In contrast to previous SOC experiments, here the SOC is both generated and probed using a direct ultra-narrow optical clock transition between two electronic orbital states in 87Sr atoms. We use clock spectroscopy to prepare lattice band populations, internal electronic states and quasi-momenta, and to produce spin-orbit-coupled dynamics. The exceptionally long lifetime of the excited clock state (160 seconds) eliminates decoherence and atom loss from spontaneous emission at all relevant experimental timescales, allowing subsequent momentum- and spin-resolved in situ probing of the SOC band structure and eigenstates. We use these capabilities to study Bloch oscillations, spin-momentum locking and Van Hove singularities in the transition density of states. Our results lay the groundwork for using fermionic optical lattice clocks to probe new phases of matter.

Accurate frequency and time dissemination in the optical domain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khabarova, K. Yu; Kalganova, E. S.; Kolachevsky, N. N.

2018-02-01

The development of the optical frequency comb technique has enabled a wide use of atomic optical clocks by allowing frequency conversion from the optical to the radio frequency range. Today, the fractional instability of such clocks has reached the record eighteen-digit level, two orders of magnitude better than for cesium fountains representing the primary frequency standard. This is paralleled by the development of techniques for transferring accurate time and optical frequency signals, including fiber links. With this technology, the fractional instability of transferred frequency can be lowered to below 10‑18 with an averaging time of 1000 s for a 1000 km optical link. At a distance of 500 km, a time signal uncertainty of 250 ps has been achieved. Optical links allow comparing optical clocks and creating a synchronized time and frequency standard network at a new level of precision. Prospects for solving new problems arise, including the determination of the gravitational potential, the measurement of the continental Sagnac effect, and precise tests of fundamental theories.

Master/slave clock arrangement for providing reliable clock signal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbey, Duane L. (Inventor)

1977-01-01

The outputs of two like frequency oscillators are combined to form a single reliable clock signal, with one oscillator functioning as a slave under the control of the other to achieve phase coincidence when the master is operative and in a free-running mode when the master is inoperative so that failure of either oscillator produces no effect on the clock signal.

Solution to the indexing problem of frequency domain simulation experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mitra, Mousumi; Park, Stephen K.

1991-01-01

A frequency domain simulation experiment is one in which selected system parameters are oscillated sinusoidally to induce oscillations in one or more system statistics of interest. A spectral (Fourier) analysis of these induced oscillations is then performed. To perform this spectral analysis, all oscillation frequencies must be referenced to a common, independent variable - an oscillation index. In a discrete-event simulation, the global simulation clock is the most natural choice for the oscillation index. However, past efforts to reference all frequencies to the simulation clock generally yielded unsatisfactory results. The reason for these unsatisfactory results is explained in this paper and a new methodology which uses the simulation clock as the oscillation index is presented. Techniques for implementing this new methodology are demonstrated by performing a frequency domain simulation experiment for a network of queues.

Genetic differences in human circadian clock genes among worldwide populations.

PubMed

Ciarleglio, Christopher M; Ryckman, Kelli K; Servick, Stein V; Hida, Akiko; Robbins, Sam; Wells, Nancy; Hicks, Jennifer; Larson, Sydney A; Wiedermann, Joshua P; Carver, Krista; Hamilton, Nalo; Kidd, Kenneth K; Kidd, Judith R; Smith, Jeffrey R; Friedlaender, Jonathan; McMahon, Douglas G; Williams, Scott M; Summar, Marshall L; Johnson, Carl Hirschie

2008-08-01

The daily biological clock regulates the timing of sleep and physiological processes that are of fundamental importance to human health, performance, and well-being. Environmental parameters of relevance to biological clocks include (1) daily fluctuations in light intensity and temperature, and (2) seasonal changes in photoperiod (day length) and temperature; these parameters vary dramatically as a function of latitude and locale. In wide-ranging species other than humans, natural selection has genetically optimized adaptiveness along latitudinal clines. Is there evidence for selection of clock gene alleles along latitudinal/photoperiod clines in humans? A number of polymorphisms in the human clock genes Per2, Per3, Clock, and AANAT have been reported as alleles that could be subject to selection. In addition, this investigation discovered several novel polymorphisms in the human Arntl and Arntl2 genes that may have functional impact upon the expression of these clock transcriptional factors. The frequency distribution of these clock gene polymorphisms is reported for diverse populations of African Americans, European Americans, Ghanaians, Han Chinese, and Papua New Guineans (including 5 subpopulations within Papua New Guinea). There are significant differences in the frequency distribution of clock gene alleles among these populations. Population genetic analyses indicate that these differences are likely to arise from genetic drift rather than from natural selection.

Clock jitter generator with picoseconds resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jovanović, Goran; Stojčev, Mile; Nikolić, Tatjana

2013-06-01

The clock is one of the most critical signals in any synchronous system. As CMOS technology has scaled, supply voltages have dropped chip power consumption has increased and the effects of jitter due to clock frequency increase have become critical and jitter budget has become tighter. This article describes design and development of low-cost mixed-signal programmable jitter generator with high resolution. The digital technique is used for coarse-grain and an analogue technique for fine-grain clock phase shifting. Its structure allows injection of various random and deterministic jitter components in a controllable and programmable fashion. Each jitter component can be switched on or off. The jitter generator can be used in jitter tolerance test and jitter transfer function measurement of high-speed synchronous digital circuits. At operating system clock frequency of 220 MHz, a jitter with 4 ps resolution can be injected.

Government and industry interactions in the development of clock technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hellwig, H.

1981-01-01

It appears likely that everyone in the time and frequency community can agree on goals to be realized through the expenditure of resources. These goals are the same as found in most fields of technology: lower cost, better performance, increased reliability, small size and lower power. Related aspects are examined in the process of clock and frequency standard development. Government and industry are reviewed in a highly interactive role. These interactions include judgements on clock performance, what kind of clock, expenditure of resources, transfer of ideas or hardware concepts from government to industry, and control of production. Successful clock development and production requires a government/industry relationship which is characterized by long-term continuity, multidisciplinary team work, focused funding and a separation of reliability and production oriented tasks from performance improvement/research type efforts.

Atomic clocks based on extened-cavity diode laser in multimode operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yim, Sin; Cho, D.

2011-05-01

We demonstrated the possibilities to develope an atomic clock based on coherent population trapping (CPT) without using a local oscillator and a modulator. Instead of using a modulator, we use two modes from a single extended-cavity diode laser in multimode operation. Two different types of feedback system are applied to stabilize a difference frequency between the two modes and eliminate the need for an extra frequency modulation. In the first type, we employ an electronic feedback using dispersion of the CPT resonance as an error signal. The two modes are phase locked with reference to a dispersion signal from a CPT resonance of 85Rb at 3.036 GHz ground hyperfine splitting. We use D1 transition at 794.8 nm with lin ⊥lin polarizations to obtain large-contrast CPT signal. Allan deviation of the beat frequency between the two modes is 1 ×10-10 at 200-s integration time. In the second type, we employ optoelectronic feedback to construct an opto-electronic oscillator (OEO). In an OEO, the beating signal between two modes is recovered by a fast photodiode, and its output is amplified and fed back to the laser diode by using a direct modulation of an injection current. When the OEO loop is closed, oscillation frequency depends on variations of the loop length. In order to stabilize an OEO loop length and thereby its oscillation frequency, CPT cell is inserted to play a role of microwave band pass filter. Allan deviation of the CPT-stabilized OEO is 2 ×10-10 at 100-s integration time.

New forms of spin-orbit coupling in a strontium optical lattice clock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perlin, Michael; Safavi-Naini, Arghavan; Ozeri, Roee; Rey, Ana Maria

2017-04-01

Ultracold atomic systems allow for the simulation of a variety of condensed matter phenomena, including spin-orbit coupling (SOC), a key ingredient behind recently discovered topological insulators and a path for the realization of topological superfluids. While many experimental efforts have used alkali atoms to engineer SOC via Raman transitions, undesirable heating mechanisms have limited the observation of many-body phenomena manifest at long timescales. Alkaline earth atoms (AEA) have been recently shown to be a potentially better platform for the implementation of SOC due to their reduced sensitivity to spontaneous emission. While previous work has used electronic clock states as a pseudo-spin degree of freedom, we consider the effects of clock side-band transitions. We discuss the richer SOC dynamics which emerges as a result of this extension, and present methods to probe these dynamics in current AEA optical lattice clocks. AFOSR, NSF-PFC and DARPA.

Spectroscopy of a Synthetic Trapped Ion Qubit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hucul, David; Christensen, Justin E.; Hudson, Eric R.; Campbell, Wesley C.

2017-09-01

133Ba+ has been identified as an attractive ion for quantum information processing due to the unique combination of its spin-1 /2 nucleus and visible wavelength electronic transitions. Using a microgram source of radioactive material, we trap and laser cool the synthetic A =133 radioisotope of barium II in a radio-frequency ion trap. Using the same, single trapped atom, we measure the isotope shifts and hyperfine structure of the 62P1 /2↔62S1 /2 and 62P1 /2↔52D3 /2 electronic transitions that are needed for laser cooling, state preparation, and state detection of the clock-state hyperfine and optical qubits. We also report the 62P1 /2↔52D3 /2 electronic transition isotope shift for the rare A =130 and 132 barium nuclides, completing the spectroscopic characterization necessary for laser cooling all long-lived barium II isotopes.

Frequency standards based on ultracold atoms in tests of general relativity, navigation and gravimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khabarova, K. Yu.; Kudeyarov, K. S.; Kolachevsky, N. N.

2017-06-01

Research and development in the field of optical clocks based on ultracold atoms and ions have enabled the relative uncertainty in frequency to be reduced down to a few parts in 1018. The use of novel, precise frequency comparison methods opens up new possibilities for basic research (sensitive tests of general relativity, a search for a drift of fundamental constants and a search for ‘dark matter’) as well as for state-of-the-art navigation and gravimetry. We discuss the key methods that are used in creating precision clocks (including transportable clocks) based on ultracold atoms and ions and the feasibility of using them in resolving current relativistic gravimetry issues.

Atomic Clocks and Variations of the FIne Structure Constant

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prestage, John D.; Tjoelker, Robert L.; Maleki, Lute

1995-01-01

We describe a new test for possible variations of the fine structure constant alpha by comparisons of rates between clocks based on hyperfine transitions in alkali atoms with different atomic number Z. H-maser, Cs, and Hg(+) clocks have a different dependence on alpha via relativistic contributions of order (Z-alpha)(sup 2). Recent H-maser vs Hg(+) clock comparison data improve laboratory limits on a time variation by 100-fold to give dot-alpha less than or equal to 3.7 x 10(exp -14)/yr. Future laser cooled clocks (Be(+), Rb, Cs, Hg(+), etc.), when compared, will yield the most sensitive of all tests for dot-alpha/alpha.

A 920-kilometer optical fiber link for frequency metrology at the 19th decimal place.

PubMed

Predehl, K; Grosche, G; Raupach, S M F; Droste, S; Terra, O; Alnis, J; Legero, Th; Hänsch, T W; Udem, Th; Holzwarth, R; Schnatz, H

2012-04-27

Optical clocks show unprecedented accuracy, surpassing that of previously available clock systems by more than one order of magnitude. Precise intercomparisons will enable a variety of experiments, including tests of fundamental quantum physics and cosmology and applications in geodesy and navigation. Well-established, satellite-based techniques for microwave dissemination are not adequate to compare optical clocks. Here, we present phase-stabilized distribution of an optical frequency over 920 kilometers of telecommunication fiber. We used two antiparallel fiber links to determine their fractional frequency instability (modified Allan deviation) to 5 × 10(-15) in a 1-second integration time, reaching 10(-18) in less than 1000 seconds. For long integration times τ, the deviation from the expected frequency value has been constrained to within 4 × 10(-19). The link may serve as part of a Europe-wide optical frequency dissemination network.

Recent results of the pulsed optically pumped rubidium clock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levi, F.; Micalizio, S.; Godone, A.; Calosso, C.; Bertacco, E.

2017-11-01

A laboratory prototype of a pulsed optically pumped (POP) clock based on a rubidium cell with buffer gas is described. This clock has shown very interesting physical and metrological features, such as negligible light-shift, strongly reduced cavity-pulling and very good frequency stability. In this regard, an Allan deviation of σy(τ) = 1.2 τ-1/2 for measurement times up to τ = 105 s has been measured. These results confirm the interesting perspectives of such a frequency standard and make it very attractive for several technological applications, such as radionavigation.

Universal null DTE (data terminal equipment)

DOEpatents

George, M.; Pierson, L.G.; Wilkins, M.E.

1987-11-09

A communication device in the form of data terminal equipment permits two data communication equipments, each having its own master clock and operating at substantially the same nominal clock rate, to communicate with each other in a multi-segment circuit configuration of a general communication network even when phase or frequency errors exist between the two clocks. Data transmitted between communication equipments of two segments of the communication network is buffered. A variable buffer fill circuit is provided to fill the buffer to a selectable extent prior to initiation of data output clocking. Selection switches are provided to select the degree of buffer preload. A dynamic buffer fill circuit may be incorporated for automatically selecting the buffer fill level as a function of the difference in clock frequencies of the two equipments. Controllable alarm circuitry is provided for selectively generating an underflow or an overflow alarm to one or both of the communicating equipments. 5 figs.

Universal null DTE

DOEpatents

George, Michael; Pierson, Lyndon G.; Wilkins, Mark E.

1989-01-01

A communication device in the form of data terminal equipment permits two data communication equipments, each having its own master clock and operating at substantially the same nominal clock rate, to communicate with each other in a multi-segment circuit configuration of a general communication network even when phase or frequency errors exist between the two clocks. Data transmitted between communication equipments of two segments of the communication network is buffered. A variable buffer fill circuit is provided to fill the buffer to a selectable extent prior to initiation of data output clocking. Selection switches are provided to select the degree of buffer preload. A dynamic buffer fill circuit may be incorporated for automatically selecting the buffer fill level as a function of the difference in clock frequencies of the two equipments. Controllable alarm circuitry is provided for selectively generating an underflow or an overflow alarm to one or both of the communicating equipments.

A clock-aided positioning algorithm based on Kalman model of GNSS receiver clock bias

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Lingyao; Li, Zishen; Yuan, Hong

2017-10-01

The modeling and forecasting of the receiver clock bias is of practical significance, including the improvement of positioning accuracy, etc. When the clock frequency of the receiver is stable, the model can be established according to the historical clock bias data and the clock bias of the following time can be predicted. For this, we adopted the Kalman model to predict the receiver clock bias based on the calculated clock bias data obtained from the laboratory via sliding mode. Meanwhile, the relevant clock-aided positioning algorithm was presented. The results show that: the Kalman model can be used in practical work; and that under the condition that only 3 satellite signal can be received, this clock-aided positioning results can meet the needs of civilian users, which improves the continuity of positioning in harsh conditions.

Laser-cooled cesium fountain clock: design and expected performances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clairon, Andre; Laurent, Phillipe; Nadir, A.; Santarelli, G.; Drewsen, M.; Grison, D.; Lounis, B.; Salomon, C.

1993-04-01

The use of diode lasers to cool and trap Cesium atoms in a low Cs pressure cell allows the construction of a relatively simple and reliable atomic fountain frequency standard. Here we discuss the design and the potentialities of the Cs clock frequency standards being built at L.P.T.F..

Frequency Dependence of Single-event Upset in Advanced Commerical PowerPC Microprocessors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Irom, Frokh; Farmanesh, Farhad F.; Swift, Gary M.; Johnston, Allen H.

2004-01-01

This paper examines single-event upsets in advanced commercial SOI microprocessors in a dynamic mode, studying SEU sensitivity of General Purpose Registers (GPRs) with clock frequency. Results are presented for SOI processors with feature sizes of 0.18 microns and two different core voltages. Single-event upset from heavy ions is measured for advanced commercial microprocessors in a dynamic mode with clock frequency up to 1GHz. Frequency and core voltage dependence of single-event upsets in registers is discussed.

The sympathy of two pendulum clocks: beyond Huygens' observations.

PubMed

Peña Ramirez, Jonatan; Olvera, Luis Alberto; Nijmeijer, Henk; Alvarez, Joaquin

2016-03-29

This paper introduces a modern version of the classical Huygens' experiment on synchronization of pendulum clocks. The version presented here consists of two monumental pendulum clocks--ad hoc designed and fabricated--which are coupled through a wooden structure. It is demonstrated that the coupled clocks exhibit 'sympathetic' motion, i.e. the pendula of the clocks oscillate in consonance and in the same direction. Interestingly, when the clocks are synchronized, the common oscillation frequency decreases, i.e. the clocks become slow and inaccurate. In order to rigorously explain these findings, a mathematical model for the coupled clocks is obtained by using well-established physical and mechanical laws and likewise, a theoretical analysis is conducted. Ultimately, the sympathy of two monumental pendulum clocks, interacting via a flexible coupling structure, is experimentally, numerically, and analytically demonstrated.

New Tests for Variations of the Fine Structure Constant

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prestage, John D.

1995-01-01

We describe a new test for possible variations of the fine structure constant, by comparisons of rates between clocks based on hyperfine transitions in alkali atomos with different atomic number Z. H- maser, Cs and Hg+ clocks have a different dependence on ia relativistic contributions of order (Z. Recent H-maser vs Hg+ clock comparison data improves laboratory limits on a time variation by 100-fold to giveFuture laser cooled clocks (Be+, Rb, Cs, Hg+, etc.), when compared, will yield the most senstive of all tests for.

Modeling of atomic systems for atomic clocks and quantum information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arora, Bindiya

This dissertation reports the modeling of atomic systems for atomic clocks and quantum information. This work is motivated by the prospects of optical frequency standards with trapped ions and the quantum computation proposals with neutral atoms in optical lattices. Extensive calculations of the electric-dipole matrix elements in monovalent atoms are conducted using the relativistic all-order method. This approach is a linearized version of the coupled-cluster method, which sums infinite sets of many-body perturbation theory terms. All allowed transitions between the lowest ns, np1/2, np 3/2 states and a large number of excited states of alkali-metal atoms are evaluated using the all-order method. For Ca+ ion, additional allowed transitions between nd5/2, np 3/2, nf5/2, nf 7/2 states and a large number of excited states are evaluated. We combine D1 lines measurements by Miller et al. [18] with our all-order calculations to determine the values of the electric-dipole matrix elements for the 4pj - 3d j' transitions in K and for the 5pj - 4dj' transitions in Rb to high precision. The resulting electric-dipole matrix elements are used for the high-precision calculation of frequency-dependent polarizabilities of ground state of alkali atoms. Our values of static polarizabilities are found to be in excellent agreement with available experiments. Calculations were done for the wavelength in the range 300--1600 nm, with particular attention to wavelengths of common infrared lasers. We parameterize our results so that they can be extended accurately to arbitrary wavelengths above 800 nm. Our data can be used to predict the oscillation frequencies of optically-trapped atoms, and particularly the ratios of frequencies of different species held in the same trap. We identify wavelengths at which two different alkali atoms have the same oscillation frequency. We present results of all-order calculations of static and frequency-dependent polarizabilities of excited np1/2 and np3/2 state in Na, K, Rb, and Cs atoms and evaluate the uncertainties of these values. Both scalar and tensor part of the p state polarizability were calculated. This made the calculations complicated owing to the contributions from p--d transitions. The static polarizability values are found to be in excellent agreement with previous experimental and theoretical results. We used our calculations to identify the "magic" wavelengths at which the ac polarizabilities of the alkali-metal atoms in the ground state are equal to the ac polarizabilities in the excited npj states facilitating state-insensitive cooling and trapping. We list the results for the np 1/2 and np3/2 states separately. Depending on the mj sub levels, the total polarizability of the np3/2 state was calculated either as the sum or as the difference of scalar and tensor contributions. We pointed out the complications involved in the magic wavelength calculations for the mj = +/-3/2 sub levels. We also study the magic wavelengths for transitions between particular np3/2 F'M' and nsFM hyperfine sub levels. We have proposed a scheme for state-insensitive trapping of neutral atoms by using two-color light at convenient wavelengths. In this scheme, we predict the values of trap and control wavelengths for which the 5s and 5p3/2 levels in Rb atom have same ac Stark shifts in the presence of two laser fields. We also list the trap and control wavelength combinations where one of the laser wavelengths is double the other. The results were listed at same and different trap and control laser intensities. This scheme allows to select convenient and easily available laser wavelength for experiments where it is essential to precisely localize and control neutral atoms with minimum decoherence. Motivated by the prospect of an optical frequency standard based on 43Ca+, we calculate the blackbody radiation (BBR) shift of the 4s1/2-3d5/2 clock transition of an optical frequency standard based on 43Ca+. We describe the study of the Rydberg-Rydberg interactions for quantum gates with neutral atoms and decoherence mechanisms in the Rydberg gate scheme. We have also studied the properties and decoherence processes of the Rydberg states as they are needed for the understanding of possible achievable gate fidelity. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Active laser ranging with frequency transfer using frequency comb

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Hongyuan; Wei, Haoyun; Yang, Honglei

2016-05-02

A comb-based active laser ranging scheme is proposed for enhanced distance resolution and a common time standard for the entire system. Three frequency combs with different repetition rates are used as light sources at the two ends where the distance is measured. Pulse positions are determined through asynchronous optical sampling and type II second harmonic generation. Results show that the system achieves a maximum residual of 379.6 nm and a standard deviation of 92.9 nm with 2000 averages over 23.6 m. Moreover, as for the frequency transfer, an atom clock and an adjustable signal generator, synchronized to the atom clock, are used asmore » time standards for the two ends to appraise the frequency deviation introduced by the proposed system. The system achieves a residual fractional deviation of 1.3 × 10{sup −16} for 1 s, allowing precise frequency transfer between the two clocks at the two ends.« less

An algorithm for the Italian atomic time scale

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cordara, F.; Vizio, G.; Tavella, P.; Pettiti, V.

1994-01-01

During the past twenty years, the time scale at the IEN has been realized by a commercial cesium clock, selected from an ensemble of five, whose rate has been continuously steered towards UTC to maintain a long term agreement within 3 x 10(exp -13). A time scale algorithm, suitable for a small clock ensemble and capable of improving the medium and long term stability of the IEN time scale, has been recently designed taking care of reducing the effects of the seasonal variations and the sudden frequency anomalies of the single cesium clocks. The new time scale, TA(IEN), is obtained as a weighted average of the clock ensemble computed once a day from the time comparisons between the local reference UTC(IEN) and the single clocks. It is foreseen to include in the computation also ten cesium clocks maintained in other Italian laboratories to further improve its reliability and its long term stability. To implement this algorithm, a personal computer program in Quick Basic has been prepared and it has been tested at the IEN time and frequency laboratory. Results obtained using this algorithm on the real clocks data relative to a period of about two years are presented.

New limits on variation of the fine-structure constant using atomic dysprosium.

PubMed

Leefer, N; Weber, C T M; Cingöz, A; Torgerson, J R; Budker, D

2013-08-09

We report on the spectroscopy of radio-frequency transitions between nearly degenerate, opposite-parity excited states in atomic dysprosium (Dy). Theoretical calculations predict that these states are very sensitive to variation of the fine-structure constant α owing to large relativistic corrections of opposite sign for the opposite-parity levels. The near degeneracy reduces the relative precision necessary to place constraints on variation of α, competitive with results obtained from the best atomic clocks in the world. Additionally, the existence of several abundant isotopes of Dy allows isotopic comparisons that suppress common-mode systematic errors. The frequencies of the 754-MHz transition in 164Dy and 235-MHz transition in 162Dy are measured over the span of two years. The linear variation of α is α·/α=(-5.8±6.9([1σ]))×10(-17)  yr(-1), consistent with zero. The same data are used to constrain the dimensionless parameter kα characterizing a possible coupling of α to a changing gravitational potential. We find that kα=(-5.5±5.2([1σ]))×10(-7), essentially consistent with zero and the best constraint to date.

Cycle Time Reduction in Trapped Mercury Ion Atomic Frequency Standards

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burt, Eric A.; Tjoelker, Robert L.; Taghavi, Shervin

2011-01-01

The use of the mercury ion isotope (201)Hg(+) was examined for an atomic clock. Taking advantage of the faster optical pumping time in (201)Hg(+) reduces both the state preparation and the state readout times, thereby decreasing the overall cycle time of the clock and reducing the impact of medium-term LO noise on the performance of the frequency standard. The spectral overlap between the plasma discharge lamp used for (201)Hg(+) state preparation and readout is much larger than that of the lamp used for the more conventional (199)Hg(+). There has been little study of (201)Hg(+) for clock applications (in fact, all trapped ion clock work in mercury has been with (199)Hg(+); however, recently the optical pumping time in (201)Hg(+) has been measured and found to be 0.45 second, or about three times faster than in (199)Hg(+) due largely to the better spectral overlap. This can be used to reduce the overall clock cycle time by over 2 seconds, or up to a factor of 2 improvement. The use of the (201)Hg(+) for an atomic clock is totally new. Most attempts to reduce the impact of LO noise have focused on reducing the interrogation time. In the trapped ion frequency standards built so far at JPL, the optical pumping time is already at its minimum so that no enhancement can be had by shortening it. However, by using (201)Hg(+), this is no longer the case. Furthermore, integrity monitoring, the mechanism that determines whether the clock is functioning normally, cannot happen faster than the clock cycle time. Therefore, a shorter cycle time will enable quicker detection of failure modes and recovery from them.

Synthesis of energy-efficient FSMs implemented in PLD circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nawrot, Radosław; Kulisz, Józef; Kania, Dariusz

2017-11-01

The paper presents an outline of a simple synthesis method of energy-efficient FSMs. The idea consists in using local clock gating to selectively block the clock signal, if no transition of a state of a memory element is required. The research was dedicated to logic circuits using Programmable Logic Devices as the implementation platform, but the conclusions can be applied to any synchronous circuit. The experimental section reports a comparison of three methods of implementing sequential circuits in PLDs with respect to clock distribution: the classical fully synchronous structure, the structure exploiting the Enable Clock inputs of memory elements, and the structure using clock gating. The results show that the approach based on clock gating is the most efficient one, and it leads to significant reduction of dynamic power consumed by the FSM.

Logical synchronization: how evidence and hypotheses steer atomic clocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myers, John M.; Madjid, F. Hadi

2014-05-01

A clock steps a computer through a cycle of phases. For the propagation of logical symbols from one computer to another, each computer must mesh its phases with arrivals of symbols from other computers. Even the best atomic clocks drift unforeseeably in frequency and phase; feedback steers them toward aiming points that depend on a chosen wave function and on hypotheses about signal propagation. A wave function, always under-determined by evidence, requires a guess. Guessed wave functions are coded into computers that steer atomic clocks in frequency and position—clocks that step computers through their phases of computations, as well as clocks, some on space vehicles, that supply evidence of the propagation of signals. Recognizing the dependence of the phasing of symbol arrivals on guesses about signal propagation elevates `logical synchronization.' from its practice in computer engineering to a dicipline essential to physics. Within this discipline we begin to explore questions invisible under any concept of time that fails to acknowledge the unforeseeable. In particular, variation of spacetime curvature is shown to limit the bit rate of logical communication.

Ultrahigh-speed clock recovery with optical phase lock loop based on four-wave-mixing in a semiconductor optical amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dong Hwan; Kim, Sang Hyuck; Jo, Jae Cheol; Choi, Sang Sam

2000-08-01

A new phase lock loop (PLL) is proposed and demonstrated for clock recovery from 40 Gbps time-division-multiplexed (TDM) optical signal using simple optical phase lock loop circuit. The proposed clock recovery scheme improves the jitter effect in PLL circuit from the clock pulse laser of harmonically-mode locked fiber laser. The cross-correlation component between the optical signal and an optical clock pulse train is detected as a four-wave-mixing (FWM) signal generated in SOA. The lock-in frequency range of the clock recovery is found to be within 10 KHz.

Using the Deep Space Atomic Clock for Navigation and Science.

PubMed

Ely, Todd A; Burt, Eric A; Prestage, John D; Seubert, Jill M; Tjoelker, Robert L

2018-06-01

Routine use of one-way radiometric tracking for deep space navigation and radio science is not possible today because spacecraft frequency and time references that use state-of-the-art ultrastable oscillators introduce errors from their intrinsic drift and instability on timescales past 100 s. The Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC), currently under development as a NASA Technology Demonstration Mission, is an advanced prototype of a space-flight suitable, mercury-ion atomic clock that can provide an unprecedented frequency and time stability in a space-qualified clock. Indeed, the ground-based results of the DSAC space demonstration unit have already achieved an Allan deviation of at one day; space performance on this order will enable the use of one-way radiometric signals for deep space navigation and radio science.

Estimation of network path segment delays

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nichols, Kathleen Marie

A method for estimation of a network path segment delay includes determining a scaled time stamp for each packet of a plurality of packets by scaling a time stamp for each respective packet to minimize a difference of at least one of a frequency and a frequency drift between a transport protocol clock of a host and a monitoring point. The time stamp for each packet is provided by the transport protocol clock of the host. A corrected time stamp for each packet is determined by removing from the scaled time stamp for each respective packet, a temporal offset betweenmore » the transport protocol clock and the monitoring clock by minimizing a temporal delay variation of the plurality of packets traversing a segment between the host and the monitoring point.« less

Time and frequency applications.

PubMed

Hellwig, H

1993-01-01

An overview is given of the capabilities of atomic clocks and quartz crystal oscillators in terms of available precision of time and frequency signals. The generation, comparison, and dissemination of time and frequency is then discussed. The principal focus is to survey uses of time and frequency in navigation, communication, and science. The examples given include the Global Positioning System, a satellite-based global navigation system, and general and dedicated communication networks, as well as experiments in general relativity and radioastronomy. The number of atomic clocks and crystal oscillators that are in actual use worldwide is estimated.

Two-Photon Absorption Spectroscopy of Rubidium with a Dual-Comb Tequnique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishiyama, Akiko; Yoshida, Satoru; Hariki, Takuya; Nakajima, Yoshiaki; Minoshima, Kaoru

2017-06-01

Dual-comb spectroscopies have great potential for high-resolution molecular and atomic spectroscopies, thanks to the broadband comb spectrum consisting of dense narrow modes. In this study, we apply the dual-comb system to Doppler-free two-photon absorption spectroscopy. The outputs of two frequency combs excite several two-photon transitions of rubidium, and we obtained broadband Doppler-free spectra from dual-comb fluorescence signals. The fluorescence detection scheme circumvents the sensitivity limit which is effectively determined by the dynamic range of photodetectors in absorption-based dual-comb spectroscopies. Our system realized high-sensitive, Doppler-free high-resolution and broadband atomic spectroscopy. A part of observed spectra of 5S_{1/2} - 5D_{5/2} transition is shown in the figure. The hyperfine structures of the F" = 1 - F' = 3,2,1 transitions are fully-resolved and the spectral widths are approximately 5 MHz. The absolute frequency axis is precisely calibrated from comb mode frequencies which were stabilized to a GPS-disciplined clock. This work was supported by JST through the ERATO MINOSHIMA Intelligent Optical Synthesizer Project and Grant-in-Aid for JSPS Fellows (16J02345). A. Nishiyama, S. Yoshida, Y. Nakajima, H. Sasada, K. Nakagawa, A. Onae, K. and Minoshima, Opt. Express 24, 25894 (2016). A. Hipke, S. A. Meek, T. Ideguchi, T.W. Hänsch, and N. Picqué, Phys. Rev. A 90, 011805(R) (2014).

A compact ADPLL based on symmetrical binary frequency searching with the same circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hangbiao; Zhang, Bo; Luo, Ping; Liao, Pengfei; Liu, Junjie; Li, Zhaoji

2015-03-01

A compact all-digital phase-locked loop (C-ADPLL) based on symmetrical binary frequency searching (BFS) with the same circuit is presented in this paper. The minimising relative frequency variation error Δη (MFE) rule is derived as guidance of design and is used to weigh the accuracy of the digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) clock frequency. The symmetrical BFS is used in the coarse-tuning process and the fine-tuning process of DCO clock frequency to achieve the minimum Δη of the locked DCO clock, which simplifies the circuit architecture and saves the die area. The C-ADPLL is implemented in a 0.13 μm one-poly-eight-metal (1P8M) CMOS process and the on-chip area is only 0.043 mm2, which is much smaller. The measurement results show that the peak-to-peak (Pk-Pk) jitter and the root-mean-square jitter of the DCO clock frequency are 270 ps at 72.3 MHz and 42 ps at 79.4 MHz, respectively, while the power consumption of the proposed ADPLL is only 2.7 mW (at 115.8 MHz) with a 1.2 V power supply. The measured Δη is not more than 1.14%. Compared with other ADPLLs, the proposed C-ADPLL has simpler architecture, smaller size and lower Pk-Pk jitter.

A low phase noise microwave frequency synthesis for a high-performance cesium vapor cell atomic clock

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

François, B.; Boudot, R.; Calosso, C. E.

2014-09-15

We report the development, absolute phase noise, and residual phase noise characterization of a 9.192 GHz microwave frequency synthesis chain devoted to be used as a local oscillator in a high-performance cesium vapor cell atomic clock based on coherent population trapping (CPT). It is based on frequency multiplication of an ultra-low phase noise 100 MHz oven-controlled quartz crystal oscillator using a nonlinear transmission line-based chain. Absolute phase noise performances of the 9.192 GHz output signal are measured to be −42, −100, −117 dB rad{sup 2}/Hz and −129 dB rad{sup 2}/Hz at 1 Hz, 100 Hz, 1 kHz, and 10 kHz offset frequencies, respectively. Comparedmore » to current results obtained in a state-of-the-art CPT-based frequency standard developed at LNE-SYRTE, this represents an improvement of 8 dB and 10 dB at f = 166 Hz and f = 10 kHz, respectively. With such performances, the expected Dick effect contribution to the atomic clock short term frequency stability is reported at a level of 6.2 × 10{sup −14} at 1 s integration time, that is a factor 3 higher than the atomic clock shot noise limit. Main limitations are pointed out.« less

Geopotential measurements with synchronously linked optical lattice clocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takano, Tetsushi; Takamoto, Masao; Ushijima, Ichiro; Ohmae, Noriaki; Akatsuka, Tomoya; Yamaguchi, Atsushi; Kuroishi, Yuki; Munekane, Hiroshi; Miyahara, Basara; Katori, Hidetoshi

2016-10-01

According to Einstein's theory of relativity, the passage of time changes in a gravitational field. On Earth, raising a clock by 1 cm increases its apparent tick rate by 1.1 parts in 1018, allowing chronometric levelling through comparison of optical clocks. Here, we demonstrate such geopotential measurements by determining the height difference of master and slave clocks separated by 15 km with an uncertainty of 5 cm. A subharmonic of the master clock laser is delivered through a telecom fibre to synchronously operate the distant clocks. Clocks operated under such phase coherence reject clock laser noise and facilitate proposals for linking clocks and interferometers. Taken over half a year, 11 measurements determine the fractional frequency difference between the two clocks to be 1,652.9(5.9) × 10-18, consistent with an independent measurement by levelling and gravimetry. Our system demonstrates a building block for an internet of clocks, which may constitute ‘quantum benchmarks’, serving as height references with dynamic responses.

Submillihertz magnetic spectroscopy performed with a nanoscale quantum sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitt, Simon; Gefen, Tuvia; Stürner, Felix M.; Unden, Thomas; Wolff, Gerhard; Müller, Christoph; Scheuer, Jochen; Naydenov, Boris; Markham, Matthew; Pezzagna, Sebastien; Meijer, Jan; Schwarz, Ilai; Plenio, Martin; Retzker, Alex; McGuinness, Liam P.; Jelezko, Fedor

2017-05-01

Precise timekeeping is critical to metrology, forming the basis by which standards of time, length, and fundamental constants are determined. Stable clocks are particularly valuable in spectroscopy because they define the ultimate frequency precision that can be reached. In quantum metrology, the qubit coherence time defines the clock stability, from which the spectral linewidth and frequency precision are determined. We demonstrate a quantum sensing protocol in which the spectral precision goes beyond the sensor coherence time and is limited by the stability of a classical clock. Using this technique, we observed a precision in frequency estimation scaling in time T as T-3/2 for classical oscillating fields. The narrow linewidth magnetometer based on single spins in diamond is used to sense nanoscale magnetic fields with an intrinsic frequency resolution of 607 microhertz, which is eight orders of magnitude narrower than the qubit coherence time.

Real-time image reconstruction and display system for MRI using a high-speed personal computer.

PubMed

Haishi, T; Kose, K

1998-09-01

A real-time NMR image reconstruction and display system was developed using a high-speed personal computer and optimized for the 32-bit multitasking Microsoft Windows 95 operating system. The system was operated at various CPU clock frequencies by changing the motherboard clock frequency and the processor/bus frequency ratio. When the Pentium CPU was used at the 200 MHz clock frequency, the reconstruction time for one 128 x 128 pixel image was 48 ms and that for the image display on the enlarged 256 x 256 pixel window was about 8 ms. NMR imaging experiments were performed with three fast imaging sequences (FLASH, multishot EPI, and one-shot EPI) to demonstrate the ability of the real-time system. It was concluded that in most cases, high-speed PC would be the best choice for the image reconstruction and display system for real-time MRI. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

The ACES mission: scientific objectives and present status

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cacciapuoti, L.; Dimarcq, N.; Salomon, C.

2017-11-01

"Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space" (ACES) is a mission in fundamental physics that will operate a new generation of atomic clocks in the microgravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS). The ACES clock signal will combine the medium term frequency stability of a space hydrogen maser (SHM) and the long term stability and accuracy of a frequency standard based on cold cesium atoms (PHARAO). Fractional frequency stability and accuracy of few parts in 1016 will be achieved. The on-board time base distributed on Earth via a microwave link (MWL) will be used to test fundamental laws of physics (Einstein's theories of Special and General Relativity, Standard Model Extension, string theories…) and to develop applications in time and frequency metrology, universal time scales, global positioning and navigation, geodesy and gravimetry. After a general overview on the mission concept and its scientific objectives, the present status of ACES instruments and sub-systems will be discussed.

Digital-data receiver synchronization

DOEpatents

Smith, Stephen F.; Turner, Gary W.

2005-08-02

Digital-data receiver synchronization is provided with composite phase-frequency detectors, mutually cross-connected comparison feedback or both to provide robust reception of digital data signals. A single master clock can be used to provide frequency signals. Advantages can include fast lock-up time in moderately to severely noisy conditions, greater tolerance to noise and jitter when locked, and improved tolerance to clock asymmetries.

Digital-data receiver synchronization method and apparatus

DOEpatents

Smith, Stephen F.; Turner, Gary W.

2005-12-06

Digital-data receiver synchronization is provided with composite phase-frequency detectors, mutually cross-connected comparison feedback or both to provide robust reception of digital data signals. A single master clock may be used to provide frequency signals. Advantages can include fast lock-up time in moderately to severely noisy conditions, greater tolerance to noise and jitter when locked, and improved tolerance to clock asymmetries.

Digital-data receiver synchronization method and apparatus

DOEpatents

Smith, Stephen F [Loudon, TN; Turner, Gary W [Clinton, TN

2009-09-08

Digital data receiver synchronization is provided with composite phase-frequency detectors, mutually cross-connected comparison feedback or both to provide robust reception of digital data signals. A single master clock can be used to provide frequency signals. Advantages can include fast lock-up time in moderately to severely noisy conditions, greater tolerance to noise and jitter when locked, and improved tolerance to clock asymmetries.

High-rate serial interconnections for embedded and distributed systems with power and resource constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheynin, Yuriy; Shutenko, Felix; Suvorova, Elena; Yablokov, Evgenej

2008-04-01

High rate interconnections are important subsystems in modern data processing and control systems of many classes. They are especially important in prospective embedded and on-board systems that used to be multicomponent systems with parallel or distributed architecture, [1]. Modular architecture systems of previous generations were based on parallel busses that were widely used and standardised: VME, PCI, CompactPCI, etc. Busses evolution went in improvement of bus protocol efficiency (burst transactions, split transactions, etc.) and increasing operation frequencies. However, due to multi-drop bus nature and multi-wire skew problems the parallel bussing speedup became more and more limited. For embedded and on-board systems additional reason for this trend was in weight, size and power constraints of an interconnection and its components. Parallel interfaces have become technologically more challenging as their respective clock frequencies have increased to keep pace with the bandwidth requirements of their attached storage devices. Since each interface uses a data clock to gate and validate the parallel data (which is normally 8 bits or 16 bits wide), the clock frequency need only be equivalent to the byte rate or word rate being transmitted. In other words, for a given transmission frequency, the wider the data bus, the slower the clock. As the clock frequency increases, more high frequency energy is available in each of the data lines, and a portion of this energy is dissipated in radiation. Each data line not only transmits this energy but also receives some from its neighbours. This form of mutual interference is commonly called "cross-talk," and the signal distortion it produces can become another major contributor to loss of data integrity unless compensated by appropriate cable designs. Other transmission problems such as frequency-dependent attenuation and signal reflections, while also applicable to serial interfaces, are more troublesome in parallel interfaces due to the number of additional cable conductors involved. In order to compensate for these drawbacks, higher quality cables, shorter cable runs and fewer devices on the bus have been the norm. Finally, the physical bulk of the parallel cables makes them more difficult to route inside an enclosure, hinders cooling airflow and is incompatible with the trend toward smaller form-factor devices. Parallel busses worked in systems during the past 20 years, but the accumulated problems dictate the need for change and the technology is available to spur the transition. The general trend in high-rate interconnections turned from parallel bussing to scalable interconnections with a network architecture and high-rate point-to-point links. Analysis showed that data links with serial information transfer could achieve higher throughput and efficiency and it was confirmed in various research and practical design. Serial interfaces offer an improvement over older parallel interfaces: better performance, better scalability, and also better reliability as the parallel interfaces are at their limits of speed with reliable data transfers and others. The trend was implemented in major standards' families evolution: e.g. from PCI/PCI-X parallel bussing to PCIExpress interconnection architecture with serial lines, from CompactPCI parallel bus to ATCA (Advanced Telecommunications Architecture) specification with serial links and network topologies of an interconnection, etc. In the article we consider a general set of characteristics and features of serial interconnections, give a brief overview of serial interconnections specifications. In more details we present the SpaceWire interconnection technology. Have been developed for space on-board systems applications the SpaceWire has important features and characteristics that make it a prospective interconnection for wide range of embedded systems.

Ground control system for the midcourse space experiment UTC clock

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dragonette, Richard

1994-01-01

One goal of the Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) spacecraft Operations Planning Center is to maintain the onboard satellite UTC clock (UTC(MSX)) to within 1 millisecond of UTC(APL) (the program requirement is 10 msec). The UTC(MSX) clock employs as its time base an APL built 5 MHz quartz oscillator, which is expected to have frequency instabilities (aging rate + drift rate + frequency offset) that will cause the clock to drift approximately two to ten milliseconds per day. The UTC(MSX) clock can be advanced or retarded by the APL MSX satellite ground control center by integer multiples of 1 millisecond. The MSX Operations Planning Center is developing software which records the drift of UTC(MSX) relative to UTC(APL) and which schedules the time of day and magnitude of UTC(MSX) clock updates up to 48 hours in advance. Because of the manner in which MSX spacecraft activities are scheduled, MSX clock updates are planned 24 to 48 hours in advance, and stored in the satellite's computer controller for later execution. Data will be collected on the drift of UTC(MSX) relative to UTC(APL) over a three to five day period. Approximately six times per day, the time offset between UTC(MSX) and UTC(APL) will be measured by APL with a resolution of less than 100 microseconds. From this data a second order analytical model of the clock's drift will be derived. This model will be used to extrapolate the offset of the MSX clock in time from the present to 48 hours in the future. MSX clock updates will be placed on the spacecraft's daily schedule whenever the predicted clock offset exceeds 0.5 milliseconds. The paper includes a discussion of how the empirical model of the MSX clock is derived from satellite telemetry data, as well as the algorithm used to schedule MSX clock updates based on the model.

Exploring Ramsey-coherent population trapping atomic clock realized with pulsed microwave modulated laser

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Jing; Yun, Peter; Tian, Yuan

2014-03-07

A scheme for a Ramsey-coherent population trapping (CPT) atomic clock that eliminates the acousto-optic modulator (AOM) is proposed and experimentally studied. Driven by a periodically microwave modulated current, the vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser emits a continuous beam that switches between monochromatic and multichromatic modes. Ramsey-CPT interference has been studied with this mode-switching beam. In eliminating the AOM, which is used to generate pulsed laser in conventional Ramsey-CPT atomic clock, the physics package of the proposed scheme is virtually the same as that of a conventional compact CPT atomic clock, although the resource budget for the electronics will slightly increase as amore » microwave switch should be added. By evaluating and comparing experimentally recorded signals from the two Ramsey-CPT schemes, the short-term frequency stability of the proposed scheme was found to be 46% better than the scheme with AOM. The experimental results suggest that the implementation of a compact Ramsey-CPT atomic clock promises better frequency stability.« less

Gas-cell atomic clocks for space: new results and alternative schemes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Affolderbach, C.; Breschi, E.; Schori, C.; Mileti, G.

2017-11-01

We present our development activities on compact Rubidium gas-cell atomic frequency standards, for use in space-borne and ground-based applications. We experimentally demonstrate a high-performance laser optically-pumped Rb clock for space applications such as telecommunications, science missions, and satellite navigation systems (e.g. GALILEO). Using a stabilised laser source and optimized gas cells, we reach clock stabilities as low as 1.5·10-12 τ-1/2 up to 103 s and 4·10-14 at 104 s. The results demonstrate the feasibility of a laser-pumped Rb clock reaching < 1·10-12 τ-1/2 in a compact device (<2 liters, 2 kg, 20 W), given optimization of the implemented techniques. A second activity concerns more radically miniaturized gas-cell clocks, aiming for low power consumption and a total volume around 1 cm3 , at the expense of relaxed frequency stability. Here miniaturized "chip-scale" vapour cells and use of coherent laser interrogation techniques are at the heart of the investigations.

Roughness exponent in two-dimensional percolation, Potts model, and clock model

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Redinz, Jose Arnaldo; Martins, Marcelo Lobato

We present a numerical study of the self-affine profiles obtained from configurations of the q-state Potts (with q=2,3, and 7) and p=10 clock models as well as from the occupation states for site percolation on the square lattice. The first and second order static phase transitions of the Potts model are located by a sharp change in the value of the roughness exponent {alpha} characterizing those profiles. The low temperature phase of the Potts model corresponds to flat ({alpha}{approx_equal}1) profiles, whereas its high temperature phase is associated with rough ({alpha}{approx_equal}0.5) ones. For the p=10 clock model, in addition to themore » flat (ferromagnetic) and rough (paramagnetic) profiles, an intermediate rough (0.5{lt}{alpha}{lt}1) phase{emdash}associated with a soft spin-wave one{emdash}is observed. Our results for the transition temperatures in the Potts and clock models are in agreement with the static values, showing that this approach is able to detect the phase transitions in these models directly from the spin configurations, without any reference to thermodynamical potentials, order parameters, or response functions. Finally, we show that the roughness exponent {alpha} is insensitive to geometric critical phenomena.« less

Mercury Ion Clock for a NASA Technology Demonstration Mission.

PubMed

Tjoelker, Robert L; Prestage, John D; Burt, Eric A; Chen, Pin; Chong, Yong J; Chung, Sang K; Diener, William; Ely, Todd; Enzer, Daphna G; Mojaradi, Hadi; Okino, Clay; Pauken, Mike; Robison, David; Swenson, Bradford L; Tucker, Blake; Wang, Rabi

2016-07-01

There are many different atomic frequency standard technologies but only few meet the demanding performance, reliability, size, mass, and power constraints required for space operation. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is developing a linear ion-trap-based mercury ion clock, referred to as DSAC (Deep-Space Atomic Clock) under NASA's Technology Demonstration Mission program. This clock is expected to provide a new capability with broad application to space-based navigation and science. A one-year flight demonstration is planned as a hosted payload following an early 2017 launch. This first-generation mercury ion clock for space demonstration has a volume, mass, and power of 17 L, 16 kg, and 47 W, respectively, with further reductions planned for follow-on applications. Clock performance with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)*Q limited stability of 1.5E-13/τ(1/2) has been observed and a fractional frequency stability of 2E-15 at one day measured (no drift removed). Such a space-based stability enables autonomous timekeeping of with a technology capable of even higher stability, if desired. To date, the demonstration clock has been successfully subjected to mechanical vibration testing at the 14 grms level, thermal-vacuum operation over a range of 42(°)C, and electromagnetic susceptibility tests.

The sympathy of two pendulum clocks: beyond Huygens’ observations

PubMed Central

Peña Ramirez, Jonatan; Olvera, Luis Alberto; Nijmeijer, Henk; Alvarez, Joaquin

2016-01-01

This paper introduces a modern version of the classical Huygens’ experiment on synchronization of pendulum clocks. The version presented here consists of two monumental pendulum clocks—ad hoc designed and fabricated—which are coupled through a wooden structure. It is demonstrated that the coupled clocks exhibit ‘sympathetic’ motion, i.e. the pendula of the clocks oscillate in consonance and in the same direction. Interestingly, when the clocks are synchronized, the common oscillation frequency decreases, i.e. the clocks become slow and inaccurate. In order to rigorously explain these findings, a mathematical model for the coupled clocks is obtained by using well-established physical and mechanical laws and likewise, a theoretical analysis is conducted. Ultimately, the sympathy of two monumental pendulum clocks, interacting via a flexible coupling structure, is experimentally, numerically, and analytically demonstrated. PMID:27020903

Calibration of Multiple Poliovirus Molecular Clocks Covering an Extended Evolutionary Range▿ †

PubMed Central

Jorba, Jaume; Campagnoli, Ray; De, Lina; Kew, Olen

2008-01-01

We have calibrated five different molecular clocks for circulating poliovirus based upon the rates of fixation of total substitutions (Kt), synonymous substitutions (Ks), synonymous transitions (As), synonymous transversions (Bs), and nonsynonymous substitutions (Ka) into the P1/capsid region (2,643 nucleotides). Rates were determined over a 10-year period by analysis of sequences of 31 wild poliovirus type 1 isolates representing a well-defined phylogeny derived from a common imported ancestor. Similar rates were obtained by linear regression, the maximum likelihood/single-rate dated-tip method, and Bayesian inference. The very rapid Kt [(1.03 ± 0.10) × 10−2 substitutions/site/year] and Ks [(1.00 ± 0.08) × 10−2] clocks were driven primarily by the As clock [(0.96 ± 0.09) × 10−2], the Bs clock was ∼10-fold slower [(0.10 ± 0.03) × 10−2], and the more stochastic Ka clock was ∼30-fold slower [(0.03 ± 0.01) × 10−2]. Nonsynonymous substitutions at all P1/capsid sites, including the neutralizing antigenic sites, appeared to be constrained by purifying selection. Simulation of the evolution of third-codon positions suggested that saturation of synonymous transitions would be evident at 10 years and complete at ∼65 years of independent transmission. Saturation of synonymous transversions was predicted to be minimal at 20 years and incomplete at 100 years. The rapid evolution of the Kt, Ks, and As clocks can be used to estimate the dates of divergence of closely related viruses, whereas the slower Bs and Ka clocks may be used to explore deeper evolutionary relationships within and across poliovirus genotypes. PMID:18287242

Nonlinear Properties in Langasite Isomorphs for Advanced Frequency Control Devices and Clocks

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-11-01

or LGN), and langatate (La3Ga5.5Ta0.5O14 or LGT), have emerged as new materials to replace quartz in advanced frequency control devices and clocks...application and of angle Ψ. Fig. 1. Langatate boule (photo courtesy of the Univ. Central Florida) and typical resonators for testing. Table 1...langanite and y-cut langatate ,” IEEE Tr. Ultrason. Ferroelec. Freq. Contr., pp. 1678-1682, 2003. Kim, Y., “Amplitude-frequency effect of Y-cut langanite

A comparative study of clock rate and drift estimation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Breakiron, Lee A.

1994-01-01

Five different methods of drift determination and four different methods of rate determination were compared using months of hourly phase and frequency data from a sample of cesium clocks and active hydrogen masers. Linear least squares on frequency is selected as the optimal method of determining both drift and rate, more on the basis of parameter parsimony and confidence measures than on random and systematic errors.

Analysis of high-efficiency widely-tunable N-resonances in Cs vapor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krasteva, A.; Gateva, S.; Tzvetkov, S.; Ghosh, P. N.; Sargsyan, A.; Cartaleva, S.

2018-03-01

The narrow-band coherent N-type resonance, promising for the development of advanced atomic clocks, can be considered as a type of three-photon resonance, where a two-photon Raman excitation is combined with a resonant optical pumping field. In this communication, we present an experimental study and a theoretical analysis related to three-photon, bi-chromatic excitation of Cs atomic vapor contained in an 8-mm long cell with 20 Torr of neon. If a coupling laser is fixed at a frequency that is lower by several GHz than the position of the absorption profile of the Fg = 4 set of transitions, and a probe laser is tuned over the D2 line (λ = 852 nm), a narrow high-contrast enhanced absorption N-resonance will be observed in the probe light profile, superimposed on the absorption profile of the Fg = 4 set of transitions. We present theoretical modeling aimed to clarify the processes behind the efficiency of the N-resonance preparation for different frequency positions of the coupling laser within the D2 line of Cs.

Coherent Population Trapping and Optical Ramsey Interference for Compact Rubidium Clock Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warren, Zachary Aron

Coherent population trapping (CPT) and optical Ramsey interference provide new avenues for developing compact, high-performance atomic clocks. In this work, I have studied the fundamental aspects of CPT and optical Ramsey interference for Raman clock development. This thesis research is composed of two parts: theoretical and experimental studies. The theoretical component of the research was initially based on pre-existing atomic models of a three-level ?-type system in which the phenomena of CPT and Ramsey interference are formed. This model served as a starting point for studying basic characteristics of CPT and Ramsey interference such as power dependence of CPT, effects of average detuning, and ground-state decoherence on linewidth, which directly impact the performance of the Raman clock. The basic three-level model was also used to model pulsed CPT excitation and measure light shift in Ramsey interference which imposes a fundamental limit on the long-term frequency stability of the Raman clock. The theoretical calculations illustrate reduction (or suppression) of light shift in Ramsey interference as an important advantage over CPT for Raman clock development. To make the model more accurate than an ideal three-level system, I developed a comprehensive atomic model using density-matrix equations including all sixteen Zeeman sublevels in the D1 manifold of 87Rb atoms in a vapor medium. The multi-level atomic model has been used for investigating characteristics of CPT and Ramsey interference under different optical excitation schemes pertaining to the polarization states of the frequency-modulated CPT beam in a Raman clock. It is also used to study the effects of axial and traverse magnetic fields on the contrast of CPT and Ramsey interference. More importantly, the multi-level atomic model is also used to accurately calculate light shift in Ramsey interference in the D1 manifold of 87Rb atoms by taking into account all possible off-resonant excitations and the ground-state decoherence among the Zeeman sublevels. Light shift suppression in Ramsey interference with pulse saturation is also found to be evident in this comprehensive model. In the experimental component of the research, I designed a prototype of the Raman clock using a small (2 cm in length), buffer-gas filled, and isotopically pure 87Rb cell. A fiber-coupled waveguide electro-optic modulator was used to generate the frequency-modulated CPT beam for the experiments. The experimental setup was operated either by continuous excitation or pulsed excitation for experimentally characterizing CPT and Ramsey interference under different experimental conditions and for testing different optical excitation schemes which were investigated theoretically. Several iterations of the clock physics package were developed in order to attain better frequency stability performance in the Raman clock. The experimental work also provided a basis to develop a new repeated-query technique for producing an ultra-narrow linewidth central fringe with a high S/N ratio, and suppressing the side fringes in Ramsey interference. The above described research was carried out keeping in mind compact, high-performance clock development, which relies on technologies that can be miniaturized. Vapor cell based atomic clocks are ideal candidates for compact clock technology. The CPT phenomenon, observed by Raman excitation in a vapor medium, is a promising candidate for compact, high-performance Raman clock development. However, atom-field interaction involved in a vapor medium is often more complex than other media such as cold atom or atomic beam. It is difficult to model this interaction in order to predict its influence on CPT characteristics and, hence, the performance of the Raman clock. This dissertation addresses one such problem by developing a comprehensive atomic model to investigate light shift and modification of light shift in the Raman clock, particularly with pulsed excitation. It demonstrates a clear possibility of reducing (or suppressing) the light shift associated with Ramsey interference in a vapor medium for achieving higher frequency stability in the Raman clock. Additionally, theoretical comparisons of various optical excitation techniques have been calculated to demonstrate the relative strengths and weaknesses of different schemes for Raman clock development. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

First international comparison of fountain primary frequency standards via a long distance optical fiber link

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guéna, J.; Weyers, S.; Abgrall, M.; Grebing, C.; Gerginov, V.; Rosenbusch, P.; Bize, S.; Lipphardt, B.; Denker, H.; Quintin, N.; Raupach, S. M. F.; Nicolodi, D.; Stefani, F.; Chiodo, N.; Koke, S.; Kuhl, A.; Wiotte, F.; Meynadier, F.; Camisard, E.; Chardonnet, C.; Le Coq, Y.; Lours, M.; Santarelli, G.; Amy-Klein, A.; Le Targat, R.; Lopez, O.; Pottie, P. E.; Grosche, G.

2017-06-01

We report on the first comparison of distant caesium fountain primary frequency standards (PFSs) via an optical fiber link. The 1415 km long optical link connects two PFSs at LNE-SYRTE (Laboratoire National de métrologie et d’Essais—SYstème de Références Temps-Espace) in Paris (France) with two at PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt) in Braunschweig (Germany). For a long time, these PFSs have been major contributors to accuracy of the International Atomic Time (TAI), with stated accuracies of around 3× {{10}-16} . They have also been the references for a number of absolute measurements of clock transition frequencies in various optical frequency standards in view of a future redefinition of the second. The phase coherent optical frequency transfer via a stabilized telecom fiber link enables far better resolution than any other means of frequency transfer based on satellite links. The agreement for each pair of distant fountains compared is well within the combined uncertainty of a few 10-16 for all the comparisons, which fully supports the stated PFSs’ uncertainties. The comparison also includes a rubidium fountain frequency standard participating in the steering of TAI and enables a new absolute determination of the 87Rb ground state hyperfine transition frequency with an uncertainty of 3.1× {{10}-16} . This paper is dedicated to the memory of André Clairon, who passed away on 24 December 2015, for his pioneering and long-lasting efforts in atomic fountains. He also pioneered optical links from as early as 1997.

Biochemical Frequency Control by Synchronisation of Coupled Repressilators: An In Silico Study of Modules for Circadian Clock Systems

PubMed Central

Hinze, Thomas; Schumann, Mathias; Bodenstein, Christian; Heiland, Ines; Schuster, Stefan

2011-01-01

Exploration of chronobiological systems emerges as a growing research field within bioinformatics focusing on various applications in medicine, agriculture, and material sciences. From a systems biological perspective, the question arises whether biological control systems for regulation of oscillatory signals and their technical counterparts utilise similar mechanisms. If so, modelling approaches and parameterisation adopted from building blocks can help to identify general components for frequency control in circadian clocks along with gaining insight into mechanisms of clock synchronisation to external stimuli like the daily rhythm of sunlight and darkness. Phase-locked loops could be an interesting candidate in this context. Both, biology and engineering, can benefit from a unified view resulting from systems modularisation. In a first experimental study, we analyse a model of coupled repressilators. We demonstrate its ability to synchronise clock signals in a monofrequential manner. Several oscillators initially deviate in phase difference and frequency with respect to explicit reaction and diffusion rates. Accordingly, the duration of the synchronisation process depends on dedicated reaction and diffusion parameters whose settings still lack to be sufficiently captured analytically. PMID:22046179

Entrainment of the Mammalian Cell Cycle by the Circadian Clock: Modeling Two Coupled Cellular Rhythms

PubMed Central

Gérard, Claude; Goldbeter, Albert

2012-01-01

The cell division cycle and the circadian clock represent two major cellular rhythms. These two periodic processes are coupled in multiple ways, given that several molecular components of the cell cycle network are controlled in a circadian manner. For example, in the network of cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) that governs progression along the successive phases of the cell cycle, the synthesis of the kinase Wee1, which inhibits the G2/M transition, is enhanced by the complex CLOCK-BMAL1 that plays a central role in the circadian clock network. Another component of the latter network, REV-ERBα, inhibits the synthesis of the Cdk inhibitor p21. Moreover, the synthesis of the oncogene c-Myc, which promotes G1 cyclin synthesis, is repressed by CLOCK-BMAL1. Using detailed computational models for the two networks we investigate the conditions in which the mammalian cell cycle can be entrained by the circadian clock. We show that the cell cycle can be brought to oscillate at a period of 24 h or 48 h when its autonomous period prior to coupling is in an appropriate range. The model indicates that the combination of multiple modes of coupling does not necessarily facilitate entrainment of the cell cycle by the circadian clock. Entrainment can also occur as a result of circadian variations in the level of a growth factor controlling entry into G1. Outside the range of entrainment, the coupling to the circadian clock may lead to disconnected oscillations in the cell cycle and the circadian system, or to complex oscillatory dynamics of the cell cycle in the form of endoreplication, complex periodic oscillations or chaos. The model predicts that the transition from entrainment to 24 h or 48 h might occur when the strength of coupling to the circadian clock or the level of growth factor decrease below critical values. PMID:22693436

Pacemaker-neuron–dependent disturbance of the molecular clockwork by a Drosophila CLOCK mutant homologous to the mouse Clock mutation

PubMed Central

Lee, Euna; Cho, Eunjoo; Kang, Doo Hyun; Jeong, Eun Hee; Chen, Zheng; Yoo, Seung-Hee; Kim, Eun Young

2016-01-01

Circadian clocks are composed of transcriptional/translational feedback loops (TTFLs) at the cellular level. In Drosophila TTFLs, the transcription factor dCLOCK (dCLK)/CYCLE (CYC) activates clock target gene expression, which is repressed by the physical interaction with PERIOD (PER). Here, we show that amino acids (AA) 657–707 of dCLK, a region that is homologous to the mouse Clock exon 19-encoded region, is crucial for PER binding and E-box–dependent transactivation in S2 cells. Consistently, in transgenic flies expressing dCLK with an AA657–707 deletion in the Clock (Clkout) genetic background (p{dClk-Δ};Clkout), oscillation of core clock genes’ mRNAs displayed diminished amplitude compared with control flies, and the highly abundant dCLKΔ657–707 showed significantly decreased binding to PER. Behaviorally, the p{dClk-Δ};Clkout flies exhibited arrhythmic locomotor behavior in the photic entrainment condition but showed anticipatory activities of temperature transition and improved free-running rhythms in the temperature entrainment condition. Surprisingly, p{dClk-Δ};Clkout flies showed pacemaker-neuron–dependent alterations in molecular rhythms; the abundance of dCLK target clock proteins was reduced in ventral lateral neurons (LNvs) but not in dorsal neurons (DNs) in both entrainment conditions. In p{dClk-Δ};Clkout flies, however, strong but delayed molecular oscillations in temperature cycle-sensitive pacemaker neurons, such as DN1s and DN2s, were correlated with delayed anticipatory activities of temperature transition. Taken together, our study reveals that the LNv molecular clockwork is more sensitive than the clockwork of DNs to dysregulation of dCLK by AA657–707 deletion. Therefore, we propose that the dCLK/CYC-controlled TTFL operates differently in subsets of pacemaker neurons, which may contribute to their specific functions. PMID:27489346

Potential Role for Peripheral Circadian Clock Dyssynchrony in the Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular Dysfunction

PubMed Central

Young, Martin E.; Bray, Molly S.

2007-01-01

Circadian clocks are intracellular molecular mechanisms designed to allow the cell, organ, and organism to prepare for an anticipated stimulus prior to its onset. In order for circadian clocks to maintain their selective advantage, they must be entrained to the environment. Light, sound, temperature, physical activity (including sleep/wake transitions), and food intake are among the strongest environmental factors influencing mammalian circadian clocks. Normal circadian rhythmicities in these environmental factors have become severely disrupted in our modern day society, concomitant with increased incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Here, we review our current knowledge regarding the roles of peripheral circadian clocks, concentrating on those found within tissues directly involved in metabolic homeostasis and cardiovascular function. We propose that both inter- and intra- organ dyssynchronization, through alteration/impairment of peripheral circadian clocks, accelerates the development of cardiovascular disease risk factors associated with cardiometabolic syndrome. PMID:17387040

A proportional integral estimator-based clock synchronization protocol for wireless sensor networks.

PubMed

Yang, Wenlun; Fu, Minyue

2017-11-01

Clock synchronization is an issue of vital importance in applications of WSNs. This paper proposes a proportional integral estimator-based protocol (EBP) to achieve clock synchronization for wireless sensor networks. As each local clock skew gradually drifts, synchronization accuracy will decline over time. Compared with existing consensus-based approaches, the proposed synchronization protocol improves synchronization accuracy under time-varying clock skews. Moreover, by restricting synchronization error of clock skew into a relative small quantity, it could reduce periodic re-synchronization frequencies. At last, a pseudo-synchronous implementation for skew compensation is introduced as synchronous protocol is unrealistic in practice. Numerical simulations are shown to illustrate the performance of the proposed protocol. Copyright © 2017 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Photonic integrated circuit implementation of a sub-GHz-selectivity frequency comb filter for optical clock multiplication.

PubMed

Geng, Zihan; Xie, Yiwei; Zhuang, Leimeng; Burla, Maurizio; Hoekman, Marcel; Roeloffzen, Chris G H; Lowery, Arthur J

2017-10-30

We report a photonic integrated circuit implementation of an optical clock multiplier, or equivalently an optical frequency comb filter. The circuit comprises a novel topology of a ring-resonator-assisted asymmetrical Mach-Zehnder interferometer in a Sagnac loop, providing a reconfigurable comb filter with sub-GHz selectivity and low complexity. A proof-of-concept device is fabricated in a high-index-contrast stoichiometric silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 /SiO 2 ) waveguide, featuring low loss, small size, and large bandwidth. In the experiment, we show a very narrow passband for filters of this kind, i.e. a -3-dB bandwidth of 0.6 GHz and a -20-dB passband of 1.2 GHz at a frequency interval of 12.5 GHz. As an application example, this particular filter shape enables successful demonstrations of five-fold repetition rate multiplication of optical clock signals, i.e. from 2.5 Gpulses/s to 12.5 Gpulses/s and from 10 Gpulses/s to 50 Gpulses/s. This work addresses comb spectrum processing on an integrated platform, pointing towards a device-compact solution for optical clock multipliers (frequency comb filters) which have diverse applications ranging from photonic-based RF spectrum scanners and photonic radars to GHz-granularity WDM switches and LIDARs.

Optical Atomic Clock for Fundamental Physics and Precision Metrology in Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, Jason; Le, Thanh; Kulas, Sascha; Yu, Nan

2017-04-01

The maturity of optical atomic clocks (OC), which operate at optical frequencies for higher quality-factor as compared to their microwave counterparts, has rapidly progressed to the point where lab-based systems now outperform the record cesium clocks by orders of magnitude in both accuracy and stability. We will present our efforts to develop a strontium optical clock testbed at JPL, aimed towards extending the exceptional performance demonstrated by OCs from state-of-the-art laboratory designs to a transportable instrument that can fit within the space and power constraints of e.g. a single express rack onboard the International Space Station. The overall technology will find applications for future fundamental physics research, both on ground and in space, precision time keeping, and NASA/JPL time and frequency test capabilities. This research was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Comparison of the effects of two handpiece locations on dental team performance.

PubMed

Kwasman, R; Handelman, S L; MacIntyre, B; Barrett, G

1975-12-01

Using audiovisual tapes of 150 actual dental treatment sessions, five dental teams working with handpieces positioned in the 8-o'clock location were compared with five dental teams working with hand pieces positioned in the 12-o'clock location. Criteria used for analysis were frequency and duration of instrument transfer, critical incidents that interfered with instrument movements, and subjective responses of the dental team members. The data showed that the handpiece transfers were faster and more frequent in the 12-o'clock location where they were done via the assistant. However, the reverse was true for transfers of the three-way syringe. Most critical incidents occurred with equal frequency and were common to both rooms, but some were related to instrument location. The subjective responses indicated that the assistant working with the 12-o'clock instrument location had many more tasks and must be more highly trained.

Practical security analysis of continuous-variable quantum key distribution with jitter in clock synchronization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Cailang; Guo, Ying; Liao, Qin; Zhao, Wei; Huang, Duan; Zhang, Ling; Zeng, Guihua

2018-03-01

How to narrow the gap of security between theory and practice has been a notoriously urgent problem in quantum cryptography. Here, we analyze and provide experimental evidence of the clock jitter effect on the practical continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) system. The clock jitter is a random noise which exists permanently in the clock synchronization in the practical CV-QKD system, it may compromise the system security because of its impact on data sampling and parameters estimation. In particular, the practical security of CV-QKD with different clock jitter against collective attack is analyzed theoretically based on different repetition frequencies, the numerical simulations indicate that the clock jitter has more impact on a high-speed scenario. Furthermore, a simplified experiment is designed to investigate the influence of the clock jitter.

Master Clock and Time-Signal-Distribution System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tjoelker, Robert; Calhoun, Malcolm; Kuhnle, Paul; Sydnor, Richard; Lauf, John

2007-01-01

A timing system comprising an electronic master clock and a subsystem for distributing time signals from the master clock to end users is undergoing development to satisfy anticipated timing requirements of NASA s Deep Space Network (DSN) for the next 20 to 30 years. This system has a modular, flexible, expandable architecture that is easier to operate and maintain than the present frequency and timing subsystem (FTS).

Dispersive detection of radio-frequency-dressed states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jammi, Sindhu; Pyragius, Tadas; Bason, Mark G.; Florez, Hans Marin; Fernholz, Thomas

2018-04-01

We introduce a method to dispersively detect alkali-metal atoms in radio-frequency-dressed states. In particular, we use dressed detection to measure populations and population differences of atoms prepared in their clock states. Linear birefringence of the atomic medium enables atom number detection via polarization homodyning, a form of common path interferometry. In order to achieve low technical noise levels, we perform optical sideband detection after adiabatic transformation of bare states into dressed states. The balanced homodyne signal then oscillates independently of field fluctuations at twice the dressing frequency, thus allowing for robust, phase-locked detection that circumvents low-frequency noise. Using probe pulses of two optical frequencies, we can detect both clock states simultaneously and obtain population difference as well as the total atom number. The scheme also allows for difference measurements by direct subtraction of the homodyne signals at the balanced detector, which should technically enable quantum noise limited measurements with prospects for the preparation of spin squeezed states. The method extends to other Zeeman sublevels and can be employed in a range of atomic clock schemes, atom interferometers, and other experiments using dressed atoms.

A Timer for Synchronous Digital Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McKenney, Elizabeth; Irwin, Philip

2003-01-01

The Real-Time Interferometer Control Systems Testbed (RICST) timing board is a VersaModule Eurocard (VME)-based board that can generate up to 16 simultaneous, phase-locked timing signals at a rate defined by the user. It can also generate all seven VME interrupt requests (IRQs). The RICST timing board is suitable mainly for robotic, aerospace, and real-time applications. Several circuit boards on the market are capable of generating periodic IRQs. Most are associated with Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers and Inter Range Instrumentation Group (IRIG) time-code generators, whereas this board uses either an internal VME clock or an externally generated clock signal to synchronize multiple components of the system. The primary advantage of this board is that there is no discernible jitter in the output clock waveforms because the signals are divided down from a high-frequency clock signal instead of being phase-locked from a lower frequency. The primary disadvantage to this board, relative to other periodic-IRQ-generating boards, is that it is more difficult to synchronize the system to wall clock time.

An Autonomous Satellite Time Synchronization System Using Remotely Disciplined VC-OCXOs.

PubMed

Gu, Xiaobo; Chang, Qing; Glennon, Eamonn P; Xu, Baoda; Dempseter, Andrew G; Wang, Dun; Wu, Jiapeng

2015-07-23

An autonomous remote clock control system is proposed to provide time synchronization and frequency syntonization for satellite to satellite or ground to satellite time transfer, with the system comprising on-board voltage controlled oven controlled crystal oscillators (VC-OCXOs) that are disciplined to a remote master atomic clock or oscillator. The synchronization loop aims to provide autonomous operation over extended periods, be widely applicable to a variety of scenarios and robust. A new architecture comprising the use of frequency division duplex (FDD), synchronous time division (STDD) duplex and code division multiple access (CDMA) with a centralized topology is employed. This new design utilizes dual one-way ranging methods to precisely measure the clock error, adopts least square (LS) methods to predict the clock error and employs a third-order phase lock loop (PLL) to generate the voltage control signal. A general functional model for this system is proposed and the error sources and delays that affect the time synchronization are discussed. Related algorithms for estimating and correcting these errors are also proposed. The performance of the proposed system is simulated and guidance for selecting the clock is provided.

Appendix A: The Impact of the HP 5071A on International Atomic Time

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allan, David W.; Lepek, Alex; Cutler, Len; Giffard, Robin; Kusters, Jack

1996-01-01

The international clock ensemble, which contributes to the generation of International Atomic Time (TAI and UTC) has improved dramatically over the last few years. The main change has been the introduction of a significant number of HP 5071A clocks. Of the 313 clocks contributing to TAI/UTC during 1994, 94 of these were HP 5071As. The environmental insensitivity of the HP 5071A clocks is more than an order of magnitude better than that of previously contributing clocks. This environmental insensitivity translates to outstanding long-term stability - with a typical flicker floor of a few x10(sup -15). in addition, there are now several hydrogen masers with cavity tuning contributing to TAI/UTC. These not only have outstanding short-term stability, but comparatively low frequency drifts and excellent intermediate-type frequency stability. By analyzing data available from the international ensemble, we have obtained two important results. First the frequency stability obtainable with an optimum algorithm is about 10(sup -15) for both the intermediate and long-term regions. It could be as good in the short-term (if time transfer measurement instabilities were reduced sufficiently. Second, with cooperation, this performance can be made available on an international basis in near real time. The recent enhancements in the contributing clocks are already providing a significant improvement in the accuracy with which UTC is made available to the world from several of the national timing centers, such as the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) and the US Naval Observatory (USNO).

A bipolar population counter using wave pipelining to achieve 2.5 x normal clock frequency

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wong, Derek C.; De Micheli, Giovanni; Flynn, Michael J.; Huston, Robert E.

1992-01-01

Wave pipelining is a technique for pipelining digital systems that can increase clock frequency in practical circuits without increasing the number of storage elements. In wave pipelining, multiple coherent waves of data are sent through a block of combinational logic by applying new inputs faster than the delay through the logic. The throughput of a 63-b CML population counter was increased from 97 to 250 MHz using wave pipelining. The internal circuit is flowthrough combinational logic. Novel CAD methods have balanced all input-to-output paths to about the same delay. This allows multiple data waves to propagate in sequence when the circuit is clocked faster than its propagation delay.

SEU/SET Tolerant Phase-Locked Loops

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shuler, Robert L., Jr.

2010-01-01

The phase-locked loop (PLL) is an old and widely used circuit for frequency and phase demodulation, carrier and clock recovery, and frequency synthesis [1]. Its implementations range from discrete components to fully integrated circuits and even to firmware or software. Often the PLL is a highly critical component of a system, as for example when it is used to derive the on-chip clock, but as of this writing no definitive single-event upset (SET)/single-event transient (SET) tolerant PLL circuit has been described. This chapter hopes to rectify that situation, at least in regard to PLLs that are used to generate clocks. Older literature on fault-tolerant PLLs deals with detection of a hard failure, which is recovered by replacement, repair, or manual restart of discrete component systems. Several patents exist along these lines (6349391, 6272647, and 7089442). A newer approach is to harden the parts of a PLL system, to one degree or another, such as by using a voltage-based charge pump or a triple modular redundant (TMR) voted voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). A more comprehensive approach is to harden by triplication and voting (TMR) all the digital pieces (primarily the divider) of a frequency synthesis PLL, but this still leaves room for errors in the VCO and the loop filter. Instead of hardening or voting pieces of a system, such as a frequency synthesis system (i.e., clock multiplier), we will show how the entire system can be voted. There are two main ways of doing this, each with advantages and drawbacks. We will show how each has advantages in certain areas, depending on the lock acquisition and tracking characteristics of the PLL. Because of this dependency on PLL characteristics, we will briefly revisit the theory of PLLs. But first we will describe the characteristics of voters and their correct application, as some literature does not follow the voting procedure that guarantees elimination of errors. Additionally, we will find that voting clocks is a bit trickier than voting data where an infallible clock is assumed. It is our job here to produce (or recover) that assumed infallible clock!

Direct comparison of optical lattice clocks with an intercontinental baseline of 9000 km.

PubMed

Hachisu, H; Fujieda, M; Nagano, S; Gotoh, T; Nogami, A; Ido, T; Falke, St; Huntemann, N; Grebing, C; Lipphardt, B; Lisdat, Ch; Piester, D

2014-07-15

We have demonstrated a direct frequency comparison between two ⁸⁷Sr lattice clocks operated in intercontinentally separated laboratories in real time. Two-way satellite time and frequency transfer technique, based on the carrier-phase, was employed for a direct comparison, with a baseline of 9000 km between Japan and Germany. A frequency comparison was achieved for 83,640 s, resulting in a fractional difference of (1.1±1.6)×10⁻¹⁵, where the statistical part is the largest contributor to the uncertainty. This measurement directly confirms the agreement of the two optical frequency standards on an intercontinental scale.

Maintenance of Time and Frequency in the DSN Using the Global Positioning System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clements, P. A.; Kirk, A.; Borutzki, S. E.

1985-01-01

The Deep Space Network must maintain time and frequency within specified limits in order to accurately track the spacecraft engaged in deep space exploration. The DSN has three tracking complexes, located approximately equidistantly around the Earth. Various methods are used to coordinate the clocks among the three complexes. These methods include Loran-C, TV Line 10, very long baseline interferometry (VLBI), and the Global Positioning System (GPS). The GPS is becoming increasingly important because of the accuracy, precision, and rapid availability of the data; GPS receivers have been installed at each of the DSN complexes and are used to obtain daily time offsets between the master clock at each site and UTC(USNO/NBS). Calculations are made to obtain frequency offsets and Allan variances. These data are analyzed and used to monitor the performance of the hydrogen masers that provide the reference frequencies for the DSN frequency and timing system (DFT). A brief history of the GPS timing receivers in the DSN, a description of the data and information flow, data on the performance of the DSN master clocks and GPS measurement system, and a description of hydrogen maser frequency steering using these data are presented.

Dynamic Data Driven Applications Systems (DDDAS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-06

INS •  Chip-scale atomic clocks •  Ad hoc networks •  Polymorphic networks •  Agile networks •  Laser communications •  Frequency-agile RF...atomi clocks •  Ad hoc networks •  Polymorphic networks •  Agile networks •  Laser co munications •  Frequency-agile RF systems...Real-Time Doppler Wind Wind field Sensor observations Energy Estimation Atmospheric Models for On-line Planning Planning and Control

Long-Term Stability of Remote Clock Comparisons with IGS Clock Products

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-11-01

in-view (AV) time and frequency transfer and the two-way satellite time and frequency transfer ( TWSTFT ) techniques are used in the daily operations of...multichannel CV and AV can reach subnanosecond at 1 day as measured by the time deviation (TDEV). TWSTFT uses communication satellites for...simultaneously exchanging timing signals among the pairs of timing laboratories [4]. TWSTFT regularly delivers time transfer stability at a few hundreds of

Precise Clock Solutions Using Carrier Phase from GPS Receivers in the International GPS Service

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zumberge, J. F.; Jefferson, D. C.; Stowers, D. A.; Tjoelker, R. L.; Young, L. E.

1999-01-01

As one of its activities as an Analysis Center in the International GPS Service (IGS), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) uses data from a globally distributed network of geodetic-quality GPS receivers to estimate precise clock solutions, relative to a chosen reference, for both the GPS satellites and GPS receiver internal clocks, every day. The GPS constellation and ground network provide geometrical strength resulting in formal errors of about 100 p sec for these estimates. Some of the receivers in the global IGS network contain high quality frequency references, such as hydrogen masers. The clock solutions for such receivers are smooth at the 20-p sec level on time scales of a few minutes. There are occasional (daily to weekly) shifts at the microsec level, symptomatic of receiver resets, and 200-p sec-level discontinuities at midnight due to 1-day processing boundaries. Relative clock solutions among 22 IGS sites proposed as "fiducial" in the IGS/BIPM pilot project have been examined over a recent 4-week period. This allows a quantitative measure of receiver reset frequency as a function of site. For days and-sites without resets, the Allan deviation of the relative clock solutions is also computed for subdaily values of tau..

JY1 time scale: a new Kalman-filter time scale designed at NIST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Jian; Parker, Thomas E.; Levine, Judah

2017-11-01

We report on a new Kalman-filter hydrogen-maser time scale (i.e. JY1 time scale) designed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The JY1 time scale is composed of a few hydrogen masers and a commercial Cs clock. The Cs clock is used as a reference clock to ease operations with existing data. Unlike other time scales, the JY1 time scale uses three basic time-scale equations, instead of only one equation. Also, this time scale can detect a clock error (i.e. time error, frequency error, or frequency drift error) automatically. These features make the JY1 time scale stiff and less likely to be affected by an abnormal clock. Tests show that the JY1 time scale deviates from the UTC by less than  ±5 ns for ~100 d, when the time scale is initially aligned to the UTC and then is completely free running. Once the time scale is steered to a Cs fountain, it can maintain the time with little error even if the Cs fountain stops working for tens of days. This can be helpful when we do not have a continuously operated fountain or when the continuously operated fountain accidentally stops, or when optical clocks run occasionally.

Optically guided atom interferometer tuned to magic wavelength

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akatsuka, Tomoya; Takahashi, Tadahiro; Katori, Hidetoshi

2017-11-01

We demonstrate an atom interferometer operating on the 1S0-3P0 clock transition of 87Sr atoms in a “magic” optical guide, where the light shift perturbations of the guiding potential are canceled. As a proof-of-principle demonstration, a Mach-Zehnder interferometer is set horizontally to map the acceleration introduced by the focused optical guide. This magic guide interferometer on the clock transition is applicable to atomic elements where magic wavelengths can be found. Possible applications of the magic guide interferometer, including a hollow-core fiber interferometer and gradiometer, are discussed.

The development of a Kalman filter clock predictor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, John A.; Greenhall, Charles A.; Boudjemaa, Redoane

2005-01-01

A Kalman filter based clock predictor is developed, and its performance evaluated using both simulated and real data. The clock predictor is shown to possess a neat to optimal Prediction Error Variance (PEV) when the underlying noise consists of one of the power law noise processes commonly encountered in time and frequency measurements. The predictor's performance is the presence of multiple noise processes is also examined. The relationship between the PEV obtained in the presence of multiple noise processes and those obtained for the individual component noise processes is examined. Comparisons are made with a simple linear clock predictor. The clock predictor is used to predict future values of the time offset between pairs of NPL's active hydrogen masers.

Transcriptome of the floral transition in Rosa chinensis 'Old Blush'.

PubMed

Guo, Xuelian; Yu, Chao; Luo, Le; Wan, Huihua; Zhen, Ni; Xu, Tingliang; Tan, Jiongrui; Pan, Huitang; Zhang, Qixiang

2017-02-23

The floral transition plays a vital role in the life of ornamental plants. Despite progress in model plants, the molecular mechanisms of flowering regulation remain unknown in perennial plants. Rosa chinensis 'Old Blush' is a unique plant that can flower continuously year-round. In this study, gene expression profiles associated with the flowering transition were comprehensively analyzed during floral transition in the rose. According to the transcriptomic profiles, 85,663 unigenes and 1,637 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, among which 32 unigenes were involved in the circadian clock, sugar metabolism, hormone, and autonomous pathways. A hypothetical model for the regulation of floral transition was proposed in which the candidate genes function synergistically the floral transition process. Hormone contents and biosynthesis and metabolism genes fluctuated during the rose floral transition process. Gibberellins (GAs) inhibited rose floral transition, the content of GAs gradually decreased and GA2ox and SCL13 were upregulated from vegetative (VM) meristem to floral meristem (FM). Auxin plays an affirmative part in mediating floral transition, auxin content and auxin-related gene expression levels were gradually upregulated during the floral transition of the rose. However, ABA content and ABA signal genes were gradually downregulated, suggesting that ABA passively regulates the rose floral transition by participating in sugar signaling. Furthermore, sugar content and sugar metabolism genes increased during floral transition in the rose, which may be a further florigenic signal that activates floral transition. Additionally, FRI, FY, DRM1, ELIP, COP1, CO, and COL16 are involved in the circadian clock and autonomous pathway, respectively, and they play a positively activating role in regulating floral transition. Overall, physiological changes associated with genes involved in the circadian clock or autonomous pathway collectively regulated the rose floral transition. Our results summarize a valuable collective of gene expression profiles characterizing the rose floral transition. The DEGs are candidates for functional analyses of genes affecting the floral transition in the rose, which is a precious resource that reveals the molecular mechanism of mediating floral transition in other perennial plants.

Design and Implementation of a New Real-Time Frequency Sensor Used as Hardware Countermeasure

PubMed Central

Jiménez-Naharro, Raúl; Gómez-Galán, Juan Antonio; Sánchez-Raya, Manuel; Gómez-Bravo, Fernando; Pedro-Carrasco, Manuel

2013-01-01

A new digital countermeasure against attacks related to the clock frequency is –presented. This countermeasure, known as frequency sensor, consists of a local oscillator, a transition detector, a measurement element and an output block. The countermeasure has been designed using a full-custom technique implemented in an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and the implementation has been verified and characterized with an integrated design using a 0.35 μm standard Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology (Very Large Scale Implementation—VLSI implementation). The proposed solution is configurable in resolution time and allowed range of period, achieving a minimum resolution time of only 1.91 ns and an initialization time of 5.84 ns. The proposed VLSI implementation shows better results than other solutions, such as digital ones based on semi-custom techniques and analog ones based on band pass filters, all design parameters considered. Finally, a counter has been used to verify the good performance of the countermeasure in avoiding the success of an attack. PMID:24008285

The space optical clocks project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schiller, S.; Tino, G. M.; Lemonde, P.; Sterr, U.; Lisdat, Ch.; Görlitz, A.; Poli, N.; Nevsky, A.; Salomon, C.

2017-11-01

The Space Optical Clocks project aims at operating lattice clocks on the ISS for tests of fundamental physics and for providing high-accuracy comparisons of future terrestrial optical clocks. A pre-phase-A study (2007- 10), funded partially by ESA and DLR, included the implementation of several optical lattice clock systems using Strontium and Ytterbium as atomic species and their characterization. Subcomponents of clock demonstrators with the added specification of transportability and using techniques suitable for later space use, such as all-solid-state lasers, low power consumption, and compact dimensions, have been developed and have been validated. This included demonstration of laser-cooling and magneto-optical trapping of Sr atoms in a compact breadboard apparatus and demonstration of a transportable clock laser with 1 Hz linewidth. With two laboratory Sr lattice clock systems a number of fundamental results were obtained, such as observing atomic resonances with linewidths as low as 3 Hz, non-destructive detection of atom excitation, determination of decoherence effects and reaching a frequency instability of 1×10-16.

Simultaneously precise frequency transfer and time synchronization using feed-forward compensation technique via 120 km fiber link.

PubMed

Chen, Xing; Lu, Jinlong; Cui, Yifan; Zhang, Jian; Lu, Xing; Tian, Xusheng; Ci, Cheng; Liu, Bo; Wu, Hong; Tang, Tingsong; Shi, Kebin; Zhang, Zhigang

2015-12-22

Precision time synchronization between two remote sites is desired in many applications such as global positioning satellite systems, long-baseline interferometry, coherent radar detection and fundamental physics constant measurements. The recently developed frequency dissemination technologies based on optical fiber link have improved the transfer instability to the level of 10(-19)/day at remote location. Therefore it is possible to keep clock oscillation at remote locations continuously corrected, or to reproduce a "virtual" clock on the remote location. However the initial alignment and the correction of 1 pps timing signal from time to time are still required, besides the highly stabilized clock frequency transfer between distant locations. Here we demonstrate a time synchronization based on an ultra-stable frequency transfer system via 120-km commercial fiber link by transferring an optical frequency comb. Both the phase noise compensation in frequency dissemination and temporal basis alignment in time synchronization were implemented by a feed-forward digital compensation (FFDC) technique. The fractional frequency instability was measured to be 6.18 × 10(-20) at 2000 s. The timing deviation of time synchronization was measured to be 0.6 ps in 1500 s. This technique also can be applied in multi-node fiber network topology.

Simultaneously precise frequency transfer and time synchronization using feed-forward compensation technique via 120 km fiber link

PubMed Central

Chen, Xing; Lu, Jinlong; Cui, Yifan; Zhang, Jian; Lu, Xing; Tian, Xusheng; Ci, Cheng; Liu, Bo; Wu, Hong; Tang, Tingsong; Shi, Kebin; Zhang, Zhigang

2015-01-01

Precision time synchronization between two remote sites is desired in many applications such as global positioning satellite systems, long-baseline interferometry, coherent radar detection and fundamental physics constant measurements. The recently developed frequency dissemination technologies based on optical fiber link have improved the transfer instability to the level of 10−19/day at remote location. Therefore it is possible to keep clock oscillation at remote locations continuously corrected, or to reproduce a “virtual” clock on the remote location. However the initial alignment and the correction of 1 pps timing signal from time to time are still required, besides the highly stabilized clock frequency transfer between distant locations. Here we demonstrate a time synchronization based on an ultra-stable frequency transfer system via 120-km commercial fiber link by transferring an optical frequency comb. Both the phase noise compensation in frequency dissemination and temporal basis alignment in time synchronization were implemented by a feed-forward digital compensation (FFDC) technique. The fractional frequency instability was measured to be 6.18 × 10−20 at 2000 s. The timing deviation of time synchronization was measured to be 0.6 ps in 1500 s. This technique also can be applied in multi-node fiber network topology. PMID:26691731

OMEGA SYSTEM SYNCHRONIZATION.

DTIC Science & Technology

TIME SIGNALS, * SYNCHRONIZATION (ELECTRONICS)), NETWORKS, FREQUENCY, STANDARDS, RADIO SIGNALS, ERRORS, VERY LOW FREQUENCY, PROPAGATION, ACCURACY, ATOMIC CLOCKS, CESIUM, RADIO STATIONS, NAVAL SHORE FACILITIES

EDITORIAL: Special issue on time scale algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsakis, Demetrios; Tavella, Patrizia

2008-12-01

This special issue of Metrologia presents selected papers from the Fifth International Time Scale Algorithm Symposium (VITSAS), including some of the tutorials presented on the first day. The symposium was attended by 76 persons, from every continent except Antarctica, by students as well as senior scientists, and hosted by the Real Instituto y Observatorio de la Armada (ROA) in San Fernando, Spain, whose staff further enhanced their nation's high reputation for hospitality. Although a timescale can be simply defined as a weighted average of clocks, whose purpose is to measure time better than any individual clock, timescale theory has long been and continues to be a vibrant field of research that has both followed and helped to create advances in the art of timekeeping. There is no perfect timescale algorithm, because every one embodies a compromise involving user needs. Some users wish to generate a constant frequency, perhaps not necessarily one that is well-defined with respect to the definition of a second. Other users might want a clock which is as close to UTC or a particular reference clock as possible, or perhaps wish to minimize the maximum variation from that standard. In contrast to the steered timescales that would be required by those users, other users may need free-running timescales, which are independent of external information. While no algorithm can meet all these needs, every algorithm can benefit from some form of tuning. The optimal tuning, and even the optimal algorithm, can depend on the noise characteristics of the frequency standards, or of their comparison systems, the most precise and accurate of which are currently Two Way Satellite Time and Frequency Transfer (TWSTFT) and GPS carrier phase time transfer. The interest in time scale algorithms and its associated statistical methodology began around 40 years ago when the Allan variance appeared and when the metrological institutions started realizing ensemble atomic time using more than one single atomic clock. An international symposium dedicated to these topics was initiated in 1972 as the first International Symposium on Atomic Time Scale Algorithms and it was the beginning of a series: 1st Symposium: organized at the NIST (NBS at that epoch) in 1972, 2nd Symposium: again at the NIST in 1982, 3rd Symposium: in Italy at the INRIM (IEN at that epoch) in 1988, 4th Symposium: in Paris at the BIPM in 2002 (see Metrologia 40 (3), 2003) 5th Symposium: in San Fernando, Spain at the ROA in 2008. The early symposia were concerned with establishing the basics of how to estimate and characterize the behavior of an atomic frequency standard in an unambiguous and clearly identifiable way, and how to combine the reading of different clocks to form an optimal time scale within a laboratory. Later, as atomic frequency standards began to be used as components in larger systems, interest grew in understanding the impact of a clock in a more complex environment. For example, use of clocks in telecommunication networks in a Synchronous Digital Hierarchy created a need to measure the maximum time error spanned by a clock in a certain interval. Timekeeping metrologists became interested in estimating time deviations and time stability, so they had to find ways to convert their common frequency characteristics to time characteristics. Tests of fundamental physics provided a motivation for launching atomic frequency standards into space in long-lasting missions, whose high-precision measurements might be available for only a few hours a day, yielding a series of clock data with many gaps and outliers for which a suitable statistical analysis was necessary to extract as much information as possible from the data. In the 21st century, the field has been transformed by the advent of atomic-clock-based Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), the steady increase in precision brought about by rapidly improving clocks and measurement systems, and the growing number of relatively inexpensive small clock ensembles. Although technological transformations have raised the intensity and changed the details of the debates, the VITSAS conference showed that even the issues raised by the early symposia are still current. This selection of papers encompasses the full breadth of the VITSAS, including tutorials, laboratory-specific innovations and practices, GNSS applications, UTC generation, TWSTFT applications, GPS applications, small-ensemble applications, robust algorithms, and statistical measures that are either robust themselves or which reflect nonstationarity and robustness characteristics of the clocks. The Editors of this special issue of Metrologia would like to express their thanks to the referees of the papers published here for all their hard work, to Drs Juan Palacio and Javier Galindo and the people of the ROA, and to all the attendees for the excellent symposium they have created.

Search for Effects of an Electrostatic Potential on Clocks in the Frame of Reference of a Charged Particle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ringermacher, Harry I.; Conradi, Mark S.; Cassenti, Brice

2005-01-01

Results of experiments to confirm a theory that links classical electromagnetism with the geometry of spacetime are described. The theory, based on the introduction of a Torsion tensor into Einstein s equations and following the approach of Schroedinger, predicts effects on clocks attached to charged particles, subject to intense electric fields, analogous to the effects on clocks in a gravitational field. We show that in order to interpret this theory, one must re-interpret all clock changes, both gravitational and electromagnetic, as arising from changes in potential energy and not merely potential. The clock is provided naturally by proton spins in hydrogen atoms subject to Nuclear Magnetic Resonance trials. No frequency change of clocks was observed to a resolution of 6310(exp -9). A new "Clock Principle" was postulated to explain the null result. There are two possible implications of the experiments: (a) The Clock Principle is invalid and, in fact, no metric theory incorporating electromagnetism is possible; (b) The Clock Principle is valid and it follows that a negative rest mass cannot exist.

RACE and Calculations of Three-dimensional Distributed Cavity Phase Shifts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Ruoxin; Gibble, Kurt

2003-01-01

The design for RACE, a Rb-clock flight experiment for the ISS, is described. The cold collision shift and multiple launching (juggling) have important implications for the design and the resulting clock accuracy and stability. We present and discuss the double clock design for RACE. This design reduces the noise contributions of the local oscillator and simplifies and enhances an accuracy evaluation of the clock. As we try to push beyond the current accuracies of clocks, new systematic errors become important. The best fountain clocks are using cylindrical TE(sub 011) microwave cavities. We recently pointed out that many atoms pass through a node of the standing wave microwave field in these cavities. Previous studies have shown potentially large frequency shifts for atoms passing through nodes in a TE(sub 013) cavity. The shift occurs because there is a small traveling wave component due to the absorption of the copper cavity walls. The small traveling wave component leads to position dependent phase shifts. To study these effects, we perform Finite Element calculations. Three-dimensional Finite Element calculations require significant computer resources. Here we show that the cylindrical boundary condition can be Fourier decomposed to a short series of two-dimensional problems. This dramatically reduces the time and memory required and we obtain (3D) phase distributions for a variety of cavities. With these results, we will be able to analyze this frequency shift in fountain and future space clocks.

Development of high precision digital driver of acoustic-optical frequency shifter for ROG

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Rong; Kong, Mei; Xu, Yameng

2016-10-01

We develop a high precision digital driver of the acoustic-optical frequency shifter (AOFS) based on the parallel direct digital synthesizer (DDS) technology. We use an atomic clock as the phase-locked loop (PLL) reference clock, and the PLL is realized by a dual digital phase-locked loop. A DDS sampling clock up to 320 MHz with a frequency stability as low as 10-12 Hz is obtained. By constructing the RF signal measurement system, it is measured that the frequency output range of the AOFS-driver is 52-58 MHz, the center frequency of the band-pass filter is 55 MHz, the ripple in the band is less than 1 dB@3MHz, the single channel output power is up to 0.3 W, the frequency stability is 1 ppb (1 hour duration), and the frequency-shift precision is 0.1 Hz. The obtained frequency stability has two orders of improvement compared to that of the analog AOFS-drivers. For the designed binary frequency shift keying (2-FSK) and binary phase shift keying (2-PSK) modulation system, the demodulating frequency of the input TTL synchronous level signal is up to 10 kHz. The designed digital-bus coding/decoding system is compatible with many conventional digital bus protocols. It can interface with the ROG signal detecting software through the integrated drive electronics (IDE) and exchange data with the two DDS frequency-shift channels through the signal detecting software.

A low jitter PLL clock used for phase change memory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Hong; Houpeng, Chen; Zhitang, Song; Daolin, Cai; Xi, Li

2013-02-01

A fully integrated low-jitter, precise frequency CMOS phase-locked loop (PLL) clock for the phase change memory (PCM) drive circuit is presented. The design consists of a dynamic dual-reset phase frequency detector (PFD) with high frequency acquisition, a novel low jitter charge pump, a CMOS ring oscillator based voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), a 2nd order passive loop filter, and a digital frequency divider. The design is fabricated in 0.35 μm CMOS technology and consumes 20 mW from a supply voltage of 5 V. In terms of the PCM's program operation requirement, the output frequency range is from 1 to 140 MHz. For the 140 MHz output frequency, the circuit features a cycle-to-cycle jitter of 28 ps RMS and 250 ps peak-to-peak.

A High Performance 50% Clock Duty Cycle Regulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Peng; Deng, Hong-Hui; Yin, Yong-Sheng

A low-jitter clock duty cycle corrector circuit applied in high performance ADC is presented in the paper, such circuits can change low accuracy input signals with different frequencies into 50% pulse width clock. The result have show that the circuit could lock duty cycle rapidly with an accuracy of 50% ± 1% in 200ns. This circuit have 10%-90% of duty cycle input, and clock jitter could be suppressed to less than 5ps. The method used in the circuit, which provides little relationship with the noise and process mismatch, is widely used Implemented in 0.18μm CMOS process.

A quantum analogy to the classical gravitomagnetic clock effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faruque, S. B.

2018-06-01

We present an approximation to the solution of Dirac equation in Schwarzschild field found through the use of Foldy-Wouthuysen Hamiltonian. We solve the equation for the positive energy states and found the frequencies by which the states oscillate. Difference of the periods of oscillation of the two states with two different total angular momentum quantum number j has an analogical form of the classical clock effect found in general relativity. But unlike the term that appears as clock effect in classical physics, here the term is quantized. Thus, we find a quantum analogue of the classical gravitomagnetic clock effect.

Measurement methods and algorithms for comparison of local and remote clocks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levine, Judah

1993-01-01

Several methods for characterizing the performance of clocks with special emphasis on using calibration information that is acquired via an unreliable or noisy channel is discussed. Time-domain variance estimators and frequency-domain techniques such as cross-spectral analysis are discussed. Each of these methods has advantages and limitations that will be illustrated using data obtained via GPS, ACTS, and other methods. No one technique will be optimum for all of these analyses, and some of these problems cannot be completely characterized by any of the techniques discussed. The inverse problem of communicating frequency and time corrections to a real-time steered clock are also discussed. Methods were developed to mitigate the disastrous problems of data corruption and loss of computer control.

Fluorescence quenching and the "ring-mode" to "red-mode" transition in alkali inductively coupled plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, M.; Bazurto, R.; Camparo, J.

2018-01-01

The ring-mode to red-mode transition in alkali metal inductively coupled plasmas (ICPs) (i.e., rf-discharge lamps) is perhaps the most important physical phenomenon affecting these devices as optical pumping light sources for atomic clocks and magnetometers. It sets the limit on useful ICP operating temperature, thereby setting a limit on ICP light output for atomic-clock/magnetometer signal generation, and it is a temperature region of ICP operation associated with discharge instability. Previous work has suggested that the mechanism driving the ring-mode to red-mode transition is associated with radiation trapping, but definitive experimental evidence validating that hypothesis has been lacking. Based on that hypothesis, one would predict that the introduction of an alkali-fluorescence quenching gas (i.e., N2) into the ICP would increase the ring-mode to red-mode transition temperature. Here, we test that prediction, finding direct evidence supporting the radiation-trapping hypothesis.

Modeling Pharmacological Clock and Memory Patterns of Interval Timing in a Striatal Beat-Frequency Model with Realistic, Noisy Neurons

PubMed Central

Oprisan, Sorinel A.; Buhusi, Catalin V.

2011-01-01

In most species, the capability of perceiving and using the passage of time in the seconds-to-minutes range (interval timing) is not only accurate but also scalar: errors in time estimation are linearly related to the estimated duration. The ubiquity of scalar timing extends over behavioral, lesion, and pharmacological manipulations. For example, in mammals, dopaminergic drugs induce an immediate, scalar change in the perceived time (clock pattern), whereas cholinergic drugs induce a gradual, scalar change in perceived time (memory pattern). How do these properties emerge from unreliable, noisy neurons firing in the milliseconds range? Neurobiological information relative to the brain circuits involved in interval timing provide support for an striatal beat frequency (SBF) model, in which time is coded by the coincidental activation of striatal spiny neurons by cortical neural oscillators. While biologically plausible, the impracticality of perfect oscillators, or their lack thereof, questions this mechanism in a brain with noisy neurons. We explored the computational mechanisms required for the clock and memory patterns in an SBF model with biophysically realistic and noisy Morris–Lecar neurons (SBF–ML). Under the assumption that dopaminergic drugs modulate the firing frequency of cortical oscillators, and that cholinergic drugs modulate the memory representation of the criterion time, we show that our SBF–ML model can reproduce the pharmacological clock and memory patterns observed in the literature. Numerical results also indicate that parameter variability (noise) – which is ubiquitous in the form of small fluctuations in the intrinsic frequencies of neural oscillators within and between trials, and in the errors in recording/retrieving stored information related to criterion time – seems to be critical for the time-scale invariance of the clock and memory patterns. PMID:21977014

Femtosecond-level timing fluctuation suppression in atmospheric frequency transfer with passive phase conjunction correction.

PubMed

Sun, Fuyu; Hou, Dong; Zhang, Danian; Tian, Jie; Hu, Jianguo; Huang, Xianhe; Chen, Shijun

2017-09-04

We demonstrate femtosecond-level timing fluctuation suppression in indoor atmospheric comb-based frequency transfer with a passive phase conjunction correction technique. Timing fluctuations and Allan deviations are both measured to characterize the excess frequency instability incurred during the frequency transfer process. By transferring a 2 GHz microwave over a 52-m long free-space link in 5000 s, the total root-mean-square (RMS) timing fluctuation was measured to be about 280 fs with a fractional frequency instability on the order of 3 × 10 -13 at 1 s and 6 × 10 -17 at 1000 s. This atmospheric comb-based frequency transfer with passive phase conjunction correction can be used to build an atomic clock-based free-space frequency transmission link because its instability is less than that of a commercial Cs or H-master clock.

A digital optical phase-locked loop for diode lasers based on field programmable gate array.

PubMed

Xu, Zhouxiang; Zhang, Xian; Huang, Kaikai; Lu, Xuanhui

2012-09-01

We have designed and implemented a highly digital optical phase-locked loop (OPLL) for diode lasers in atom interferometry. The three parts of controlling circuit in this OPLL, including phase and frequency detector (PFD), loop filter and proportional integral derivative (PID) controller, are implemented in a single field programmable gate array chip. A structure type compatible with the model MAX9382∕MCH12140 is chosen for PFD and pipeline and parallelism technology have been adapted in PID controller. Especially, high speed clock and twisted ring counter have been integrated in the most crucial part, the loop filter. This OPLL has the narrow beat note line width below 1 Hz, residual mean-square phase error of 0.14 rad(2) and transition time of 100 μs under 10 MHz frequency step. A main innovation of this design is the completely digitalization of the whole controlling circuit in OPLL for diode lasers.

A digital optical phase-locked loop for diode lasers based on field programmable gate array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Zhouxiang; Zhang, Xian; Huang, Kaikai; Lu, Xuanhui

2012-09-01

We have designed and implemented a highly digital optical phase-locked loop (OPLL) for diode lasers in atom interferometry. The three parts of controlling circuit in this OPLL, including phase and frequency detector (PFD), loop filter and proportional integral derivative (PID) controller, are implemented in a single field programmable gate array chip. A structure type compatible with the model MAX9382/MCH12140 is chosen for PFD and pipeline and parallelism technology have been adapted in PID controller. Especially, high speed clock and twisted ring counter have been integrated in the most crucial part, the loop filter. This OPLL has the narrow beat note line width below 1 Hz, residual mean-square phase error of 0.14 rad2 and transition time of 100 μs under 10 MHz frequency step. A main innovation of this design is the completely digitalization of the whole controlling circuit in OPLL for diode lasers.

Feedback control of persistent-current oscillation based on the atomic-clock technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Deshui; Dumke, Rainer

2018-05-01

We propose a scheme of stabilizing the persistent-current Rabi oscillation based on the flux qubit-resonator-atom hybrid structure. The low-Q L C resonator weakly interacts with the flux qubit and maps the persistent-current Rabi oscillation of the flux qubit onto the intraresonator electric field. This oscillating electric field is further coupled to a Rydberg-Rydberg transition of the 87Rb atoms. The Rabi-frequency fluctuation of the flux qubit is deduced from measuring the atomic population via the fluorescence detection and stabilized by feedback controlling the external flux bias. Our numerical simulation indicates that the feedback-control method can efficiently suppress the background fluctuations in the flux qubit, especially in the low-frequency limit. This technique may be extensively applicable to different types of superconducting circuits, paving a way to long-term-coherence superconducting quantum information processing.

An Autonomous Satellite Time Synchronization System Using Remotely Disciplined VC-OCXOs

PubMed Central

Gu, Xiaobo; Chang, Qing; Glennon, Eamonn P.; Xu, Baoda; Dempseter, Andrew G.; Wang, Dun; Wu, Jiapeng

2015-01-01

An autonomous remote clock control system is proposed to provide time synchronization and frequency syntonization for satellite to satellite or ground to satellite time transfer, with the system comprising on-board voltage controlled oven controlled crystal oscillators (VC-OCXOs) that are disciplined to a remote master atomic clock or oscillator. The synchronization loop aims to provide autonomous operation over extended periods, be widely applicable to a variety of scenarios and robust. A new architecture comprising the use of frequency division duplex (FDD), synchronous time division (STDD) duplex and code division multiple access (CDMA) with a centralized topology is employed. This new design utilizes dual one-way ranging methods to precisely measure the clock error, adopts least square (LS) methods to predict the clock error and employs a third-order phase lock loop (PLL) to generate the voltage control signal. A general functional model for this system is proposed and the error sources and delays that affect the time synchronization are discussed. Related algorithms for estimating and correcting these errors are also proposed. The performance of the proposed system is simulated and guidance for selecting the clock is provided. PMID:26213929

Chronobiology of micturition: putative role of the circadian clock.

PubMed

Negoro, Hiromitsu; Kanematsu, Akihiro; Yoshimura, Koji; Ogawa, Osamu

2013-09-01

Mammals urinate less frequently during the sleep period than the awake period. This is modulated by a triad of factors, including decreased arousal in the brain, a decreased urine production rate in the kidneys and increased functional bladder capacity during sleep. The circadian clock is genetic transcription-translation feedback machinery. It exists in most organs and cells, termed the peripheral clock, which is orchestrated by the central clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the brain. We discuss the linkage between the day and night change in micturition frequency and the genetic rhythm maintained by the circadian clock system, focusing on the brain, kidney and bladder. We performed an inclusive review of the literature on the diurnal change in micturition frequency, urine volume, functional bladder capacity and urodynamics in humans and rodents, relating this to recent basic biological findings about the circadian clock. In humans various behavioral studies demonstrated a diurnal functional change in the kidney and bladder. Conversely, patients with nocturnal enuresis and nocturia showed impairment in this triad of factors. Rats and mice, which are nocturnal animals, also have a micturition frequency rhythm that is decreased during the day, which is the sleep phase for them. Mice with a genetically defective circadian clock system show impaired physiological rhythms in the triad of factors. The existence of the circadian clock has been proven in the brain, kidney and bladder, in which thousands of circadian oscillating genes exist. In the kidney they include genes involved in the regulation of water and major electrolytes. In the bladder they include connexin 43, a gene associated with the regulation of bladder capacity. Recent progress in molecular biology about the circadian clock provides an opportunity to investigate the genetic basis of the micturition rhythm or impairment of the rhythm in nocturnal enuresis and nocturia. If this approach is to be translated clinically, a strategy is to analyze and treat the triad of micturition factors as separate parts of 1 problem. The other way could be to cope with this triad of problems simultaneously, if possible, by treating the circadian physiological rhythm itself. The discoveries reviewed point toward further investigation of the micturition rhythm by basic and translational chronobiology. Copyright © 2013 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Robust frequency stabilization of multiple spectroscopy lasers with large and tunable offset frequencies.

PubMed

Nevsky, A; Alighanbari, S; Chen, Q-F; Ernsting, I; Vasilyev, S; Schiller, S; Barwood, G; Gill, P; Poli, N; Tino, G M

2013-11-15

We have demonstrated a compact, robust device for simultaneous absolute frequency stabilization of three diode lasers whose carrier frequencies can be chosen freely relative to the reference. A rigid ULE multicavity block is employed, and, for each laser, the sideband locking technique is applied. A small lock error, computer control of frequency offset, wide range of frequency offset, simple construction, and robust operation are the useful features of the system. One concrete application is as a stabilization unit for the cooling and trapping lasers of a neutral-atom lattice clock. The device significantly supports and improves the clock's operation. The laser with the most stringent requirements imposed by this application is stabilized to a line width of 70 Hz, and a residual frequency drift less than 0.5 Hz/s. The carrier optical frequency can be tuned over 350 MHz while in lock.

Circadian gene expression regulates pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretory patterns in the hypothalamic GnRH-secreting GT1-7 cell line.

PubMed

Chappell, Patrick E; White, Rachel S; Mellon, Pamela L

2003-12-03

Although it has long been established that episodic secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus is required for normal gonadotropin release, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the synchronous release of GnRH are primarily unknown. We used the GT1-7 mouse hypothalamic cell line as a model for GnRH secretion, because these cells release GnRH in a pulsatile pattern similar to that observed in vivo. To explore possible molecular mechanisms governing secretory timing, we investigated the role of the molecular circadian clock in regulation of GnRH secretion. GT1-7 cells express many known core circadian clock genes, and we demonstrate that oscillations of these components can be induced by stimuli such as serum and the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin, similar to effects observed in fibroblasts. Strikingly, perturbation of circadian clock function in GT1-7 cells by transient expression of the dominant-negative Clock-Delta19 gene disrupts normal ultradian patterns of GnRH secretion, significantly decreasing mean pulse frequency. Additionally, overexpression of the negative limb clock gene mCry1 in GT1-7 cells substantially increases GnRH pulse amplitude without a commensurate change in pulse frequency, demonstrating that an endogenous biological clock is coupled to the mechanism of neurosecretion in these cells and can regulate multiple secretory parameters. Finally, mice harboring a somatic mutation in the Clock gene are subfertile and exhibit a substantial increase in estrous cycle duration as revealed by examination of vaginal cytology. This effect persists in normal light/dark (LD) cycles, suggesting that a suprachiasmatic nucleus-independent endogenous clock in GnRH neurons is required for eliciting normal pulsatile patterns of GnRH secretion.

GNSS software receiver sampling noise and clock jitter performance and impact analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jian Yun; Feng, XuZhe; Li, XianBin; Wu, GuangYao

2015-02-01

In the design of a multi-frequency multi-constellation GNSS software defined radio receivers is becoming more and more popular due to its simple architecture, flexible configuration and good coherence in multi-frequency signal processing. It plays an important role in navigation signal processing and signal quality monitoring. In particular, GNSS software defined radio receivers driving the sampling clock of analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) by FPGA implies that a more flexible radio transceiver design is possible. According to the concept of software defined radio (SDR), the ideal is to digitize as close to the antenna as possible. Whereas the carrier frequency of GNSS signal is of the frequency of GHz, converting at this frequency is expensive and consumes more power. Band sampling method is a cheaper, more effective alternative. When using band sampling method, it is possible to sample a RF signal at twice the bandwidth of the signal. Unfortunately, as the other side of the coin, the introduction of SDR concept and band sampling method induce negative influence on the performance of the GNSS receivers. ADC's suffer larger sampling clock jitter generated by FPGA; and low sampling frequency introduces more noise to the receiver. Then the influence of sampling noise cannot be neglected. The paper analyzes the sampling noise, presents its influence on the carrier noise ratio, and derives the ranging error by calculating the synchronization error of the delay locked loop. Simulations aiming at each impact factors of sampling-noise-induced ranging error are performed. Simulation and experiment results show that if the target ranging accuracy is at the level of centimeter, the quantization length should be no less than 8 and the sampling clock jitter should not exceed 30ps.

The NIST Internet time service

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levine, Judah

1994-05-01

We will describe the NIST Network Time Service which provides time and frequency information over the Internet. Our first time server is located in Boulder, Colorado, a second backup server is under construction there, and we plan to install a third server on the East Coast later this year. The servers are synchronized to UTC(NIST) with an uncertainty of about 0.8 ms RMS and they will respond to time requests from any client on the Internet in several different formats including the DAYTIME, TIME and NTP protocols. The DAYTIME and TIME protocols are the easiest to use and are suitable for providing time to PC's and other small computers. In addition to UTC(NIST), the DAYTIME message provides advance notice of leap seconds and of the transitions to and from Daylight Saving Time. The Daylight Saving Time notice is based on the US transition dates of the first Sunday in April and the last one in October. The NTP is a more complex protocol that is suitable for larger machines; it is normally run as a 'daemon' process in the background and can keep the time of the client to within a few milliseconds of UTC(NIST). We will describe the operating principles of various kinds of client software ranging from a simple program that queries the server once and sets the local clock to more complex 'daemon' processes (such as NTP) that continuously correct the time of the local clock based on periodic calibrations.

The NIST Internet time service

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levine, Judah

1994-01-01

We will describe the NIST Network Time Service which provides time and frequency information over the Internet. Our first time server is located in Boulder, Colorado, a second backup server is under construction there, and we plan to install a third server on the East Coast later this year. The servers are synchronized to UTC(NIST) with an uncertainty of about 0.8 ms RMS and they will respond to time requests from any client on the Internet in several different formats including the DAYTIME, TIME and NTP protocols. The DAYTIME and TIME protocols are the easiest to use and are suitable for providing time to PC's and other small computers. In addition to UTC(NIST), the DAYTIME message provides advance notice of leap seconds and of the transitions to and from Daylight Saving Time. The Daylight Saving Time notice is based on the US transition dates of the first Sunday in April and the last one in October. The NTP is a more complex protocol that is suitable for larger machines; it is normally run as a 'daemon' process in the background and can keep the time of the client to within a few milliseconds of UTC(NIST). We will describe the operating principles of various kinds of client software ranging from a simple program that queries the server once and sets the local clock to more complex 'daemon' processes (such as NTP) that continuously correct the time of the local clock based on periodic calibrations.

An NTP Stratum-One Server Farm Fed By IEEE-1588

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

Serial Time Code Formats,” U.S. Army White Sands Missile Range, N.M. [11] J. Eidson , 2005, “IEEE-1588 Standard for a Precision Clock Synchronization ... synchronized to its Master Clocks via IRIG-B time code on a low- frequency RF distribution system. The availability of Precise Time Protocol (PTP, IEEE...forwarding back to the requestor. The farm NTP servers are synchronized to the USNO Master Clocks using IRIG-B time code. The current standard NTP

Stochastic models for atomic clocks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnes, J. A.; Jones, R. H.; Tryon, P. V.; Allan, D. W.

1983-01-01

For the atomic clocks used in the National Bureau of Standards Time Scales, an adequate model is the superposition of white FM, random walk FM, and linear frequency drift for times longer than about one minute. The model was tested on several clocks using maximum likelihood techniques for parameter estimation and the residuals were acceptably random. Conventional diagnostics indicate that additional model elements contribute no significant improvement to the model even at the expense of the added model complexity.

Precise Receiver Clock Offset Estimations According to Each Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) Timescales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thongtan, Thayathip; Tirawanichakul, Pawit; Satirapod, Chalermchon

2017-12-01

Each GNSS constellation operates its own system times; namely, GPS system time (GPST), GLONASS system time (GLONASST), BeiDou system time (BDT) and Galileo system time (GST). They could be traced back to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) scale and are aligned to GPST. This paper estimates the receiver clock offsets to three timescales: GPST, GLONASST and BDT. The two measurement scenarios use two identical multi-GNSS geodetic receivers connected to the same geodetic antenna through a splitter. One receiver is driven by its internal oscillators and another receiver is connected to the external frequency oscillators, caesium frequency standard, kept as the Thailand standard time scale at the National Institute of Metrology (Thailand) called UTC(NIMT). The three weeks data are observed at 30 seconds sample rate. The receiver clock offsets with respected to the three system time are estimated and analysed through the geodetic technique of static Precise Point Positioning (PPP) using a data processing software developed by Wuhan University - Positioning And Navigation Data Analyst (PANDA) software. The estimated receiver clock offsets are around 32, 33 and 18 nanoseconds from GPST, GLONASST and BDT respectively. This experiment is initially stated that each timescale is inter-operated with GPST and further measurements on receiver internal delay has to be determined for clock comparisons especially the high accuracy clock at timing laboratories.

Inexpensive Clock for Displaying Planetary or Sidereal Time

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lux, James

2007-01-01

An inexpensive wall clock has been devised for displaying solar time or sidereal time as it would be perceived on a planet other than the Earth, or for displaying sidereal time on the Earth. The concept of a wall clock synchronized to a period other than the terrestrial mean solar day is not new in itself. What is new here is that the clock is realized through a relatively simple electronic modification of a common battery-powered, quartz-crystal-oscillator-driven wall clock. The essence of the modification is to shut off the internal oscillator of the clock and replace the internal-oscillator output signal with a signal of the required frequency generated by an external oscillator. The unmodified clock electronic circuitry includes a quartz crystal connected to an integrated circuit (IC) that includes, among other parts, a buffer amplifier that conditions the oscillator output. The modification is effected by removing the quartz crystal and connecting the output terminal of the external oscillator, via a capacitor, to the input terminal of the buffer amplifier

Systematic evaluation of an atomic clock at 2 × 10−18 total uncertainty

PubMed Central

Nicholson, T.L.; Campbell, S.L.; Hutson, R.B.; Marti, G.E.; Bloom, B.J.; McNally, R.L.; Zhang, W.; Barrett, M.D.; Safronova, M.S.; Strouse, G.F.; Tew, W.L.; Ye, J.

2015-01-01

The pursuit of better atomic clocks has advanced many research areas, providing better quantum state control, new insights in quantum science, tighter limits on fundamental constant variation and improved tests of relativity. The record for the best stability and accuracy is currently held by optical lattice clocks. Here we take an important step towards realizing the full potential of a many-particle clock with a state-of-the-art stable laser. Our 87Sr optical lattice clock now achieves fractional stability of 2.2 × 10−16 at 1 s. With this improved stability, we perform a new accuracy evaluation of our clock, reducing many systematic uncertainties that limited our previous measurements, such as those in the lattice ac Stark shift, the atoms' thermal environment and the atomic response to room-temperature blackbody radiation. Our combined measurements have reduced the total uncertainty of the JILA Sr clock to 2.1 × 10−18 in fractional frequency units. PMID:25898253

DNA Replication Is Required for Circadian Clock Function by Regulating Rhythmic Nucleosome Composition.

PubMed

Liu, Xiao; Dang, Yunkun; Matsu-Ura, Toru; He, Yubo; He, Qun; Hong, Christian I; Liu, Yi

2017-07-20

Although the coupling between circadian and cell cycles allows circadian clocks to gate cell division and DNA replication in many organisms, circadian clocks were thought to function independently of cell cycle. Here, we show that DNA replication is required for circadian clock function in Neurospora. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of DNA replication abolished both overt and molecular rhythmicities by repressing frequency (frq) gene transcription. DNA replication is essential for the rhythmic changes of nucleosome composition at the frq promoter. The FACT complex, known to be involved in histone disassembly/reassembly, is required for clock function and is recruited to the frq promoter in a replication-dependent manner to promote replacement of histone H2A.Z by H2A. Finally, deletion of H2A.Z uncoupled the dependence of the circadian clock on DNA replication. Together, these results establish circadian clock and cell cycle as interdependent coupled oscillators and identify DNA replication as a critical process in the circadian mechanism. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Clock is not a component of Z-bands.

PubMed

Wang, Jushuo; Dube, Dipak K; White, Jennifer; Fan, Yingli; Sanger, Jean M; Sanger, Joseph W

2012-12-01

The process of Z-band assembly begins with the formation of small Z-bodies composed of a complex of proteins rich in alpha-actinin. As additional proteins are added to nascent myofibrils, Z-bodies are transformed into continuous bands that form coherent discs of interacting proteins at the boundaries of sarcomeres. The steps controlling the transition of Z-bodies to Z-bands are not known. The report that a circadian protein, Clock, was localized in the Z-bands of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes raised the question whether this transcription factor could be involved in Z-band assembly. We found that the anti-Clock antibody used in the reported study also stained the Z-bands and Z-bodies of mouse and avian cardiac and skeletal muscle cells. YFP constructs of Clock that were assembled, however, did not localize to the Z-bands of muscle cells. Controls of Clock's activity showed that cotransfection of muscle cells with pYFP-Clock and pCeFP-BMAL1 led to the expected nuclear localization of YFP-Clock with its binding partner CeFP-BMAL1. Neither CeFP-BMAL1 nor antibodies directed against BMAL1 localized to Z-bands. A bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay (VC-BMAL1 and VN-Clock) confirmed the absence of Clock and BMAL1 from Z-bands, and their nuclear colocalization. A second anti-Clock antibody stained nuclei, but not Z-bands, of cells cotransfected with Clock and BMAL1 plasmids. Western blots of reactions of muscle extracts and purified alpha-actinins with the two anti-Clock antibodies showed that the original antibody cross-reacted with alpha-actinin and the second did not. These results cannot confirm Clock as an active component of Z-bands. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A clock steering method: using a third-order type 3 DPLL equivalent to a Kalman filter with a delay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yiwei; Gong, Hang; Zhu, Xiangwei; Ou, Gang

2015-12-01

In this paper we propose a new clock steering method, which uses a third-order type 3 digital phase locked loop (DPLL) which is equivalent to a Kalman filter with a delay. A general overview of the theoretical framework is described in detail including the transfer functions, the structure and control values, the specifications, and the approach to choosing a parameter. Simulations show that the performance of the time and frequency steering errors and the frequency stability are quite desirable. Comparing with traditional clock steering methods, it is easier to work with just one parameter. The DPLL method satisfies the requirements of generating a local representation of universal time coordinated and the system time of a global navigation satellite system.

Pulse transmission transmitter including a higher order time derivate filter

DOEpatents

Dress, Jr., William B.; Smith, Stephen F.

2003-09-23

Systems and methods for pulse-transmission low-power communication modes are disclosed. A pulse transmission transmitter includes: a clock; a pseudorandom polynomial generator coupled to the clock, the pseudorandom polynomial generator having a polynomial load input; an exclusive-OR gate coupled to the pseudorandom polynomial generator, the exclusive-OR gate having a serial data input; a programmable delay circuit coupled to both the clock and the exclusive-OR gate; a pulse generator coupled to the programmable delay circuit; and a higher order time derivative filter coupled to the pulse generator. The systems and methods significantly reduce lower-frequency emissions from pulse transmission spread-spectrum communication modes, which reduces potentially harmful interference to existing radio frequency services and users and also simultaneously permit transmission of multiple data bits by utilizing specific pulse shapes.

Real-Time Distributed Embedded Oscillator Operating Frequency Monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pollock, Julie; Oliver, Brett; Brickner, Christopher

2012-01-01

A document discusses the utilization of embedded clocks inside of operating network data links as an auxiliary clock source to satisfy local oscillator monitoring requirements. Modem network interfaces, typically serial network links, often contain embedded clocking information of very tight precision to recover data from the link. This embedded clocking data can be utilized by the receiving device to monitor the local oscillator for tolerance to required specifications, often important in high-integrity fault-tolerant applications. A device can utilize a received embedded clock to determine if the local or the remote device is out of tolerance by using a single link. The local device can determine if it is failing, assuming a single fault model, with two or more active links. Network fabric components, containing many operational links, can potentially determine faulty remote or local devices in the presence of multiple faults. Two methods of implementation are described. In one method, a recovered clock can be directly used to monitor the local clock as a direct replacement of an external local oscillator. This scheme is consistent with a general clock monitoring function whereby clock sources are clocking two counters and compared over a fixed interval of time. In another method, overflow/underflow conditions can be used to detect clock relationships for monitoring. These network interfaces often provide clock compensation circuitry to allow data to be transferred from the received (network) clock domain to the internal clock domain. This circuit could be modified to detect overflow/underflow conditions of the buffering required and report a fast or slow receive clock, respectively.

A low temperature drift coefficient crystal-less frequency reference clock compensated by temperature sensor for microsystem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Zhiqiang; Wu, Ruixuan; Wang, Yuteng; Gao, Yuan; Liu, Xiaowei; Zhu, Jiaqi

2018-05-01

Quartz oscillator has been widely used as reference clock source in the microsystems due to its good performance. But a good crystal oscillator costs too much and its bulky size is not desired. This paper aims at designing an alternative integrated oscillator to replace the external quartz oscillator. The proposed circuit used maneatis delay cell to construct a ring oscillator for its superior linear I-V characteristic. As for a frequency reference clock, its frequency stability over temperature is required at first. After detailed mathematical deducing and careful analysis, a formula is proposed to describe the relationship between desired control voltage and temperature by assuming the frequency as constant. This paper utilized bipolar transistor as the temperature sensor, combining it with CTAT current source and resistor to create a first-order temperature compensation control voltage. The chip with typical frequency of 10 MHz was fabricated in a 0.35 μm CMOS technology and occupied 0.45 mm2. The measured results show that the frequency variation is ±0.2% for supply changes from 4.8 V to 5 V, and frequency variation is 48 ppm when the temperature change is from ‑40∘C to 85∘C, while the average current of the tested chip consumes 50 μA from 5 V.

Relating the Hadamard Variance to MCS Kalman Filter Clock Estimation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hutsell, Steven T.

1996-01-01

The Global Positioning System (GPS) Master Control Station (MCS) currently makes significant use of the Allan Variance. This two-sample variance equation has proven excellent as a handy, understandable tool, both for time domain analysis of GPS cesium frequency standards, and for fine tuning the MCS's state estimation of these atomic clocks. The Allan Variance does not explicitly converge for the nose types of alpha less than or equal to minus 3 and can be greatly affected by frequency drift. Because GPS rubidium frequency standards exhibit non-trivial aging and aging noise characteristics, the basic Allan Variance analysis must be augmented in order to (a) compensate for a dynamic frequency drift, and (b) characterize two additional noise types, specifically alpha = minus 3, and alpha = minus 4. As the GPS program progresses, we will utilize a larger percentage of rubidium frequency standards than ever before. Hence, GPS rubidium clock characterization will require more attention than ever before. The three sample variance, commonly referred to as a renormalized Hadamard Variance, is unaffected by linear frequency drift, converges for alpha is greater than minus 5, and thus has utility for modeling noise in GPS rubidium frequency standards. This paper demonstrates the potential of Hadamard Variance analysis in GPS operations, and presents an equation that relates the Hadamard Variance to the MCS's Kalman filter process noises.

Interband optical pulse injection locking of quantum dot mode-locked semiconductor laser.

PubMed

Kim, Jimyung; Delfyett, Peter J

2008-07-21

We experimentally demonstrate optical clock recovery from quantum dot mode-locked semiconductor lasers by interband optical pulse injection locking. The passively mode-locked slave laser oscillating on the ground state or the first excited state transition is locked through the injection of optical pulses generated via the opposite transition bands, i.e. the first excited state or the ground state transition from the hybridly mode-locked master laser, respectively. When an optical pulse train generated via the first excited state from the master laser is injected to the slave laser oscillating via ground state, the slave laser shows an asymmetric locking bandwidth around the nominal repetition rate of the slave laser. In the reverse injection case of, i.e. the ground state (master laser) to the first excited state (slave laser), the slave laser does not lock even though both lasers oscillate at the same cavity frequency. In this case, the slave laser only locks to higher injection rates as compared to its own nominal repetition rate, and also shows a large locking bandwidth of 6.7 MHz.

Lasers, Cold Atoms and Atomic Clocks: Realizing the Second Today

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calonico, Davide

2013-09-01

The time is the physical quantity that mankind could measure with the best accuracy, thanks to the properties of the atomic physics, as the present definition of time is based on atomic energy transitions. This short review gives some basic information on the heart of the measurement of time in the contemporary world, i.e. the atomic clocks, and some trends related.

CSAC Characterization and Its Impact on GNSS Clock Augmentation Performance

PubMed Central

Fernández, Enric; Calero, David; Parés, M. Eulàlia

2017-01-01

Chip Scale Atomic Clocks (CSAC) are recently-developed electronic instruments that, when used together with a Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receiver, help improve the performance of GNSS navigation solutions in certain conditions (i.e., low satellite visibility). Current GNSS receivers include a Temperature Compensated Cristal Oscillator (TCXO) clock characterized by a short-term stability (τ = 1 s) of 10−9 s that leads to an error of 0.3 m in pseudorange measurements. The CSAC can achieve a short-term stability of 2.5 × 10−12 s, which implies a range error of 0.075 m, making for an 87.5% improvement over TCXO. Replacing the internal TCXO clock of GNSS receivers with a higher frequency stability clock such as a CSAC oscillator improves the navigation solution in terms of low satellite visibility positioning accuracy, solution availability, signal recovery (holdover), multipath and jamming mitigation and spoofing attack detection. However, CSAC suffers from internal systematic instabilities and errors that should be minimized if optimal performance is desired. Hence, for operating CSAC at its best, the deterministic errors from the CSAC need to be properly modelled. Currently, this modelling is done by determining and predicting the clock frequency stability (i.e., clock bias and bias rate) within the positioning estimation process. The research presented in this paper aims to go a step further, analysing the correlation between temperature and clock stability noise and the impact of its proper modelling in the holdover recovery time and in the positioning performance. Moreover, it shows the potential of fine clock coasting modelling. With the proposed model, an improvement in vertical positioning precision of around 50% with only three satellites can be achieved. Moreover, an increase in the navigation solution availability is also observed, a reduction of holdover recovery time from dozens of seconds to only a few can be achieved. PMID:28216600

CSAC Characterization and Its Impact on GNSS Clock Augmentation Performance.

PubMed

Fernández, Enric; Calero, David; Parés, M Eulàlia

2017-02-14

Chip Scale Atomic Clocks (CSAC) are recently-developed electronic instruments that, when used together with a Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receiver, help improve the performance of GNSS navigation solutions in certain conditions (i.e., low satellite visibility). Current GNSS receivers include a Temperature Compensated Cristal Oscillator (TCXO) clock characterized by a short-term stability ( τ = 1 s) of 10 -9 s that leads to an error of 0.3 m in pseudorange measurements. The CSAC can achieve a short-term stability of 2.5 × 10 -12 s, which implies a range error of 0.075 m, making for an 87.5% improvement over TCXO. Replacing the internal TCXO clock of GNSS receivers with a higher frequency stability clock such as a CSAC oscillator improves the navigation solution in terms of low satellite visibility positioning accuracy, solution availability, signal recovery (holdover), multipath and jamming mitigation and spoofing attack detection. However, CSAC suffers from internal systematic instabilities and errors that should be minimized if optimal performance is desired. Hence, for operating CSAC at its best, the deterministic errors from the CSAC need to be properly modelled. Currently, this modelling is done by determining and predicting the clock frequency stability (i.e., clock bias and bias rate) within the positioning estimation process. The research presented in this paper aims to go a step further, analysing the correlation between temperature and clock stability noise and the impact of its proper modelling in the holdover recovery time and in the positioning performance. Moreover, it shows the potential of fine clock coasting modelling. With the proposed model, an improvement in vertical positioning precision of around 50% with only three satellites can be achieved. Moreover, an increase in the navigation solution availability is also observed, a reduction of holdover recovery time from dozens of seconds to only a few can be achieved.

Low-frequency, self-sustained oscillations in inductively coupled plasmas used for optical pumping

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Coffer, J.; Encalada, N.; Huang, M.

We have investigated very low frequency, on the order of one hertz, self-pulsing in alkali-metal inductively-coupled plasmas (i.e., rf-discharge lamps). This self-pulsing has the potential to significantly vary signal-to-noise ratios and (via the ac-Stark shift) resonant frequencies in optically pumped atomic clocks and magnetometers (e.g., the atomic clocks now flying on GPS and Galileo global navigation system satellites). The phenomenon arises from a nonlinear interaction between the atomic physics of radiation trapping and the plasma's electrical nature. To explain the effect, we have developed an evaporation/condensation theory (EC theory) of the self-pulsing phenomenon.

Clock distribution system for digital computers

DOEpatents

Wyman, Robert H.; Loomis, Jr., Herschel H.

1981-01-01

Apparatus for eliminating, in each clock distribution amplifier of a clock distribution system, sequential pulse catch-up error due to one pulse "overtaking" a prior clock pulse. The apparatus includes timing means to produce a periodic electromagnetic signal with a fundamental frequency having a fundamental frequency component V'.sub.01 (t); an array of N signal characteristic detector means, with detector means No. 1 receiving the timing means signal and producing a change-of-state signal V.sub.1 (t) in response to receipt of a signal above a predetermined threshold; N substantially identical filter means, one filter means being operatively associated with each detector means, for receiving the change-of-state signal V.sub.n (t) and producing a modified change-of-state signal V'.sub.n (t) (n=1, . . . , N) having a fundamental frequency component that is substantially proportional to V'.sub.01 (t-.theta..sub.n (t) with a cumulative phase shift .theta..sub.n (t) having a time derivative that may be made uniformly and arbitrarily small; and with the detector means n+1 (1.ltoreq.n

Worldwide time and frequency synchronization by planned VLBI networks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coates, R. J.; Clark, T. A.

1974-01-01

Accurate baseline determinations and clock synchronization results obtained from the Quasar Patrol observations at X band with the Goldstone-Haystack baseline are presented. In addition, data from stations at Greenbank, West Virginia, and Onsala, Sweden were used. It was estimated that clock accuracy was on the order of 16 cm.

Note: Pulsed optically pumped atomic clock based on a paraffin-coated cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Haixiao; Deng, Jianliao; Lin, Jinda; Zhang, Song; Hu, Yao; Wang, Yuzhu

2018-06-01

We report on the implementation of a pulsed optically pumped atomic clock based on a paraffin-coated cell. The relaxation times are measured, with the longitudinal relaxation time, T1 = 9.7 ± 0.4 ms, and the transversal relaxation time, T2 = 0.40 ± 0.03 ms. We demonstrated that the measured frequency stability of the clock is 3.9 × 10-13 τ-1/2 (1 s ≤ τ ≤ 100 s) and reaches a value of 3.1 × 10-14 for τ = 1000 s, where τ is the averaging time. This is an unprecedented result for a paraffin-coated vapor cell clock, and it makes significant contributions toward improving the performance of the wall-coated vapor cell atomic clock.

Comparing Optical Oscillators across the Air to Milliradians in Phase and 10^{-17} in Frequency.

PubMed

Sinclair, Laura C; Bergeron, Hugo; Swann, William C; Baumann, Esther; Deschênes, Jean-Daniel; Newbury, Nathan R

2018-02-02

We demonstrate carrier-phase optical two-way time-frequency transfer (carrier-phase OTWTFT) through the two-way exchange of frequency comb pulses. Carrier-phase OTWTFT achieves frequency comparisons with a residual instability of 1.2×10^{-17} at 1 s across a turbulent 4-km free space link, surpassing previous OTWTFT by 10-20 times and enabling future high-precision optical clock networks. Furthermore, by exploiting the carrier phase, this approach is able to continuously track changes in the relative optical phase of distant optical oscillators to 9 mrad (7 as) at 1 s averaging, effectively extending optical phase coherence over a broad spatial network for applications such as correlated spectroscopy between distant atomic clocks.

Synthetic aperture radar target simulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zebker, H. A.; Held, D. N.; Goldstein, R. M.; Bickler, T. C.

1984-01-01

A simulator for simulating the radar return, or echo, from a target seen by a SAR antenna mounted on a platform moving with respect to the target is described. It includes a first-in first-out memory which has digital information clocked in at a rate related to the frequency of a transmitted radar signal and digital information clocked out with a fixed delay defining range between the SAR and the simulated target, and at a rate related to the frequency of the return signal. An RF input signal having a frequency similar to that utilized by a synthetic aperture array radar is mixed with a local oscillator signal to provide a first baseband signal having a frequency considerably lower than that of the RF input signal.

Relativistic theory for syntonization of clocks in the vicinity of the Earth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolf, Peter; Petit, G.

1995-01-01

A well known prediction of Einstein's general theory of relativity states that two ideal clocks that move with a relative velocity, and are submitted to different gravitational fields will, in general, be observed to run at different rates. Similarly the rate of a clock with respect to the coordinate time of some spacetime reference system is dependent on the velocity of the clock in that reference system and on the gravitational fields it is submitted to. For the syntonization of clocks and the realization of coordinate times (like TAI) this rate shift has to be taken into account at an accuracy level which should be below the frequency stability of the clocks in question, i.e. all terms that are larger than the instability of the clocks should be corrected for. We present a theory for the calculation of the relativistic rate shift for clocks in the vicinity of the Earth, including all terms larger than one part in 10(exp 18). This, together with previous work on clock synchronization (Petit & Wolf 1993, 1994), amounts to a complete relativistic theory for the realization of coordinate time scales at picosecond synchronization and 10(exp -18) syntonization accuracy, which should be sufficient to accommodate future developments in time transfer and clock technology.

A novel architecture of recovered data comparison for high speed clock and data recovery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Susan; Li, Fei; Wang, Zhigong; Cui, Hongliang

2005-05-01

A clock and data recovery (CDR) circuit is one of the crucial blocks in high-speed serial link communication systems. The data received in these systems are asynchronous and noisy, requiring that a clock be extracted to allow synchronous operations. Furthermore, the data must be "retimed" so that the jitter accumulated during transmission is removed. This paper presents a novel architecture of CDR, which is very tolerant to long sequences of serial ones or zeros and also robust to occasional long absence of transitions. The design is based on the fact that a basic clock recovery having a clock recovery circuit (CRC) and a data decision circuit separately would generate a high jitter clock when the received non-return-to-zero (NRZ) data with long sequences of ones or zeros. To eliminate this drawback, the proposed architecture incorporates a data circuit decision circuit within the phase-locked loop (PLL) CRC. Other than this, a new phase detector (PD) is also proposed, which was easy to accomplish and robust at high speed. This PD is functional with a random input and automatically turns to disable during both the locked state and long absence of transitions. The voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) is also designed delicately to suppress the jitter. Due to the high stability, the jitter is highly reduced when the loop is locked. The simulation results of such CDR working at 1.25Gb/s particularly for 1000BASE-X Gigabit Ethernet by using TSMC 0.25μm technology are presented to prove the feasibility of this architecture. One more CDR based on edge detection architecture is also built in the circuit for performance comparisons.

Single frequency GPS measurements in real-time artificial satellite orbit determination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiaradia, orbit determination A. P. M.; Kuga, H. K.; Prado, A. F. B. A.

2003-07-01

A simplified and compact algorithm with low computational cost providing an accuracy around tens of meters for artificial satellite orbit determination in real-time and on-board is developed in this work. The state estimation method is the extended Kalman filter. The Cowell's method is used to propagate the state vector, through a simple Runge-Kutta numerical integrator of fourth order with fixed step size. The modeled forces are due to the geopotential up to 50th order and degree of JGM-2 model. To time-update the state error covariance matrix, it is considered a simplified force model. In other words, in computing the state transition matrix, the effect of J 2 (Earth flattening) is analytically considered, which unloads dramatically the processing time. In the measurement model, the single frequency GPS pseudorange is used, considering the effects of the ionospheric delay, clock offsets of the GPS and user satellites, and relativistic effects. To validate this model, real live data are used from Topex/Poseidon satellite and the results are compared with the Topex/Poseidon Precision Orbit Ephemeris (POE) generated by NASA/JPL, for several test cases. It is concluded that this compact algorithm enables accuracies of tens of meters with such simplified force model, analytical approach for computing the transition matrix, and a cheap GPS receiver providing single frequency pseudorange measurements.

One-Way Temperature Compensated Fiber Link

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-01

frequency is through two way satellite time and frequency transfer ( TWSTFT ). While it is practical for transmitting time and frequency over long distance...the performance is not acceptable for some of the newer high quality clocks. Currently, TWSTFT can transmit frequencies with instabilities at the

Common View Time Transfer Using Worldwide GPS and DMA Monitor Stations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reid, Wilson G.; McCaskill, Thomas B.; Oaks, Orville J.; Buisson, James A.; Warren, Hugh E.

1996-01-01

Analysis of the on-orbit Navstar clocks and the Global Positioning System (GPS) monitor station reference clocks is performed by the Naval Research Laboratory using both broadcast and postprocessed precise ephemerides. The precise ephemerides are produced by the Defense Mapping Agency (DMA) for each of the GPS space vehicles from pseudo-range measurements collected at five GPS and at five DMA monitor stations spaced around the world. Recently, DMA established an additional site co-located with the US Naval Observatory precise time site. The time reference for the new DMA site is the DoD Master Clock. Now, for the first time, it is possible to transfer time every 15 minutes via common view from the DoD Master Clock to the 11 GPS and DMA monitor stations. The estimated precision of a single common-view time transfer measurement taken over a 15-minute interval was between 1.4 and 2.7 nanoseconds. Using the measurements from all Navstar space vehicles in common view during the 15-minute interval, typically 3-7 space vehicles, improved the estimate of the precision to between 0.65 and 1.13 nanoseconds. The mean phase error obtained from closure of the time transfer around the world using the 11 monitor stations and the 25 space vehicle clocks over a period of 4 months had a magnitude of 31 picoseconds. Analysis of the low noise time transfer from the DoD Master Clock to each of the monitor stations yields not only the bias in the time of the reference clock, but also focuses attention on structure in the behaviour of the reference clock not previously seen. Furthermore, the time transfer provides a a uniformly sampled database of 15-minute measurements that make possible, for the first time, the direct and exhaustive computation of the frequency stability of the monitor station reference clocks. To lend perspective to the analysis, a summary is given of the discontinuities in phase and frequency that occurred in the reference clock at the Master Control Station during the period covered by the analysis.

Structure of the frequency-interacting RNA helicase: a protein interaction hub for the circadian clock

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Conrad, Karen S.; Hurley, Jennifer M.; Widom, Joanne

In the Neurospora crassa circadian clock, a protein complex of frequency (FRQ), casein kinase 1a (CK1a), and the FRQ-interacting RNA Helicase (FRH) rhythmically represses gene expression by the white-collar complex (WCC). FRH crystal structures in several conformations and bound to ADP/RNA reveal differences between FRH and the yeast homolog Mtr4 that clarify the distinct role of FRH in the clock. The FRQ-interacting region at the FRH N-terminus has variable structure in the absence of FRQ. A known mutation that disrupts circadian rhythms (R806H) resides in a positively charged surface of the KOW domain, far removed from the helicase core. Here,more » we show that changes to other similarly located residues modulate interactions with the WCC and FRQ. A V142G substitution near the N-terminus also alters FRQ and WCC binding to FRH, but produces an unusual short clock period. Finally, these data support the assertion that FRH helicase activity does not play an essential role in the clock, but rather FRH acts to mediate contacts among FRQ, CK1a and the WCC through interactions involving its N-terminus and KOW module.« less

Signal Analysis Van Hardware Operation General Description. Volume 1.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-12-01

safety and the prevention of equip- ment malfunction in high RF energy fields, a shielded enclosure was installed within the semitrailer shell. This...Clock B can be prgram -selected to operate at one of seven clock rates, one of five crystal-controlled frequencies (1 MHz, 100 kHz, 10 kHz, or 100 Hz

Bowhead whale localization using asynchronous hydrophones in the Chukchi Sea.

PubMed

Warner, Graham A; Dosso, Stan E; Hannay, David E; Dettmer, Jan

2016-07-01

This paper estimates bowhead whale locations and uncertainties using non-linear Bayesian inversion of their modally-dispersed calls recorded on asynchronous recorders in the Chukchi Sea, Alaska. Bowhead calls were recorded on a cluster of 7 asynchronous ocean-bottom hydrophones that were separated by 0.5-9.2 km. A warping time-frequency analysis is used to extract relative mode arrival times as a function of frequency for nine frequency-modulated whale calls that dispersed in the shallow water environment. Each call was recorded on multiple hydrophones and the mode arrival times are inverted for: the whale location in the horizontal plane, source instantaneous frequency (IF), water sound-speed profile, seabed geoacoustic parameters, relative recorder clock drifts, and residual error standard deviations, all with estimated uncertainties. A simulation study shows that accurate prior environmental knowledge is not required for accurate localization as long as the inversion treats the environment as unknown. Joint inversion of multiple recorded calls is shown to substantially reduce uncertainties in location, source IF, and relative clock drift. Whale location uncertainties are estimated to be 30-160 m and relative clock drift uncertainties are 3-26 ms.

GNSS global real-time augmentation positioning: Real-time precise satellite clock estimation, prototype system construction and performance analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Liang; Zhao, Qile; Hu, Zhigang; Jiang, Xinyuan; Geng, Changjiang; Ge, Maorong; Shi, Chuang

2018-01-01

Lots of ambiguities in un-differenced (UD) model lead to lower calculation efficiency, which isn't appropriate for the high-frequency real-time GNSS clock estimation, like 1 Hz. Mixed differenced model fusing UD pseudo-range and epoch-differenced (ED) phase observations has been introduced into real-time clock estimation. In this contribution, we extend the mixed differenced model for realizing multi-GNSS real-time clock high-frequency updating and a rigorous comparison and analysis on same conditions are performed to achieve the best real-time clock estimation performance taking the efficiency, accuracy, consistency and reliability into consideration. Based on the multi-GNSS real-time data streams provided by multi-GNSS Experiment (MGEX) and Wuhan University, GPS + BeiDou + Galileo global real-time augmentation positioning prototype system is designed and constructed, including real-time precise orbit determination, real-time precise clock estimation, real-time Precise Point Positioning (RT-PPP) and real-time Standard Point Positioning (RT-SPP). The statistical analysis of the 6 h-predicted real-time orbits shows that the root mean square (RMS) in radial direction is about 1-5 cm for GPS, Beidou MEO and Galileo satellites and about 10 cm for Beidou GEO and IGSO satellites. Using the mixed differenced estimation model, the prototype system can realize high-efficient real-time satellite absolute clock estimation with no constant clock-bias and can be used for high-frequency augmentation message updating (such as 1 Hz). The real-time augmentation message signal-in-space ranging error (SISRE), a comprehensive accuracy of orbit and clock and effecting the users' actual positioning performance, is introduced to evaluate and analyze the performance of GPS + BeiDou + Galileo global real-time augmentation positioning system. The statistical analysis of real-time augmentation message SISRE is about 4-7 cm for GPS, whlile 10 cm for Beidou IGSO/MEO, Galileo and about 30 cm for BeiDou GEO satellites. The real-time positioning results prove that the GPS + BeiDou + Galileo RT-PPP comparing to GPS-only can effectively accelerate convergence time by about 60%, improve the positioning accuracy by about 30% and obtain averaged RMS 4 cm in horizontal and 6 cm in vertical; additionally RT-SPP accuracy in the prototype system can realize positioning accuracy with about averaged RMS 1 m in horizontal and 1.5-2 m in vertical, which are improved by 60% and 70% to SPP based on broadcast ephemeris, respectively.

Recent progress on the cold atoms clocks at BNM-LPTF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abgrall, M.; Lemonde, P.; Bize, S.; Sortais, Y.; Zhang, S.; Santarelli, G.; Laurent, P.; Clairon, A.; Salomon, C.

We present recent results on microwave frequency standards using cold atoms. Two cesium fountains have been built and exhibit a frequency accuracy of 1×10-15. Though quite different in their design, both fountains are found to give the same frequency within the error bars of the measurements. One of the fountains is transportable. It was moved to Germany and used as a reference for a phase coherent measurement of the 1S-2S transition of hydrogen with a 2×10-14 accuracy. When using a cryogenic sapphire oscillator as an interrogation oscillator, the frequency stability reaches the fundamental limit set by the quantum projection noise. A short term stability of 4×10-14 τ-1/2 has been obtained. One limitation to the performances of cesium fountains is the frequency shift due to collisions between cold atoms. We show that with rubidium atoms, this effect can be decreased by two orders of magnitude. This feature should allow to vastly improve both the stability and accuracy of microwave fountains. Finally by tracking the frequency between rubidium and cesium fountains, we test the stability of the fine structure constant α with a few 10-15 resolution. We also present the status of the ACES space project.

Hg(+) Frequency Standards

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prestage, John D.; Tjoelker, Robert L.; Maleki, Lute

2000-01-01

In this paper we review the development of Hg(+) microwave frequency standards for use in high reliability and continuous operation applications. In recent work we have demonstrated short-term frequency stability of 3 x 10(exp -14)/nu(sub tau) when a cryogenic oscillator of stability 2-3 x 10(exp 15) was used a the local oscillator. The trapped ion frequency standard employs a Hg-202 discharge lamp to optically pump the trapped Hg(+)-199 clock ions and a helium buffer gas to cool the ions to near room temperature. We describe a small Hg(+) ion trap based frequency standard with an extended linear ion trap (LITE) architecture which separates the optical state selection region from the clock resonance region. This separation allows the use of novel trap configurations in the resonance region since no optical pumping is carried out there. A method for measuring the size of an ion cloud inside a linear trap with a 12-rod trap is currently being investigated. At approx. 10(exp -12), the 2nd order Doppler shift for trapped mercury ion frequency standards is one of the largest frequency offsets and its measurement to the 1% level would represent an advance in insuring the very long-term stability of these standards to the 10(exp -14) or better level. Finally, we describe atomic clock comparison experiments that can probe for a time variation of the fine structure constant, alpha = e(exp 2)/2(pi)hc, at the level of 10(exp -20)/year as predicted in some Grand Unified String Theories.

Strong resetting of the mammalian clock by constant light followed by constant darkness

PubMed Central

Chen, Rongmin; Seo, Dong-oh; Bell, Elijah; von Gall, Charlotte; Lee, Choogon

2008-01-01

The mammalian molecular circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) regulates locomotor activity rhythms as well as clocks in peripheral tissues (Reppert and Weaver, 2002; Ko and Takahashi, 2006). Constant light (LL) can induce behavioral and physiological arrhythmicity, by desynchronizing clock cells in the SCN (Ohta et al., 2005). We examined how the disordered clock cells resynchronize by probing the molecular clock and measuring behavior in mice transferred from LL to constant darkness (DD). The circadian locomotor activity rhythms disrupted in LL become robustly rhythmic again from the beginning of DD, and the starting phase of the rhythm in DD is specific, not random, suggesting that the desynchronized clock cells are quickly reset in an unconventional manner by the L:D transition. By measuring mPERIOD protein rhythms, we showed that the SCN and peripheral tissue clocks quickly become rhythmic again in phase with the behavioral rhythms. We propose that this resetting mechanism may be different from conventional phase shifting, which involves light-induction of Period genes (Albrecht et al., 1997; Shearman et al., 1997; Shigeyoshi et al., 1997). Using our functional insights, we could shift the circadian phase of locomotor activity rhythms by 12 hours using a 15-hour LL treatment: essentially producing phase reversal by a single light pulse, a feat that has not been reported previously in wild-type mice and that has potential clinical utility. PMID:19005049

Circadian factor BMAL1 in histaminergic neurons regulates sleep architecture.

PubMed

Yu, Xiao; Zecharia, Anna; Zhang, Zhe; Yang, Qianzi; Yustos, Raquel; Jager, Polona; Vyssotski, Alexei L; Maywood, Elizabeth S; Chesham, Johanna E; Ma, Ying; Brickley, Stephen G; Hastings, Michael H; Franks, Nicholas P; Wisden, William

2014-12-01

Circadian clocks allow anticipation of daily environmental changes. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) houses the master clock, but clocks are also widely expressed elsewhere in the body. Although some peripheral clocks have established roles, it is unclear what local brain clocks do. We tested the contribution of one putative local clock in mouse histaminergic neurons in the tuberomamillary nucleus to the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. Histaminergic neurons are silent during sleep, and start firing after wake onset; the released histamine, made by the enzyme histidine decarboxylase (HDC), enhances wakefulness. We found that hdc gene expression varies with time of day. Selectively deleting the Bmal1 (also known as Arntl or Mop3) clock gene from histaminergic cells removes this variation, producing higher HDC expression and brain histamine levels during the day. The consequences include more fragmented sleep, prolonged wake at night, shallower sleep depth (lower nonrapid eye movement [NREM] δ power), increased NREM-to-REM transitions, hindered recovery sleep after sleep deprivation, and impaired memory. Removing BMAL1 from histaminergic neurons does not, however, affect circadian rhythms. We propose that for mammals with polyphasic/nonwake consolidating sleep, the local BMAL1-dependent clock directs appropriately timed declines and increases in histamine biosynthesis to produce an appropriate balance of wake and sleep within the overall daily cycle of rest and activity specified by the SCN. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

OPTIS: a satellite-based test of special and general relativity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lämmerzahl, Claus; Dittus, Hansjörg; Peters, Achim; Schiller, Stephan

2001-07-01

A new satellite-based test of special and general relativity is proposed. For the Michelson-Morley test we expect an improvement of at least three orders of magnitude, and for the Kennedy-Thorndike test an improvement of more than one order of magnitude. Furthermore, an improvement by two orders of magnitude of the test of the universality of the gravitational redshift by comparison of an atomic clock with an optical clock is projected. The tests are based on ultrastable optical cavities, lasers, an atomic clock and a frequency comb generator.

Test of Special Relativity Using a Fiber Network of Optical Clocks.

PubMed

Delva, P; Lodewyck, J; Bilicki, S; Bookjans, E; Vallet, G; Le Targat, R; Pottie, P-E; Guerlin, C; Meynadier, F; Le Poncin-Lafitte, C; Lopez, O; Amy-Klein, A; Lee, W-K; Quintin, N; Lisdat, C; Al-Masoudi, A; Dörscher, S; Grebing, C; Grosche, G; Kuhl, A; Raupach, S; Sterr, U; Hill, I R; Hobson, R; Bowden, W; Kronjäger, J; Marra, G; Rolland, A; Baynes, F N; Margolis, H S; Gill, P

2017-06-02

Phase compensated optical fiber links enable high accuracy atomic clocks separated by thousands of kilometers to be compared with unprecedented statistical resolution. By searching for a daily variation of the frequency difference between four strontium optical lattice clocks in different locations throughout Europe connected by such links, we improve upon previous tests of time dilation predicted by special relativity. We obtain a constraint on the Robertson-Mansouri-Sexl parameter |α|≲1.1×10^{-8}, quantifying a violation of time dilation, thus improving by a factor of around 2 the best known constraint obtained with Ives-Stilwell type experiments, and by 2 orders of magnitude the best constraint obtained by comparing atomic clocks. This work is the first of a new generation of tests of fundamental physics using optical clocks and fiber links. As clocks improve, and as fiber links are routinely operated, we expect that the tests initiated in this Letter will improve by orders of magnitude in the near future.

APOLLO clock performance and normal point corrections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Y.; Murphy, T. W., Jr.; Colmenares, N. R.; Battat, J. B. R.

2017-12-01

The Apache point observatory lunar laser-ranging operation (APOLLO) has produced a large volume of high-quality lunar laser ranging (LLR) data since it began operating in 2006. For most of this period, APOLLO has relied on a GPS-disciplined, high-stability quartz oscillator as its frequency and time standard. The recent addition of a cesium clock as part of a timing calibration system initiated a comparison campaign between the two clocks. This has allowed correction of APOLLO range measurements—called normal points—during the overlap period, but also revealed a mechanism to correct for systematic range offsets due to clock errors in historical APOLLO data. Drift of the GPS clock on  ∼1000 s timescales contributed typically 2.5 mm of range error to APOLLO measurements, and we find that this may be reduced to  ∼1.6 mm on average. We present here a characterization of APOLLO clock errors, the method by which we correct historical data, and the resulting statistics.

A Novel Application of Machine Learning Methods to Model Microcontroller Upset Due to Intentional Electromagnetic Interference

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bilalic, Rusmir

A novel application of support vector machines (SVMs), artificial neural networks (ANNs), and Gaussian processes (GPs) for machine learning (GPML) to model microcontroller unit (MCU) upset due to intentional electromagnetic interference (IEMI) is presented. In this approach, an MCU performs a counting operation (0-7) while electromagnetic interference in the form of a radio frequency (RF) pulse is direct-injected into the MCU clock line. Injection times with respect to the clock signal are the clock low, clock rising edge, clock high, and the clock falling edge periods in the clock window during which the MCU is performing initialization and executing the counting procedure. The intent is to cause disruption in the counting operation and model the probability of effect (PoE) using machine learning tools. Five experiments were executed as part of this research, each of which contained a set of 38,300 training points and 38,300 test points, for a total of 383,000 total points with the following experiment variables: injection times with respect to the clock signal, injected RF power, injected RF pulse width, and injected RF frequency. For the 191,500 training points, the average training error was 12.47%, while for the 191,500 test points the average test error was 14.85%, meaning that on average, the machine was able to predict MCU upset with an 85.15% accuracy. Leaving out the results for the worst-performing model (SVM with a linear kernel), the test prediction accuracy for the remaining machines is almost 89%. All three machine learning methods (ANNs, SVMs, and GPML) showed excellent and consistent results in their ability to model and predict the PoE on an MCU due to IEMI. The GP approach performed best during training with a 7.43% average training error, while the ANN technique was most accurate during the test with a 10.80% error.

The Drosophila Receptor Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase LAR Is Required for Development of Circadian Pacemaker Neuron Processes That Support Rhythmic Activity in Constant Darkness But Not during Light/Dark Cycles

PubMed Central

Agrawal, Parul

2016-01-01

In Drosophila, a transcriptional feedback loop that is activated by CLOCK-CYCLE (CLK-CYC) complexes and repressed by PERIOD-TIMELESS (PER-TIM) complexes keeps circadian time. The timing of CLK-CYC activation and PER-TIM repression is regulated post-translationally, in part through rhythmic phosphorylation of CLK, PER, and TIM. Although kinases that control PER, TIM, and CLK levels, activity, and/or subcellular localization have been identified, less is known about phosphatases that control clock protein dephosphorylation. To identify clock-relevant phosphatases, clock-cell-specific RNAi knockdowns of Drosophila phosphatases were screened for altered activity rhythms. One phosphatase that was identified, the receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase leukocyte-antigen-related (LAR), abolished activity rhythms in constant darkness (DD) without disrupting the timekeeping mechanism in brain pacemaker neurons. However, expression of the neuropeptide pigment-dispersing factor (PDF), which mediates pacemaker neuron synchrony and output, is eliminated in the dorsal projections from small ventral lateral (sLNv) pacemaker neurons when Lar expression is knocked down during development, but not in adults. Loss of Lar function eliminates sLNv dorsal projections, but PDF expression persists in sLNv and large ventral lateral neuron cell bodies and their remaining projections. In contrast to the defects in lights-on and lights-off anticipatory activity seen in flies that lack PDF, Lar RNAi knockdown flies anticipate the lights-on and lights-off transition normally. Our results demonstrate that Lar is required for sLNv dorsal projection development and suggest that PDF expression in LNv cell bodies and their remaining projections mediate anticipation of the lights-on and lights-off transitions during a light/dark cycle. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In animals, circadian clocks drive daily rhythms in physiology, metabolism, and behavior via transcriptional feedback loops. Because key circadian transcriptional activators and repressors are regulated by phosphorylation, we screened for phosphatases that alter activity rhythms when their expression was reduced. One such phosphatase, leukocyte-antigen-related (LAR), abolishes activity rhythms, but does not disrupt feedback loop function. Rather, Lar disrupts clock output by eliminating axonal processes from clock neurons that release pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) neuropeptide into the dorsal brain, but PDF expression persists in their cell bodies and remaining projections. In contrast to flies that lack PDF, flies that lack Lar anticipate lights-on and lights-off transitions normally, which suggests that the remaining PDF expression mediates activity during light/dark cycles. PMID:27030770

Numerical Nuclear Second Derivatives on a Computing Grid: Enabling and Accelerating Frequency Calculations on Complex Molecular Systems.

PubMed

Yang, Tzuhsiung; Berry, John F

2018-06-04

The computation of nuclear second derivatives of energy, or the nuclear Hessian, is an essential routine in quantum chemical investigations of ground and transition states, thermodynamic calculations, and molecular vibrations. Analytic nuclear Hessian computations require the resolution of costly coupled-perturbed self-consistent field (CP-SCF) equations, while numerical differentiation of analytic first derivatives has an unfavorable 6 N ( N = number of atoms) prefactor. Herein, we present a new method in which grid computing is used to accelerate and/or enable the evaluation of the nuclear Hessian via numerical differentiation: NUMFREQ@Grid. Nuclear Hessians were successfully evaluated by NUMFREQ@Grid at the DFT level as well as using RIJCOSX-ZORA-MP2 or RIJCOSX-ZORA-B2PLYP for a set of linear polyacenes with systematically increasing size. For the larger members of this group, NUMFREQ@Grid was found to outperform the wall clock time of analytic Hessian evaluation; at the MP2 or B2LYP levels, these Hessians cannot even be evaluated analytically. We also evaluated a 156-atom catalytically relevant open-shell transition metal complex and found that NUMFREQ@Grid is faster (7.7 times shorter wall clock time) and less demanding (4.4 times less memory requirement) than an analytic Hessian. Capitalizing on the capabilities of parallel grid computing, NUMFREQ@Grid can outperform analytic methods in terms of wall time, memory requirements, and treatable system size. The NUMFREQ@Grid method presented herein demonstrates how grid computing can be used to facilitate embarrassingly parallel computational procedures and is a pioneer for future implementations.

Timing Activities at INRIM in the Frame of the Galileo Project

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

PTTI) Meeting 651 • Time Transfer S/S, including TWSTFT Station, CV Rx, OSPF/GSS I/F (to acquire the Galileo onboard and ground “remote” clocks...and Frequency Transfer ( TWSTFT ) [15] and GPS P3 [16] techniques. Clock and time transfer raw data are sent to the GTSPF for further processing on a

Sub-picosecond timing fluctuation suppression in laser-based atmospheric transfer of microwave signal using electronic phase compensation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Shijun; Sun, Fuyu; Bai, Qingsong; Chen, Dawei; Chen, Qiang; Hou, Dong

2017-10-01

We demonstrated a timing fluctuation suppression in outdoor laser-based atmospheric radio-frequency transfer over a 110 m one-way free-space link using an electronic phase compensation technique. Timing fluctuations and Allan Deviation are both measured to characterize the instability of transferred frequency incurred during the transfer process. With transferring a 1 GHz microwave signal over a timing fluctuation suppressed transmission link, the total root-mean-square (rms) timing fluctuation was measured to be 920 femtoseconds in 5000 s, with fractional frequency instability on the order of 1 × 10-12 at 1 s, and order of 2 × 10-16 at 1000 s. This atmospheric frequency transfer scheme with the timing fluctuation suppression technique can be used to fast build an atomic clock-based frequency free-space transmission link since its stability is superior to a commercial Cs and Rb clock.

High-stability compact atomic clock based on isotropic laser cooling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Esnault, Francois-Xavier; Holleville, David; Rossetto, Nicolas

2010-09-15

We present a compact cold-atom clock configuration where isotropic laser cooling, microwave interrogation, and clock signal detection are successively performed inside a spherical microwave cavity. For ground operation, a typical Ramsey fringe width of 20 Hz has been demonstrated, limited by the atom cloud's free fall in the cavity. The isotropic cooling light's disordered properties provide a large and stable number of cold atoms, leading to a high signal-to-noise ratio limited by atomic shot noise. A relative frequency stability of 2.2x10{sup -13{tau}-1/2} has been achieved, averaged down to 4x10{sup -15} after 5x10{sup 3} s of integration. Development of such amore » high-performance compact clock is of major relevance for on-board applications, such as satellite-positioning systems. As a cesium clock, it opens the door to a new generation of compact primary standards and timekeeping devices.« less

Compact Microwave Mercury Ion Clock for Space Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prestage, John D.; Tu, Meirong; Chung, Sang K.; MacNeal, Paul

2007-01-01

We review progress in developing a small Hg ion clock for space operation based on breadboard ion-clock physics package where Hg ions are shuttled between a quadrupole and a 16-pole rf trap. With this architecture we have demonstrated short-term stability approx.1-2x10(exp -13) at 1 second, averaging to 10-15 at 1 day. This development shows that H-maser quality stabilities can be produced in a small clock package, comparable in size to an ultra-stable quartz oscillator required or holding 1-2x10(exp -13) at 1 second. We have completed an ion clock physics package designed to withstand vibration of launch and are currently building a approx. 1 kg engineering model for test. We also discuss frequency steering software algorithms that simultaneously measure ion signal size and lamp light output, useful for long term operation and self-optimization of microwave power and return engineering data.

Compact atomic clocks and stabilised laser for space applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mileti, Gaetano; Affolderbach, Christoph; Matthey-de-l'Endroit, Renaud

2016-07-01

We present our developments towards next generation compact vapour-cell based atomic frequency standards using a tunable laser diode instead of a traditional discharge lamp. The realisation of two types of Rubidium clocks addressing specific applications is in progress: high performance frequency standards for demanding applications such as satellite navigation, and chip-scale atomic clocks, allowing further miniaturisation of the system. The stabilised laser source constitutes the main technological novelty of these new standards, allowing a more efficient preparation and interrogation of the atoms and hence an improvement of the clock performances. However, before this key component may be employed in a commercial and ultimately in a space-qualified instrument, further studies are necessary to demonstrate their suitability, in particular concerning their reliability and long-term operation. The talk will present our preliminary investigations on this subject. The stabilised laser diode technology developed for our atomic clocks has several other applications on ground and in space. We will conclude our talk by illustrating this for the example of a recently completed ESA project on a 1.6 microns wavelength reference for a future space-borne Lidar. This source is based on a Rubidium vapour cell providing the necessary stability and accuracy, while a second harmonic generator and a compact optical comb generated from an electro-optic modulator allow to transfer these properties from the Rubidium wavelength (780nm) to the desired spectral range.

Modifying Operating Cycles to Increase Stability in a LITS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burt, Eric; Tjoelker, Robert

2009-01-01

The short-term instability in the frequency of a linear-ion-trap frequency standard (LITS) can be reduced by modifying two cycles involved in its operation: (1) the bimodal (bright/dim) cycle of a plasma discharge lamp used for state preparation and detection and (2) a microwave-interrogation cycle. The purpose and effect of the modifications is to enable an increase in the microwave- interrogation cycle time, motivated by the general principle that the short-term uncertainty or instability decreases with increasing microwave-interrogation time. Stated from a slightly different perspective, the effect of modifications is to enable the averaged LITS readings to settle to their longterm stability over a shorter total observation time. The basic principles of a LITS were discussed in several NASA Tech Briefs articles. Here are recapitulated only those items of background information necessary to place the present modifications in context. A LITS includes a microwave local oscillator, the frequency of which is stabilized by comparison with the frequency of a ground-state hyperfine transition of Hg-199(+) ions. In a LITS of the type to which the modifications apply, the comparison involves a combination of optical and micro wave excitation and interrogation of the ions in two collinear ion traps: a quadrupole trap wherein the optical excitation used for state preparation and detection takes place, and a multipole (e.g., 12-pole) trap wherein the microwave interrogation of the clock transition takes place. The ions are initially loaded into the quadrupole trap and are thereafter shuttled between the two traps. This concludes the background information.

Strategies for synchronisation in an evolving telecommunications network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avery, Rob

1992-06-01

The achievement of precise synchronization in the telecommunications environment is addressed. Transmitting the timing from node to node has been the inherent problem for all digital networks. Traditional network equipment used to transfer synchronization, such as digital switching ststems, adds impairments to the once traceable signal. As the synchronization signals are passed from node to node, they lose stability by passing through intervening clocks. Timing would be an integrated part of all new network and service deployments. New transmission methods, such as the Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH), survivable network topologies and the issues that arise from them, necessitate a review of current network synchronization strategies. Challenges that face the network are itemized. A demonstration of why localized Primary Reference Clocks (PRC) in key nodes and the Synchronization Supply Unit (SSU) clock architecture of transit and local node clocks is a technically and economically viable solution to the issues facing network planners today is given.

Quantum synchronization and the no-photon laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holland, Murray

2014-03-01

This talk will present a new approach to lasers that is based on the quantum synchronization of many atoms. Such lasers are predicted to produce light of unprecedented spectral purity and coherence, some two orders of magnitude better than any system available today. The idea is based on superradiant emission, where an ensemble of atoms with an extremely narrow atomic transition can phase-lock and form a macroscopic dipole that radiates light collectively. This is quite unlike a typical laser where atoms essentially act independently. The resulting light source is expected to have a spectral linewidth of just a few millihertz and could lead to more accurate and stable atomic clocks. Atomic clocks based on optical transitions have improved tremendously in recent years, giving clocks that tick 1015 times per second, and can have a fractional stability exceeding one part in 1016. This new sharper light source aims to push the frontier even further, so that fundamental tests of physics, such as the time variation of constants and tests of gravity, might even be possible. We acknowledge support from NSF and the DARPA QuASAR program.

Handling the satellite inter-frequency biases in triple-frequency observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Lewen; Ye, Shirong; Song, Jia

2017-04-01

The new generation of GNSS satellites, including BDS, Galileo, modernized GPS, and GLONASS, transmit navigation sdata at more frequencies. Multi-frequency signals open new prospects for precise positioning, but satellite code and phase inter-frequency biases (IFB) induced by the third frequency need to be handled. Satellite code IFB can be corrected using products estimated by different strategies, the theoretical and numerical compatibility of these methods need to be proved. Furthermore, a new type of phase IFB, which changes with the relative sun-spacecraft-earth geometry, has been observed. It is necessary to investigate the cause and possible impacts of phase Time-variant IFB (TIFB). Therefore, we present systematic analysis to illustrate the relevancy between satellite clocks and phase TIFB, and compare the handling strategies of the code and phase IFB in triple-frequency positioning. First, the un-differenced L1/L2 satellite clock corrections considering the hardware delays are derived. And IFB induced by the dual-frequency satellite clocks to triple-frequency PPP model is detailed. The analysis shows that estimated satellite clocks actually contain the time-variant phase hardware delays, which can be compensated in L1/L2 ionosphere-free combinations. However, the time-variant hardware delays will lead to TIFB if the third frequency is used. Then, the methods used to correct the code and phase IFB are discussed. Standard point positioning (SPP) and precise point positioning (PPP) using BDS observations are carried out to validate the improvement of different IFB correction strategies. Experiments show that code IFB derived from DCB or geometry-free and ionosphere-free combination show an agreement of 0.3 ns for all satellites. Positioning results and error distribution with two different code IFB correcting strategies achieve similar tendency, which shows their substitutability. The original and wavelet filtered phase TIFB long-term series show significant periodical characteristic for most GEO and IGSO satellites, with the magnitude varies between - 5 cm and 5 cm. Finally, BDS L1/L3 kinematic PPP is conducted with code IFB corrected with DCB combinations, and TIFB corrected with filtered series. Results show that the IFB corrected L1/L3 PPP can achieve comparable convergence and positioning accuracy as L1/L2 combinations in static and kinematic mode.

A digital optical phase-locked loop for diode lasers based on field programmable gate array

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xu Zhouxiang; Zhang Xian; Huang Kaikai

2012-09-15

We have designed and implemented a highly digital optical phase-locked loop (OPLL) for diode lasers in atom interferometry. The three parts of controlling circuit in this OPLL, including phase and frequency detector (PFD), loop filter and proportional integral derivative (PID) controller, are implemented in a single field programmable gate array chip. A structure type compatible with the model MAX9382/MCH12140 is chosen for PFD and pipeline and parallelism technology have been adapted in PID controller. Especially, high speed clock and twisted ring counter have been integrated in the most crucial part, the loop filter. This OPLL has the narrow beat notemore » line width below 1 Hz, residual mean-square phase error of 0.14 rad{sup 2} and transition time of 100 {mu}s under 10 MHz frequency step. A main innovation of this design is the completely digitalization of the whole controlling circuit in OPLL for diode lasers.« less

Multicore Programming Challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perrone, Michael

The computer industry is facing fundamental challenges that are driving a major change in the design of computer processors. Due to restrictions imposed by quantum physics, one historical path to higher computer processor performance - by increased clock frequency - has come to an end. Increasing clock frequency now leads to power consumption costs that are too high to justify. As a result, we have seen in recent years that the processor frequencies have peaked and are receding from their high point. At the same time, competitive market conditions are giving business advantage to those companies that can field new streaming applications, handle larger data sets, and update their models to market conditions faster. The desire for newer, faster and larger is driving continued demand for higher computer performance.

Non-Intrusive Pressure/Multipurpose Sensor and Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, William C. (Inventor)

2001-01-01

Method and apparatus are provided for determining pressure using a non-intrusive sensor that is easily attachable to the plumbing of a pressurized system. A bent mode implementation and a hoop mode implementation of the invention are disclosed. Each of these implementations is able to nonintrusively measure pressure while fluid is flowing. As well, each implementation may be used to measure mass flow rate simultaneously with pressure. An ultra low noise control system is provided for making pressure measurements during gas flow. The control system includes two tunable digital bandpass filters with center frequencies that are responsive to a clock frequency. The clock frequency is divided by a factor of N to produce a driving vibrational signal for resonating a metal sensor section.

PARCS-Primary Atomic Reference Clock in Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashby, Neil

2000-04-01

The purpose of the PARCS project is to place an advanced Cesium clock on the International Space Station (ISS). The project has been approved by NASA at the level of Science Concept Review. Groups at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, University of Colorado, and Harvard-Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, University of Torino are collaborating on clock design and construction. The microgravity space environment allows laser-cooled Cs atoms to spend longer times in the beam, resulting in improved clock performance. Clock stabilities of 3 × 10-14 at one second and accuracies of 1 × 10-16 are projected. With improved clock performance, significant improvements in several fundamental special and general relativity experiments are expected. For an ISS orbit at 400 km altitude and eccentricity 0.02, the gravitational frequency shift should be measureable about 35 times better than the previous best, Gravity Probe A. Improvements in testing Local Position Invariance and in a Kennedy-Thorndike experiment are expected. Areas of technology such as world-wide timing and time transfer and navigation will also directly benefit from such a high-performance clock in space. This paper will briefly describe the PARCS clock. The principal limitations on performance of relativity experiments, scientific objectives and benefits, and projected outcomes, will be discussed.

Proceedings of the Workshop on the Scientific Applications of Clocks in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maleki, Lute (Editor)

1997-01-01

The Workshop on Scientific Applications of Clocks in space was held to bring together scientists and technologists interested in applications of ultrastable clocks for test of fundamental theories, and for other science investigations. Time and frequency are the most precisely determined of all physical parameters, and thus are the required tools for performing the most sensitive tests of physical theories. Space affords the opportunity to make measurement, parameters inaccessible on Earth, and enables some of the most original and sensitive tests of fundamental theories. In the past few years, new developments in clock technologies have pointed to the opportunity for flying ultrastable clocks in support of science investigations of space missions. This development coincides with the new NASA paradigm for space flights, which relies on frequent, low-cost missions in place of the traditional infrequent and high-cost missions. The heightened interest in clocks in space is further advanced by new theoretical developments in various fields. For example, recent developments in certain Grand Unified Theory formalisms have vastly increased interest in fundamental tests of gravitation physics with clocks. The workshop included sessions on all related science including relativity and gravitational physics, cosmology, orbital dynamics, radio science, geodynamics, and GPS science and others, as well as a session on advanced clock technology.

Extra-hypothalamic brain clocks in songbirds: Photoperiodic state dependent clock gene oscillations in night-migratory blackheaded buntings, Emberiza melanocephala.

PubMed

Singh, Devraj; Kumar, Vinod

2017-04-01

The avian circadian pacemaker system is comprised of independent clocks in the retina, pineal and hypothalamus, as shown by daily and circadian oscillations of core clock genes (Per2, Cry1, Bmal1 and Clock) in several birds including migratory blackheaded buntings (Emberiza melanocephala). This study investigated the extra-hypothalamic brain circadian clocks in blackheaded buntings, and measured Per2, Cry1, Cry2, Bmal1 and Clock mRNA expressions at 4h intervals over 24h beginning 1h after light-on in the left and right telencephalon, optic tectum and cerebellum, the brain regions involved in several physiological and cognitive functions. Because of seasonal alterations in the circadian clock dependent brain functions, we measured daily clock gene oscillations in buntings photoperiod-induced with the non-migratory state under short days (SDnM), and the pre-migratory (LDpM), migratory (LDM) and post-migratory (refractory, LDR) states under long days. Daily Per2 oscillations were not altered with changes in the photoperiodic states, except for about 2-3h phase difference in the optic tectum between the SDnM and LDpM states. However, there were about 3-5h differences in the phase and 2 to 4 fold change in the amplitude of daily Bmal1 and Cry1 mRNA oscillations between the photoperiod-induced states. Further, Cry2 and Clock genes lacked a significant oscillation, except in Cb (Cry2) and TeO and Rt (Clock) under LDR state. Overall, these results show the presence of circadian clocks in extra-hypothalamic brain regions of blackheaded buntings, and suggest tissue-dependent alterations in the waveforms of mRNA oscillations with transitions in the photoperiod-induced seasonal states in a long-day species. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pneumatic oscillator circuits for timing and control of integrated microfluidics.

PubMed

Duncan, Philip N; Nguyen, Transon V; Hui, Elliot E

2013-11-05

Frequency references are fundamental to most digital systems, providing the basis for process synchronization, timing of outputs, and waveform synthesis. Recently, there has been growing interest in digital logic systems that are constructed out of microfluidics rather than electronics, as a possible means toward fully integrated laboratory-on-a-chip systems that do not require any external control apparatus. However, the full realization of this goal has not been possible due to the lack of on-chip frequency references, thus requiring timing signals to be provided from off-chip. Although microfluidic oscillators have been demonstrated, there have been no reported efforts to characterize, model, or optimize timing accuracy, which is the fundamental metric of a clock. Here, we report pneumatic ring oscillator circuits built from microfluidic valves and channels. Further, we present a compressible-flow analysis that differs fundamentally from conventional circuit theory, and we show the utility of this physically based model for the optimization of oscillator stability. Finally, we leverage microfluidic clocks to demonstrate circuits for the generation of phase-shifted waveforms, self-driving peristaltic pumps, and frequency division. Thus, pneumatic oscillators can serve as on-chip frequency references for microfluidic digital logic circuits. On-chip clocks and pumps both constitute critical building blocks on the path toward achieving autonomous laboratory-on-a-chip devices.

An optical lattice clock with accuracy and stability at the 10(-18) level.

PubMed

Bloom, B J; Nicholson, T L; Williams, J R; Campbell, S L; Bishof, M; Zhang, X; Zhang, W; Bromley, S L; Ye, J

2014-02-06

Progress in atomic, optical and quantum science has led to rapid improvements in atomic clocks. At the same time, atomic clock research has helped to advance the frontiers of science, affecting both fundamental and applied research. The ability to control quantum states of individual atoms and photons is central to quantum information science and precision measurement, and optical clocks based on single ions have achieved the lowest systematic uncertainty of any frequency standard. Although many-atom lattice clocks have shown advantages in measurement precision over trapped-ion clocks, their accuracy has remained 16 times worse. Here we demonstrate a many-atom system that achieves an accuracy of 6.4 × 10(-18), which is not only better than a single-ion-based clock, but also reduces the required measurement time by two orders of magnitude. By systematically evaluating all known sources of uncertainty, including in situ monitoring of the blackbody radiation environment, we improve the accuracy of optical lattice clocks by a factor of 22. This single clock has simultaneously achieved the best known performance in the key characteristics necessary for consideration as a primary standard-stability and accuracy. More stable and accurate atomic clocks will benefit a wide range of fields, such as the realization and distribution of SI units, the search for time variation of fundamental constants, clock-based geodesy and other precision tests of the fundamental laws of nature. This work also connects to the development of quantum sensors and many-body quantum state engineering (such as spin squeezing) to advance measurement precision beyond the standard quantum limit.

Rugged, Tunable Extended-Cavity Diode Laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, Donald; Brinza, David; Seidel, David; Klipstein, William; Choi, Dong Ho; Le, Lam; Zhang, Guangzhi; Iniguez, Roberto; Tang, Wade

2007-01-01

A rugged, tunable extended-cavity diode laser (ECDL) has been developed to satisfy stringent requirements for frequency stability, notably including low sensitivity to vibration. This laser is designed specifically for use in an atomic-clock experiment to be performed aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Lasers of similar design would be suitable for use in terrestrial laboratories engaged in atomic-clock and atomic-physics research.

Maintenance of time and frequency in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Deep Space Network using the Global Positioning System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clements, P. A.; Borutzki, S. E.; Kirk, A.

1984-01-01

The Deep Space Network (DSN), managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for NASA, must maintain time and frequency within specified limits in order to accurately track the spacecraft engaged in deep space exploration. Various methods are used to coordinate the clocks among the three tracking complexes. These methods include Loran-C, TV Line 10, Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), and the Global Positioning System (GPS). Calculations are made to obtain frequency offsets and Allan variances. These data are analyzed and used to monitor the performance of the hydrogen masers that provide the reference frequencies for the DSN Frequency and Timing System (DFT). Areas of discussion are: (1) a brief history of the GPS timing receivers in the DSN, (2) a description of the data and information flow, (3) data on the performance of the DSN master clocks and GPS measurement system, and (4) a description of hydrogen maser frequency steering using these data.

Performance demonstration of a single-frequency optically-pumped cesium beam frequency standard for space applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lecomte, S.; Haldimann, M.; Ruffieux, R.; Thomann, P.; Berthoud, P.

2017-11-01

Observatoire de Neuchâtel (ON) is developing a compact optically-pumped cesium beam frequency standard in the frame of an ESA-ARTES 5 project. The simplest optical scheme, which is based on a single optical frequency for both preparation and detection processes of atoms, has been chosen to fulfill reliability constraints of space applications. With our laboratory demonstrator operated at 852 nm (D2 line), we have measured a frequency stability of σy=2.74x10-12 τ -1/2, which is compliant with the Galileo requirement. The atomic resonator is fully compliant to be operated with a single diode laser at 894 nm (D1 line). Sensitivity measurements of the clock signal to the microwave power and to the optical pumping power are also presented. Present performance limitations are discussed and further improvements are proposed in order to reach our ultimate frequency stability goal of σy=1x10-12 τ -1/2. The clock driving software is also briefly described.

Digital Synchronizer without Metastability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simle, Robert M.; Cavazos, Jose A.

2009-01-01

A proposed design for a digital synchronizing circuit would eliminate metastability that plagues flip-flop circuits in digital input/output interfaces. This metastability is associated with sampling, by use of flip-flops, of an external signal that is asynchronous with a clock signal that drives the flip-flops: it is a temporary flip-flop failure that can occur when a rising or falling edge of an asynchronous signal occurs during the setup and/or hold time of a flip-flop. The proposed design calls for (1) use of a clock frequency greater than the frequency of the asynchronous signal, (2) use of flip-flop asynchronous preset or clear signals for the asynchronous input, (3) use of a clock asynchronous recovery delay with pulse width discriminator, and (4) tying the data inputs to constant logic levels to obtain (5) two half-rate synchronous partial signals - one for the falling and one for the rising edge. Inasmuch as the flip-flop data inputs would be permanently tied to constant logic levels, setup and hold times would not be violated. The half-rate partial signals would be recombined to construct a signal that would replicate the original asynchronous signal at its original rate but would be synchronous with the clock signal.

Analysis of the Precision of Pulsar Time Clock Modeltwo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Cheng-shi; Tong, Ming-lei; Gao, Yu-ping; Yang, Ting-gao

2018-04-01

Millisecond pulsars have a very high rotation stability, which can be applied to many research fields, such as the establishment of the pulsar time standard, the detection of gravitational wave, the spacecraft navigation by using X-ray pulsars and so on. In this paper, we employ two millisecond pulsars PSR J0437-4715 and J1713+0743, which are observed by the International Pulsar Timing Array (IPTA), to analyze the precision of pulsar clock parameter and the prediction accuracy of pulse time of arrival (TOA). It is found that the uncertainty of spin frequency is 10-15 Hz, the uncertainty of the first derivative of spin frequency is 10-23 s-2, and the precision of measured rotational parameters increases by one order of magnitude with the accumulated observational data every 4∼5 years. In addition, the errors of TOAs within 4.8 yr which are predicted by the clock model established by the 10 yr data of J0437-4715 are less than 1 μs. Therefore, one can use the pulsar time standard to calibrate the atomic clock, and make the atomic time deviate from the TT (Terrestrial Time) less than 1 μs within 4.8 yr.

High accuracy OMEGA timekeeping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Imbier, E. A.

1982-01-01

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) operates a worldwide satellite tracking network which uses a combination of OMEGA as a frequency reference, dual timing channels, and portable clock comparisons to maintain accurate epoch time. Propagational charts from the U.S. Coast Guard OMEGA monitor program minimize diurnal and seasonal effects. Daily phase value publications of the U.S. Naval Observatory provide corrections to the field collected timing data to produce an averaged time line comprised of straight line segments called a time history file (station clock minus UTC). Depending upon clock location, reduced time data accuracies of between two and eight microseconds are typical.

Alternative Splicing of Barley Clock Genes in Response to Low Temperature

PubMed Central

Calixto, Cristiane P. G.; Simpson, Craig G.; Waugh, Robbie; Brown, John W. S.

2016-01-01

Alternative splicing (AS) is a regulated mechanism that generates multiple transcripts from individual genes. It is widespread in eukaryotic genomes and provides an effective way to control gene expression. At low temperatures, AS regulates Arabidopsis clock genes through dynamic changes in the levels of productive mRNAs. We examined AS in barley clock genes to assess whether temperature-dependent AS responses also occur in a monocotyledonous crop species. We identify changes in AS of various barley core clock genes including the barley orthologues of Arabidopsis AtLHY and AtPRR7 which showed the most pronounced AS changes in response to low temperature. The AS events modulate the levels of functional and translatable mRNAs, and potentially protein levels, upon transition to cold. There is some conservation of AS events and/or splicing behaviour of clock genes between Arabidopsis and barley. In addition, novel temperature-dependent AS of the core clock gene HvPPD-H1 (a major determinant of photoperiod response and AtPRR7 orthologue) is conserved in monocots. HvPPD-H1 showed a rapid, temperature-sensitive isoform switch which resulted in changes in abundance of AS variants encoding different protein isoforms. This novel layer of low temperature control of clock gene expression, observed in two very different species, will help our understanding of plant adaptation to different environments and ultimately offer a new range of targets for plant improvement. PMID:27959947

Transportable Optical Lattice Clock with 7×10^{-17} Uncertainty.

PubMed

Koller, S B; Grotti, J; Vogt, St; Al-Masoudi, A; Dörscher, S; Häfner, S; Sterr, U; Lisdat, Ch

2017-02-17

We present a transportable optical clock (TOC) with ^{87}Sr. Its complete characterization against a stationary lattice clock resulted in a systematic uncertainty of 7.4×10^{-17}, which is currently limited by the statistics of the determination of the residual lattice light shift, and an instability of 1.3×10^{-15}/sqrt[τ] with an averaging time τ in seconds. Measurements confirm that the systematic uncertainty can be reduced to below the design goal of 1×10^{-17}. To our knowledge, these are the best uncertainties and instabilities reported for any transportable clock to date. For autonomous operation, the TOC has been installed in an air-conditioned car trailer. It is suitable for chronometric leveling with submeter resolution as well as for intercontinental cross-linking of optical clocks, which is essential for a redefinition of the International System of Units (SI) second. In addition, the TOC will be used for high precision experiments for fundamental science that are commonly tied to precise frequency measurements and its development is an important step to space-borne optical clocks.

Transportable Optical Lattice Clock with 7 ×10-17 Uncertainty

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koller, S. B.; Grotti, J.; Vogt, St.; Al-Masoudi, A.; Dörscher, S.; Häfner, S.; Sterr, U.; Lisdat, Ch.

2017-02-01

We present a transportable optical clock (TOC) with Sr 87 . Its complete characterization against a stationary lattice clock resulted in a systematic uncertainty of 7.4 ×10-17, which is currently limited by the statistics of the determination of the residual lattice light shift, and an instability of 1.3 ×10-15/√{τ } with an averaging time τ in seconds. Measurements confirm that the systematic uncertainty can be reduced to below the design goal of 1 ×10-17. To our knowledge, these are the best uncertainties and instabilities reported for any transportable clock to date. For autonomous operation, the TOC has been installed in an air-conditioned car trailer. It is suitable for chronometric leveling with submeter resolution as well as for intercontinental cross-linking of optical clocks, which is essential for a redefinition of the International System of Units (SI) second. In addition, the TOC will be used for high precision experiments for fundamental science that are commonly tied to precise frequency measurements and its development is an important step to space-borne optical clocks.

Coherent Spectroscopy of Ultra-Cold Mercury for the UV to VUV

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-11-20

clock. During this funding period a novel UV laser system was developed to efficiently cool and trap atomic Hg to temperatures below 100 microKelvin...During this funding period a novel UV laser system was developed to efficiently cool and trap atomic Hg to temperatures below 100 microKelvin. This...able  to  slowly  scan  the   UV   laser  system  to  locate  the  clock  transition   (using  the  standard  technique

Ultralow-Power Digital Correlator for Microwave Polarimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Piepmeier, Jeffrey R.; Hass, K. Joseph

2004-01-01

A recently developed high-speed digital correlator is especially well suited for processing readings of a passive microwave polarimeter. This circuit computes the autocorrelations of, and the cross-correlations among, data in four digital input streams representing samples of in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components of two intermediate-frequency (IF) signals, denoted A and B, that are generated in heterodyne reception of two microwave signals. The IF signals arriving at the correlator input terminals have been digitized to three levels (-1,0,1) at a sampling rate up to 500 MHz. Two bits (representing sign and magnitude) are needed to represent the instantaneous datum in each input channel; hence, eight bits are needed to represent the four input signals during any given cycle of the sampling clock. The accumulation (integration) time for the correlation is programmable in increments of 2(exp 8) cycles of the sampling clock, up to a maximum of 2(exp 24) cycles. The basic functionality of the correlator is embodied in 16 correlation slices, each of which contains identical logic circuits and counters (see figure). The first stage of each correlation slice is a logic gate that computes one of the desired correlations (for example, the autocorrelation of the I component of A or the negative of the cross-correlation of the I component of A and the Q component of B). The sampling of the output of the logic gate output is controlled by the sampling-clock signal, and an 8-bit counter increments in every clock cycle when the logic gate generates output. The most significant bit of the 8-bit counter is sampled by a 16-bit counter with a clock signal at 2(exp 8) the frequency of the sampling clock. The 16-bit counter is incremented every time the 8-bit counter rolls over.

High power VCSEL devices for atomic clock applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watkins, L. S.; Ghosh, C.; Seurin, J.-F.; Zhou, D.; Xu, G.; Xu, B.; Miglo, A.

2015-09-01

We are developing VCSEL technology producing >100mW in single frequency at wavelengths 780nm, 795nm and 850nm. Small aperture VCSELs with few mW output have found major applications in atomic clock experiments. Using an external cavity three-mirror configuration we have been able to operate larger aperture VCSELs and obtain >70mW power in single frequency operation. The VCSEL has been mounted in a fiber pigtailed package with the external mirror mounted on a shear piezo. The package incorporates a miniature Rb cell locker to lock the VCSEL wavelength. This VCSEL operates in single frequency and is tuned by a combination of piezo actuator, temperature and current. Mode-hop free tuning over >30GHz frequency span is obtained. The VCSEL has been locked to the Rb D2 line and feedback control used to obtain line-widths of <100kHz.

Effect of a timebase mismatch in two-way optical frequency transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tampellini, Anna; Clivati, Cecilia; Levi, Filippo; Mura, Alberto; Calonico, Davide

2017-12-01

Two-way frequency transfer on optical fibers is a powerful technique for the comparison of distant clocks over long and ultra-long hauls. In contrast to traditional Doppler noise cancellation, it is capable of sustaining higher link attenuation, mitigating the need of optical amplification and regeneration and thus reducing the setup complexity. We investigate the ultimate limitations of the two-way approach on a 300 km multiplexed fiber haul, considering fully independent setups and acquisition systems at the two link ends. We derive a theoretical model to predict the performance deterioration due to a bad synchronisation of the measurements, which is confirmed by experimental results. This study demonstrates that two-way optical frequency transfer is a reliable and performing technique, capable of sustaining remote clocks comparisons at the 10-19 resolution, and is relevant for the development of a fiber network of continental scale for frequency metrology in Europe.

High Performance Clocks and Gravity Field Determination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Müller, J.; Dirkx, D.; Kopeikin, S. M.; Lion, G.; Panet, I.; Petit, G.; Visser, P. N. A. M.

2018-02-01

Time measured by an ideal clock crucially depends on the gravitational potential and velocity of the clock according to general relativity. Technological advances in manufacturing high-precision atomic clocks have rapidly improved their accuracy and stability over the last decade that approached the level of 10^{-18}. This notable achievement along with the direct sensitivity of clocks to the strength of the gravitational field make them practically important for various geodetic applications that are addressed in the present paper. Based on a fully relativistic description of the background gravitational physics, we discuss the impact of those highly-precise clocks on the realization of reference frames and time scales used in geodesy. We discuss the current definitions of basic geodetic concepts and come to the conclusion that the advances in clocks and other metrological technologies will soon require the re-definition of time scales or, at least, clarification to ensure their continuity and consistent use in practice. The relative frequency shift between two clocks is directly related to the difference in the values of the gravity potential at the points of clock's localization. According to general relativity the relative accuracy of clocks in 10^{-18} is equivalent to measuring the gravitational red shift effect between two clocks with the height difference amounting to 1 cm. This makes the clocks an indispensable tool in high-precision geodesy in addition to laser ranging and space geodetic techniques. We show how clock measurements can provide geopotential numbers for the realization of gravity-field-related height systems and can resolve discrepancies in classically-determined height systems as well as between national height systems. Another application of clocks is the direct use of observed potential differences for the improved recovery of regional gravity field solutions. Finally, clock measurements for space-borne gravimetry are analyzed along with closely-related deficiencies of this method like an extra-ordinary knowledge of the spacecraft velocity, etc. For all these applications besides the near-future prospects, we also discuss the challenges that are related to using those novel clock data in geodesy.

It's About Time!

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, Tom

2000-01-01

Everything we do in VLBI is connected to time. In this contribution, we review 28 orders of magnitude of the spectrum of time ranging from a few hundred femtoseconds (i.e. one degree of phase at X-band - Pi x 10(exp -13) seconds) upwards to tens of millions of years (i.e. ten million years Pi x 10(exp 14) seconds). In this discussion, we will pay special attention to the relation between the underlying oscillator (the frequency standard that defines a clock's rate) and the time kept by the clock (which counts the oscillations of the frequency standard). We will consider two different types of time - time kept by counting an atomic frequency standard (Hydrogen Maser or Cesium), and time reckoned by the rotation of the Earth underneath the stars and sun.

High resolution time interval meter

DOEpatents

Martin, A.D.

1986-05-09

Method and apparatus are provided for measuring the time interval between two events to a higher resolution than reliability available from conventional circuits and component. An internal clock pulse is provided at a frequency compatible with conventional component operating frequencies for reliable operation. Lumped constant delay circuits are provided for generating outputs at delay intervals corresponding to the desired high resolution. An initiation START pulse is input to generate first high resolution data. A termination STOP pulse is input to generate second high resolution data. Internal counters count at the low frequency internal clock pulse rate between the START and STOP pulses. The first and second high resolution data are logically combined to directly provide high resolution data to one counter and correct the count in the low resolution counter to obtain a high resolution time interval measurement.

Frequency control circuit for all-digital phase-lock loops

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, T. O.

1973-01-01

Phase-lock loop references all its operations to fixed high-frequency service clock operating at highest speed which digital circuits permit. Wide-range control circuit provides linear control of frequency of reference signal. It requires only two counters in combination with control circuit consisting only of flip-flop and gate.

Pulse transmission receiver with higher-order time derivative pulse generator

DOEpatents

Dress, Jr., William B.; Smith, Stephen F.

2003-08-12

Systems and methods for pulse-transmission low-power communication modes are disclosed. A pulse transmission receiver includes: a front-end amplification/processing circuit; a synchronization circuit coupled to the front-end amplification/processing circuit; a clock coupled to the synchronization circuit; a trigger signal generator coupled to the clock; and at least one higher-order time derivative pulse generator coupled to the trigger signal generator. The systems and methods significantly reduce lower-frequency emissions from pulse transmission spread-spectrum communication modes, which reduces potentially harmful interference to existing radio frequency services and users and also simultaneously permit transmission of multiple data bits by utilizing specific pulse shapes.

Pulse transmission receiver with higher-order time derivative pulse correlator

DOEpatents

Dress, Jr., William B.; Smith, Stephen F.

2003-09-16

Systems and methods for pulse-transmission low-power communication modes are disclosed. A pulse transmission receiver includes: a higher-order time derivative pulse correlator; a demodulation decoder coupled to the higher-order time derivative pulse correlator; a clock coupled to the demodulation decoder; and a pseudorandom polynomial generator coupled to both the higher-order time derivative pulse correlator and the clock. The systems and methods significantly reduce lower-frequency emissions from pulse transmission spread-spectrum communication modes, which reduces potentially harmful interference to existing radio frequency services and users and also simultaneously permit transmission of multiple data bits by utilizing specific pulse shapes.

Drifts and Environmental Disturbances in Atomic Clock Subsystems: Quantifying Local Oscillator, Control Loop, and Ion Resonance Interactions.

PubMed

Enzer, Daphna G; Diener, William A; Murphy, David W; Rao, Shanti R; Tjoelker, Robert L

2017-03-01

Linear ion trap frequency standards are among the most stable continuously operating frequency references and clocks. Depending on the application, they have been operated with a variety of local oscillators (LOs), including quartz ultrastable oscillators, hydrogen-masers, and cryogenic sapphire oscillators. The short-, intermediate-, and long-term stability of the frequency output is a complicated function of the fundamental performances, the time dependence of environmental disturbances, the atomic interrogation algorithm, the implemented control loop, and the environmental sensitivity of the LO and the atomic system components. For applications that require moving these references out of controlled lab spaces and into less stable environments, such as fieldwork or spaceflight, a deeper understanding is needed of how disturbances at different timescales impact the various subsystems of the clock and ultimately the output stability. In this paper, we analyze which perturbations have an impact and to what degree. We also report on a computational model of a control loop, which keeps the microwave source locked to the ion resonance. This model is shown to agree with laboratory measurements of how well the feedback removes various disturbances and also with a useful analytic approach we developed for predicting these impacts.

Bennett clocking of quantum-dot cellular automata and the limits to binary logic scaling.

PubMed

Lent, Craig S; Liu, Mo; Lu, Yuhui

2006-08-28

We examine power dissipation in different clocking schemes for molecular quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) circuits. 'Landauer clocking' involves the adiabatic transition of a molecular cell from the null state to an active state carrying data. Cell layout creates devices which allow data in cells to interact and thereby perform useful computation. We perform direct solutions of the equation of motion for the system in contact with the thermal environment and see that Landauer's Principle applies: one must dissipate an energy of at least k(B)T per bit only when the information is erased. The ideas of Bennett can be applied to keep copies of the bit information by echoing inputs to outputs, thus embedding any logically irreversible circuit in a logically reversible circuit, at the cost of added circuit complexity. A promising alternative which we term 'Bennett clocking' requires only altering the timing of the clocking signals so that bit information is simply held in place by the clock until a computational block is complete, then erased in the reverse order of computation. This approach results in ultralow power dissipation without additional circuit complexity. These results offer a concrete example in which to consider recent claims regarding the fundamental limits of binary logic scaling.

Bennett clocking of quantum-dot cellular automata and the limits to binary logic scaling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lent, Craig S.; Liu, Mo; Lu, Yuhui

2006-08-01

We examine power dissipation in different clocking schemes for molecular quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) circuits. 'Landauer clocking' involves the adiabatic transition of a molecular cell from the null state to an active state carrying data. Cell layout creates devices which allow data in cells to interact and thereby perform useful computation. We perform direct solutions of the equation of motion for the system in contact with the thermal environment and see that Landauer's Principle applies: one must dissipate an energy of at least kBT per bit only when the information is erased. The ideas of Bennett can be applied to keep copies of the bit information by echoing inputs to outputs, thus embedding any logically irreversible circuit in a logically reversible circuit, at the cost of added circuit complexity. A promising alternative which we term 'Bennett clocking' requires only altering the timing of the clocking signals so that bit information is simply held in place by the clock until a computational block is complete, then erased in the reverse order of computation. This approach results in ultralow power dissipation without additional circuit complexity. These results offer a concrete example in which to consider recent claims regarding the fundamental limits of binary logic scaling.

Dynamics of Superradiant Lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, James

2014-05-01

A superradiant laser has been shown to operate with less than one photon on average inside of the optical cavity. In this regime, almost all of the phase information of the laser is stored in the atoms rather than the cavity field. As a result, the laser's phase is highly insensitive to both technical and fundamental thermal cavity mirror vibrations. This vibration noise presently limits the coherence of the best lasers as well as the precision of the optical lattice clocks that these lasers interrogate. We have explored the physics of superradiant lasers utilizing Raman transitions between hyperfine states in rubidium to mimic narrow optical transitions. In this talk, we will discuss the amplitude stability of our superradiant Raman laser, and the dynamics of phase synchronization in our system. We will also consider the prospects for future superradiant lasers that would lase on the same highly-forbidden transitions used in optical lattice clocks. We acknowledge support from DARPA QUASAR, ARO, NIST, and the NSF PFC.

Algorithmic-Reducibility = Renormalization-Group Fixed-Points; ``Noise''-Induced Phase-Transitions (NITs) to Accelerate Algorithmics (``NIT-Picking'') Replacing CRUTCHES!!!: Gauss Modular/Clock-Arithmetic Congruences = Signal X Noise PRODUCTS..

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siegel, J.; Siegel, Edward Carl-Ludwig

2011-03-01

Cook-Levin computational-"complexity"(C-C) algorithmic-equivalence reduction-theorem reducibility equivalence to renormalization-(semi)-group phase-transitions critical-phenomena statistical-physics universality-classes fixed-points, is exploited with Gauss modular/clock-arithmetic/model congruences = signal X noise PRODUCT reinterpretation. Siegel-Baez FUZZYICS=CATEGORYICS(SON of ``TRIZ''): Category-Semantics(C-S) tabular list-format truth-table matrix analytics predicts and implements "noise"-induced phase-transitions (NITs) to accelerate versus to decelerate Harel [Algorithmics(1987)]-Sipser[Intro. Theory Computation(1997) algorithmic C-C: "NIT-picking" to optimize optimization-problems optimally(OOPO). Versus iso-"noise" power-spectrum quantitative-only amplitude/magnitude-only variation stochastic-resonance, this "NIT-picking" is "noise" power-spectrum QUALitative-type variation via quantitative critical-exponents variation. Computer-"science" algorithmic C-C models: Turing-machine, finite-state-models/automata, are identified as early-days once-workable but NOW ONLY LIMITING CRUTCHES IMPEDING latter-days new-insights!!!

A Low Power Linear Phase Programmable Long Delay Circuit.

PubMed

Rodriguez-Villegas, Esther; Logesparan, Lojini; Casson, Alexander J

2014-06-01

A novel linear phase programmable delay is being proposed and implemented in a 0.35 μm CMOS process. The delay line consists of N cascaded cells, each of which delays the input signal by Td/N, where Td is the total line delay. The delay generated by each cell is programmable by changing a clock frequency and is also fully independent of the frequency of the input signal. The total delay hence depends only on the chosen clock frequency and the total number of cascaded cells. The minimum clock frequency is limited by the maximum time a voltage signal can effectively be held by an individual cell. The maximum number of cascaded cells will be limited by the effects of accumulated offset due to transistor mismatch, which eventually will affect the operating mode of the individual transistors in a cell. This latter limitation has however been dealt with in the topology by having an offset compensation mechanism that makes possible having a large number of cascaded cells and hence a long resulting delay. The delay line has been designed for scalp-based neural activity analysis that is predominantly in the sub-100 Hz frequency range. For these signals, the delay generated by a 31-cell cascade has been demonstrated to be programmable from 30 ms to 3 s. Measurement results demonstrate a 31 stage, 50 Hz bandwidth, 0.3 s delay that operates from a 1.1 V supply with power consumption of 270 nW.

PHARAO space atomic clock: new developments on the laser source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saccoccio, Muriel; Loesel, Jacques; Coatantiec, Claude; Simon, Eric; Laurent, Philippe; Lemonde, Pierre; Maksimovic, I.; Abgrall, M.

2017-11-01

The PHARAO project purpose is to open the way for a new atomic clock generation in space, where laser cooling techniques and microgravity allow high frequency stability and accuracy. The French space agency, CNES is funding and managing the clock construction. The French SYRTE and LKB laboratories are scientific and technical advisers for the clock requirements and the follow-up of subsystem development in industrial companies. EADS SODERN is developing two main subsystems of the PHARAO clock: the Laser Source and the Cesium Tube where atoms are cooled, launched, selected and detected by laser beams. The Laser Source includes an optical bench and electronic devices to generate the laser beams required. This paper describes PHARAO and the role laser beams play in its principle of operation. Then we present the Laser Source design, the technologies involved, and the status of development. Lastly, we focus of a key equipment to reach the performances expected, which is the Extended Cavity Laser Diode.

Rubidium atomic frequency standards for GPS Block IIR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riley, William J.

1990-01-01

The Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standards (RAFS) were provided for the GPS Block IIR NAVSTAR satellites. These satellites will replenish and upgrade the space segment of the Global Positioning System in the mid 1990s. The GPS RAFS Rb clocks are the latest generation of the high-performance rubidium frequency standards. They offer an aging rate in the low pp 10(exp 14)/day range and a drift-corrected 1-day stability in the low pp 10(exp 14) range. The Block IIR version of these devices will have improved performance, higher reliability, smaller size, and greater radiation hardness. The GPS Block IIR atomic clocks have a natural frequency configuration whereby they output a frequency of about 13.4 MHz that is a submultiple of the atomic resonance of Rb (or Cs). The RAFS operates at a low, fixed C-field for increased stability. The GPS Block IIR RAFS design, including the changes and improvements made, and the test results obtained are described.

The Ticking of the Social Clock: Adults' Beliefs about the Timing of Transition Events.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peterson, Candida C.

1996-01-01

Two studies regarding beliefs about descriptive and prescriptive age norms for adults in developmental transitions were examined in a sample of 214 Australian university students ages 17 to 50. Discusses research methodology. The probable consequences for self-esteem, mental health, and life planning are discussed in the context of the research…

Preliminary Comparison of Two-Way Satellite Time and Frequency Transfer and GPS Common-View Time Transfer During the INTELSAT Field Trial

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, John A.; Lewandowski, W.; DeYoung, James A.; Kirchner, Dieter; Hetzel, Peter; deJong, Gerrit; Soering, A.; Baumont, F.; Klepczynski, William; McKinley, Angela Davis;

Chronobiology and nutrition.

PubMed

Tahara, Y; Shibata, S

2013-12-03

Numerous long-term studies have investigated the circadian clock system in mammals, which organizes physiological functions, including metabolism, digestion, and absorption of food, and energy expenditure. Food or nutrition can be a synchronizer for the circadian clock systems, as potent as the external light-dark signal can be. Recent studies have investigated different kinds of food, frequency of consumption, and time of consumption for optimizing body clock and ensuring healthy habits. In this review, we discuss recent studies investigating chronobiology and nutrition, and then summarize available information as "Chrono-nutrition" for the development of a new standardized research strategy. Copyright © 2013 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design of a delay-locked-loop-based time-to-digital converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhaoxin, Ma; Xuefei, Bai; Lu, Huang

2013-09-01

A time-to-digital converter (TDC) based on a reset-free and anti-harmonic delay-locked loop (DLL) circuit for wireless positioning systems is discussed and described. The DLL that generates 32-phase clocks and a cycle period detector is employed to avoid “false locking". Driven by multiphase clocks, an encoder detects pulses and outputs the phase of the clock when the pulse arrives. The proposed TDC was implemented in SMIC 0.18 μm CMOS technology, and its core area occupies 0.7 × 0.55 mm2. The reference frequency ranges from 20 to 150 MHz. An LSB resolution of 521 ps can be achieved by using a reference clock of 60 MHz and the DNL is less than ±0.75 LSB. It dissipates 31.5 mW at 1.8 V supply voltage.

The design and development of low- and high-voltage ASICs for space-borne CCD cameras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waltham, N.; Morrissey, Q.; Clapp, M.; Bell, S.; Jones, L.; Torbet, M.

2017-12-01

The CCD remains the pre-eminent visible and UV wavelength image sensor in space science, Earth and planetary remote sensing. However, the design of space-qualified CCD readout electronics is a significant challenge with requirements for low-volume, low-mass, low-power, high-reliability and tolerance to space radiation. Space-qualified components are frequently unavailable and up-screened commercial components seldom meet project or international space agency requirements. In this paper, we describe an alternative approach of designing and space-qualifying a series of low- and high-voltage mixed-signal application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), the ongoing development of two low-voltage ASICs with successful flight heritage, and two new high-voltage designs. A challenging sub-system of any CCD camera is the video processing and digitisation electronics. We describe recent developments to improve performance and tolerance to radiation-induced single event latchup of a CCD video processing ASIC originally developed for NASA's Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory and Solar Dynamics Observatory. We also describe a programme to develop two high-voltage ASICs to address the challenges presented with generating a CCD's bias voltages and drive clocks. A 0.35 μm, 50 V tolerant, CMOS process has been used to combine standard low-voltage 3.3 V transistors with high-voltage 50 V diffused MOSFET transistors that enable output buffers to drive CCD bias drains, gates and clock electrodes directly. We describe a CCD bias voltage generator ASIC that provides 24 independent and programmable 0-32 V outputs. Each channel incorporates a 10-bit digital-to-analogue converter, provides current drive of up to 20 mA into loads of 10 μF, and includes current-limiting and short-circuit protection. An on-chip telemetry system with a 12-bit analogue-to-digital converter enables the outputs and multiple off-chip camera voltages to be monitored. The ASIC can drive one or more CCDs and replaces the many discrete components required in current cameras. We also describe a CCD clock driver ASIC that provides six independent and programmable drivers with high-current capacity. The device enables various CCD clock parameters to be programmed independently, for example the clock-low and clock-high voltage levels, and the clock-rise and clock-fall times, allowing configuration for serial clock frequencies in the range 0.1-2 MHz and image clock frequencies in the range 10-100 kHz. Finally, we demonstrate the impact and importance of this technology for the development of compact, high-performance and low-power integrated focal plane electronics.

Clock Technology Development for the Laser Cooling and Atomic Physics (LCAP) Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klipstein, W. M.; Thompson, R. J.; Seidel, D. J.; Kohel, J.; Maleki, L.

1998-01-01

The Time and Frequency Sciences and Technology Group at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has developed a laser cooling capability for flight and has been selected by NASA to support the Laser-Cooling and Atomic Physics (LCAP) program. Current work in the group includes design and development for tee two laser-cooled atomic clock experiments which have been selected for flight on the International Space Station.

PTTI Capabilities of the Modernized LORAN System

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

Cape Elizabeth LCCS Carolina Beach 9960-Y Dana 9960-Z Seneca 9960-M LSU 9960-T Sandy Hook Plumbrook Dunbar Forest LCCS Transmitting Station ...reference clocks at the individual transmitting stations , the intra-chain timing between stations , and the overall system synchronization to UTC. Each... station has three cesium clocks installed, and new Time and Frequency Equipment (TFE) was installed at the stations , beginning in the spring of 2003

The REVEILLE Clock Genes Inhibit Growth of Juvenile and Adult Plants by Control of Cell Size1[OPEN

PubMed Central

Gray, Jennifer A.; Chu, Dalena Nhu

2017-01-01

The circadian clock is a complex regulatory network that enhances plant growth and fitness in a constantly changing environment. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the clock is composed of numerous regulatory feedback loops in which REVEILLE8 (RVE8) and its homologs RVE4 and RVE6 act in a partially redundant manner to promote clock pace. Here, we report that the remaining members of the RVE8 clade, RVE3 and RVE5, play only minor roles in the regulation of clock function. However, we find that RVE8 clade proteins have unexpected functions in the modulation of light input to the clock and the control of plant growth at multiple stages of development. In seedlings, these proteins repress hypocotyl elongation in a daylength- and sucrose-dependent manner. Strikingly, adult rve4 6 8 and rve3 4 5 6 8 mutants are much larger than wild-type plants, with both increased leaf area and biomass. This size phenotype is associated with a faster growth rate and larger cell size and is not simply due to a delay in the transition to flowering. Gene expression and epistasis analysis reveal that the growth phenotypes of rve mutants are due to the misregulation of PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR4 (PIF4) and PIF5 expression. Our results show that even small changes in PIF gene expression caused by the perturbation of clock gene function can have large effects on the growth of adult plants. PMID:28254761

Proceedings of the Sixteenth Annual Precise Time and Time Interval (PTTI) Applications and Planning Meeting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1984-01-01

The effects of ionospheric and tropospheric propagation on time and frequency transfer, advances in the generation of precise time and frequency, time transfer techniques and filtering and modeling were among the topics emphasized. Rubidium and cesium frequency standard, crystal oscillators, masers, Kalman filters, and atomic clocks were discussed.

Stability characterization of two multi-channel GPS receivers for accurate frequency transfer.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taris, F.; Uhrich, P.; Thomas, C.; Petit, G.; Jiang, Z.

In recent years, wide-spread use of the GPS common-view technique has led to major improvements, making it possible to compare remote clocks at their full level of performance. For integration times of 1 to 3 days, their frequency differences are consistently measured to about one part in 1014. Recent developments in atomic frequency standards suggest, however, that this performance may no longer be sufficient. The caesium fountain LPTF FO1, built at the BNM-LPTF, Paris, France, shows a short-term white frequency noise characterized by an Allen deviation σy(τ = 1 s) = 5×10-14 and a type B uncertainty of 2×10-15. To compare the frequencies of such highly stable standards would call for GPS common-view results to be averaged over times far exceeding the intervals of their optimal performance. Previous studies have shown the potential of carrier-phase and code measurements from geodetic GPS receivers for clock frequency comparisons. The experiment related here is an attempt to see the stability limit that could be reached using this technique.

Oscillator metrology with software defined radio.

PubMed

Sherman, Jeff A; Jördens, Robert

2016-05-01

Analog electrical elements such as mixers, filters, transfer oscillators, isolating buffers, dividers, and even transmission lines contribute technical noise and unwanted environmental coupling in time and frequency measurements. Software defined radio (SDR) techniques replace many of these analog components with digital signal processing (DSP) on rapidly sampled signals. We demonstrate that, generically, commercially available multi-channel SDRs are capable of time and frequency metrology, outperforming purpose-built devices by as much as an order-of-magnitude. For example, for signals at 10 MHz and 6 GHz, we observe SDR time deviation noise floors of about 20 fs and 1 fs, respectively, in under 10 ms of averaging. Examining the other complex signal component, we find a relative amplitude measurement instability of 3 × 10(-7) at 5 MHz. We discuss the scalability of a SDR-based system for simultaneous measurement of many clocks. SDR's frequency agility allows for comparison of oscillators at widely different frequencies. We demonstrate a novel and extreme example with optical clock frequencies differing by many terahertz: using a femtosecond-laser frequency comb and SDR, we show femtosecond-level time comparisons of ultra-stable lasers with zero measurement dead-time.

Circuit design and simulation of a transmit beamforming ASIC for high-frequency ultrasonic imaging systems.

PubMed

Athanasopoulos, Georgios I; Carey, Stephen J; Hatfield, John V

2011-07-01

This paper describes the design of a programmable transmit beamformer application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) with 8 channels for ultrasound imaging systems. The system uses a 20-MHz reference clock. A digital delay-locked loop (DLL) was designed with 50 variable delay elements, each of which provides a clock with different phase from a single reference. Two phase detectors compare the phase difference of the reference clock with the feedback clock, adjusting the delay of the delay elements to bring the feedback clock signal in phase with the reference clock signal. Two independent control voltages for the delay elements ensure that the mark space ratio of the pulses remain at 50%. By combining a 10- bit asynchronous counter with the delays from the DLL, each channel can be programmed to give a maximum time delay of 51 μs with 1 ns resolution. It can also give bursts of up to 64 pulses. Finally, for a single pulse, it can adjust the pulse width between 9 ns and 100 ns by controlling the current flowing through a capacitor in a one-shot circuit, for use with 40-MHz and 5-MHz transducers, respectively.

Design and implementation of low power clock gated 64-bit ALU on ultra scale FPGA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Ashutosh; Murgai, Shruti; Gulati, Anmol; Kumar, Pradeep

2016-03-01

64-bit energy efficient Arithmetic and Logic Unit using negative latch based clock gating technique is designed in this paper. The 64-bit ALU is designed using multiplexer based full adder cell. We have designed a 64-bit ALU with a gated clock. We have used negative latch based circuit for generating gated clock. This gated clock is used to control the multiplexer based 64-bit ALU. The circuit has been synthesized on kintex FPGA through Xilinx ISE Design Suite 14.7 using 28 nm technology in Verilog HDL. The circuit has been simulated on Modelsim 10.3c. The design is verified using System Verilog on QuestaSim in UVM environment. We have achieved 74.07%, 92. 93% and 95.53% reduction in total clock power, 89.73%, 91.35% and 92.85% reduction in I/Os power, 67.14%, 62.84% and 74.34% reduction in dynamic power and 25.47%, 29.05% and 46.13% reduction in total supply power at 20 MHz, 200 MHz and 2 GHz frequency respectively. The power has been calculated using XPower Analyzer tool of Xilinx ISE Design Suite 14.3.

A closer look at the concept of regional clocks for Precise Point Positioning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weber, Robert; Karabatic, Ana; Thaler, Gottfried; Abart, Christoph; Huber, Katrin

2010-05-01

Under the precondition of at least two successfully tracked signals at different carrier frequencies we may obtain their ionosphere free linear combination. By introducing approximate values for geometric effects like orbits and tropospheric delay as well as an initial bias parameter N per individual satellite we can solve for the satellite clock with respect to the receiver clock. Noting, that residual effects like orbit errors, remaining tropospheric delays and a residual bias parameter map into these parameters, this procedure leaves us with a kind of virtual clock differences. These clocks cover regional effects and are therefore clearly correlated with clocks at nearby station. Therefore we call these clock differences, which are clearly different from clock solutions provided for instance by IGS, the "regional clocks". When introducing the regional clocks obtained from real-time data of a GNSS reference station network we are able to process the coordinates of a nearby isolated station via a PPP .In terms of PPP-convergence time which will be reduced down to 30 minutes or less, this procedure is clearly favorable. The accuracy is quite comparable with state of the art PPP procedures. Nevertheless, this approach cannot compete in fixing times with double-difference approaches but the correlation holds over hundreds of kilometers distance to our master station and the clock differences can easily by obtained, even in real-time. This presentation provides preliminary results of the project RA-PPP. RA-PPP is a research project financed by the Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology, managed by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) in the course of the 6th call of the Austrian Space Application Program (ASAP). RA-PPP stands for Rapid Precise Point Positioning, which denotes the wish for faster and more accurate algorithms for PPP. The concept of regional clocks which will be demonstrated in detail in this presentation is one out of 4 concepts to be evaluated in this project.

Relativity in the Global Positioning System.

PubMed

Ashby, Neil

2003-01-01

The Global Positioning System (GPS) uses accurate, stable atomic clocks in satellites and on the ground to provide world-wide position and time determination. These clocks have gravitational and motional frequency shifts which are so large that, without carefully accounting for numerous relativistic effects, the system would not work. This paper discusses the conceptual basis, founded on special and general relativity, for navigation using GPS. Relativistic principles and effects which must be considered include the constancy of the speed of light, the equivalence principle, the Sagnac effect, time dilation, gravitational frequency shifts, and relativity of synchronization. Experimental tests of relativity obtained with a GPS receiver aboard the TOPEX/POSEIDON satellite will be discussed. Recently frequency jumps arising from satellite orbit adjustments have been identified as relativistic effects. These will be explained and some interesting applications of GPS will be discussed.

PHARAO flight model: optical on ground performance tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lévèque, T.; Faure, B.; Esnault, F. X.; Grosjean, O.; Delaroche, C.; Massonnet, D.; Escande, C.; Gasc, Ph.; Ratsimandresy, A.; Béraud, S.; Buffe, F.; Torresi, P.; Larivière, Ph.; Bernard, V.; Bomer, T.; Thomin, S.; Salomon, C.; Abgrall, M.; Rovera, D.; Moric, I.; Laurent, Ph.

2017-11-01

PHARAO (Projet d'Horloge Atomique par Refroidissement d'Atomes en Orbite), which has been developed by CNES, is the first primary frequency standard specially designed for operation in space. PHARAO is the main instrument of the ESA mission ACES (Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space). ACES payload will be installed on-board the International Space Station (ISS) to perform fundamental physics experiments. All the sub-systems of the Flight Model (FM) have now passed the qualification process and the whole FM of the cold cesium clock, PHARAO, is being assembled and will undergo extensive tests. The expected performances in space are frequency accuracy less than 3.10-16 (with a final goal at 10-16) and frequency stability of 10-13 τ-1/2. In this paper, we focus on the laser source performances and the main results on the cold atom manipulation.

Ground-based optical atomic clocks as a tool to monitor vertical surface motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bondarescu, Ruxandra; Schärer, Andreas; Lundgren, Andrew; Hetényi, György; Houlié, Nicolas; Jetzer, Philippe; Bondarescu, Mihai

2015-09-01

According to general relativity, a clock experiencing a shift in the gravitational potential ΔU will measure a frequency change given by Δf/f ≈ ΔU/c2. The best clocks are optical clocks. After about 7 hr of integration they reach stabilities of Δf/f ˜ 10-18 and can be used to detect changes in the gravitational potential that correspond to vertical displacements of the centimetre level. At this level of performance, ground-based atomic clock networks emerge as a tool that is complementary to existing technology for monitoring a wide range of geophysical processes by directly measuring changes in the gravitational potential. Vertical changes of the clock's position due to magmatic, post-seismic or tidal deformations can result in measurable variations in the clock tick rate. We illustrate the geopotential change arising due to an inflating magma chamber using the Mogi model and apply it to the Etna volcano. Its effect on an observer on the Earth's surface can be divided into two different terms: one purely due to uplift (free-air gradient) and one due to the redistribution of matter. Thus, with the centimetre-level precision of current clocks it is already possible to monitor volcanoes. The matter redistribution term is estimated to be 3 orders of magnitude smaller than the uplift term. Additionally, clocks can be compared over distances of thousands of kilometres over short periods of time, which improves our ability to monitor periodic effects with long wavelength like the solid Earth tide.

A scheme for synchronizing clocks connected by a packet communication network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

dos Santos, R. V.; Monteiro, L. H. A.

2012-07-01

Consider a communication system in which a transmitter equipment sends fixed-size packets of data at a uniform rate to a receiver equipment. Consider also that these equipments are connected by a packet-switched network, which introduces a random delay to each packet. Here we propose an adaptive clock recovery scheme able of synchronizing the frequencies and the phases of these devices, within specified limits of precision. This scheme for achieving frequency and phase synchronization is based on measurements of the packet arrival times at the receiver, which are used to control the dynamics of a digital phase-locked loop. The scheme performance is evaluated via numerical simulations performed by using realistic parameter values.

Measurement of gravitational time dilation: An undergraduate research project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burns, M. Shane; Leveille, Michael D.; Dominguez, Armand R.; Gebhard, Brian B.; Huestis, Samuel E.; Steele, Jeffrey; Patterson, Brian; Sell, Jerry F.; Serna, Mario; Gearba, M. Alina; Olesen, Robert; O'Shea, Patrick; Schiller, Jonathan

2017-10-01

General relativity predicts that clocks run more slowly near massive objects. The effect is small—a clock at sea level lags behind one 1000 m above sea level by only 9.4 ns/day. Here, we demonstrate that a measurement of this effect can be done by undergraduate students. Our paper describes an experiment conducted by undergraduate researchers at Colorado College and the United States Air Force Academy to measure gravitational time dilation. The measurement was done by comparing the signals generated by a GPS frequency standard (sea-level time) to a Cs-beam frequency standard at seven different altitudes above sea level. We found that our measurements are consistent with the predictions of general relativity.

Hardware-assisted software clock synchronization for homogeneous distributed systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ramanathan, P.; Kandlur, Dilip D.; Shin, Kang G.

1990-01-01

A clock synchronization scheme that strikes a balance between hardware and software solutions is proposed. The proposed is a software algorithm that uses minimal additional hardware to achieve reasonably tight synchronization. Unlike other software solutions, the guaranteed worst-case skews can be made insensitive to the maximum variation of message transit delay in the system. The scheme is particularly suitable for large partially connected distributed systems with topologies that support simple point-to-point broadcast algorithms. Examples of such topologies include the hypercube and the mesh interconnection structures.

High accurate time system of the Low Latitude Meridian Circle.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jing; Wang, Feng; Li, Zhiming

In order to obtain the high accurate time signal for the Low Latitude Meridian Circle (LLMC), a new GPS accurate time system is developed which include GPS, 1 MC frequency source and self-made clock system. The second signal of GPS is synchronously used in the clock system and information can be collected by a computer automatically. The difficulty of the cancellation of the time keeper can be overcomed by using this system.

The Deep Space Atomic Clock: Ushering in a New Paradigm for Radio Navigation and Science

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ely, Todd; Seubert, Jill; Prestage, John; Tjoelker, Robert

2013-01-01

The Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC) mission will demonstrate the on-orbit performance of a high-accuracy, high-stability miniaturized mercury ion atomic clock during a year-long experiment in Low Earth Orbit. DSAC's timing error requirement provides the frequency stability necessary to perform deep space navigation based solely on one-way radiometric tracking data. Compared to a two-way tracking paradigm, DSAC-enabled one-way tracking will benefit navigation and radio science by increasing the quantity and quality of tracking data. Additionally, DSAC also enables fully-autonomous onboard navigation useful for time-sensitive situations. The technology behind the mercury ion atomic clock and a DSAC mission overview are presented. Example deep space applications of DSAC, including navigation of a Mars orbiter and Europa flyby gravity science, highlight the benefits of DSAC-enabled one-way Doppler tracking.

The Deep Space Atomic Clock Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ely, Todd A.; Koch, Timothy; Kuang, Da; Lee, Karen; Murphy, David; Prestage, John; Tjoelker, Robert; Seubert, Jill

2012-01-01

The Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC) mission will demonstrate the space flight performance of a small, low-mass, high-stability mercury-ion atomic clock with long term stability and accuracy on par with that of the Deep Space Network. The timing stability introduced by DSAC allows for a 1-Way radiometric tracking paradigm for deep space navigation, with benefits including increased tracking via utilization of the DSN's Multiple Spacecraft Per Aperture (MSPA) capability and full ground station-spacecraft view periods, more accurate radio occultation signals, decreased single-frequency measurement noise, and the possibility for fully autonomous on-board navigation. Specific examples of navigation and radio science benefits to deep space missions are highlighted through simulations of Mars orbiter and Europa flyby missions. Additionally, this paper provides an overview of the mercury-ion trap technology behind DSAC, details of and options for the upcoming 2015/2016 space demonstration, and expected on-orbit clock performance.

Evaluation of the accuracy of LF and TV synchronization techniques inChina via portable clock.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miao, Y.-R.; Pan, X.-P.; Song, J.-A.; Bian, Y.-J.; Luo, D.-C.; Zhuang, Q.-X.

Shanxi, Beijing and Shanghai observatories cooperated with the U. S. Naval Observatory in making two portable clock experiments in 1981 and 1982. A high performance cesium clock was compared with the 1 pps signals from master clock, Loran-C receiver and TV Line-6 receiver in different observatories. The comparison of the experimental results with the prediction of the time delay between transmitter and each observatory indicates that the accuracy of LF synchronization technique in China can reach ±1 μs, timing precision is 0.05 - 0.2 μs at a distance of 2000 km. (It has been shown that there is a systematic error in the Daily Relative Phase Values, Ser. 4 of the U. S. Naval Observatory for the Northwest Pacific Loran-C chain.) For passive CCTV synchronization, timing accuracy is 2 μs or better and daily frequency calibration precision is (2 - 20)×10-13.

Faraday-Shielded dc Stark-Shift-Free Optical Lattice Clock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beloy, K.; Zhang, X.; McGrew, W. F.; Hinkley, N.; Yoon, T. H.; Nicolodi, D.; Fasano, R. J.; Schäffer, S. A.; Brown, R. C.; Ludlow, A. D.

2018-05-01

We demonstrate the absence of a dc Stark shift in an ytterbium optical lattice clock. Stray electric fields are suppressed through the introduction of an in-vacuum Faraday shield. Still, the effectiveness of the shielding must be experimentally assessed. Such diagnostics are accomplished by applying high voltage to six electrodes, which are grounded in normal operation to form part of the Faraday shield. Our measurements place a constraint on the dc Stark shift at the 10-20 level, in units of the clock frequency. Moreover, we discuss a potential source of error in strategies to precisely measure or cancel nonzero dc Stark shifts, attributed to field gradients coupled with the finite spatial extent of the lattice-trapped atoms. With this consideration, we find that Faraday shielding, complemented with experimental validation, provides both a practically appealing and effective solution to the problem of dc Stark shifts in optical lattice clocks.

Faraday-Shielded dc Stark-Shift-Free Optical Lattice Clock.

PubMed

Beloy, K; Zhang, X; McGrew, W F; Hinkley, N; Yoon, T H; Nicolodi, D; Fasano, R J; Schäffer, S A; Brown, R C; Ludlow, A D

2018-05-04

We demonstrate the absence of a dc Stark shift in an ytterbium optical lattice clock. Stray electric fields are suppressed through the introduction of an in-vacuum Faraday shield. Still, the effectiveness of the shielding must be experimentally assessed. Such diagnostics are accomplished by applying high voltage to six electrodes, which are grounded in normal operation to form part of the Faraday shield. Our measurements place a constraint on the dc Stark shift at the 10^{-20} level, in units of the clock frequency. Moreover, we discuss a potential source of error in strategies to precisely measure or cancel nonzero dc Stark shifts, attributed to field gradients coupled with the finite spatial extent of the lattice-trapped atoms. With this consideration, we find that Faraday shielding, complemented with experimental validation, provides both a practically appealing and effective solution to the problem of dc Stark shifts in optical lattice clocks.

Neon as a Buffer Gas for a Mercury-Ion Clock

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prestage, John; Chung, Sang

2008-01-01

A developmental miniature mercury-ion clock has stability comparable to that of a hydrogen-maser clock. The ion-handling components are housed in a sealed vacuum tube, wherein a getter pump is used to maintain the partial vacuum, and the evacuated tube is backfilled with mercury vapor in a buffer gas. Neon was determined to be the best choice for the buffer gas: The pressure-induced frequency pulling by neon was found to be only about two-fifths of that of helium. Furthermore, because neon diffuses through solids much more slowly than does helium, the operational lifetime of a tube backfilled with neon could be considerably longer than that of a tube backfilled with helium.

A wide-range programmable frequency synthesizer based on a finite state machine filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alser, Mohammed H.; Assaad, Maher M.; Hussin, Fawnizu A.

2013-11-01

In this article, an FPGA-based design and implementation of a fully digital wide-range programmable frequency synthesizer based on a finite state machine filter is presented. The advantages of the proposed architecture are that, it simultaneously generates a high frequency signal from a low frequency reference signal (i.e. synthesising), and synchronising the two signals (signals have the same phase, or a constant difference) without jitter accumulation issue. The architecture is portable and can be easily implemented for various platforms, such as FPGAs and integrated circuits. The frequency synthesizer circuit can be used as a part of SERDES devices in intra/inter chip communication in system-on-chip (SoC). The proposed circuit is designed using Verilog language and synthesized for the Altera DE2-70 development board, with the Cyclone II (EP2C35F672C6) device on board. Simulation and experimental results are included; they prove the synthesizing and tracking features of the proposed architecture. The generated clock signal frequency of a range from 19.8 MHz to 440 MHz is synchronized to the input reference clock with a frequency step of 0.12 MHz.

An Energy-Aware Runtime Management of Multi-Core Sensory Swarms.

PubMed

Kim, Sungchan; Yang, Hoeseok

2017-08-24

In sensory swarms, minimizing energy consumption under performance constraint is one of the key objectives. One possible approach to this problem is to monitor application workload that is subject to change at runtime, and to adjust system configuration adaptively to satisfy the performance goal. As today's sensory swarms are usually implemented using multi-core processors with adjustable clock frequency, we propose to monitor the CPU workload periodically and adjust the task-to-core allocation or clock frequency in an energy-efficient way in response to the workload variations. In doing so, we present an online heuristic that determines the most energy-efficient adjustment that satisfies the performance requirement. The proposed method is based on a simple yet effective energy model that is built upon performance prediction using IPC (instructions per cycle) measured online and power equation derived empirically. The use of IPC accounts for memory intensities of a given workload, enabling the accurate prediction of execution time. Hence, the model allows us to rapidly and accurately estimate the effect of the two control knobs, clock frequency adjustment and core allocation. The experiments show that the proposed technique delivers considerable energy saving of up to 45%compared to the state-of-the-art multi-core energy management technique.

An Energy-Aware Runtime Management of Multi-Core Sensory Swarms

PubMed Central

Kim, Sungchan

2017-01-01

In sensory swarms, minimizing energy consumption under performance constraint is one of the key objectives. One possible approach to this problem is to monitor application workload that is subject to change at runtime, and to adjust system configuration adaptively to satisfy the performance goal. As today’s sensory swarms are usually implemented using multi-core processors with adjustable clock frequency, we propose to monitor the CPU workload periodically and adjust the task-to-core allocation or clock frequency in an energy-efficient way in response to the workload variations. In doing so, we present an online heuristic that determines the most energy-efficient adjustment that satisfies the performance requirement. The proposed method is based on a simple yet effective energy model that is built upon performance prediction using IPC (instructions per cycle) measured online and power equation derived empirically. The use of IPC accounts for memory intensities of a given workload, enabling the accurate prediction of execution time. Hence, the model allows us to rapidly and accurately estimate the effect of the two control knobs, clock frequency adjustment and core allocation. The experiments show that the proposed technique delivers considerable energy saving of up to 45%compared to the state-of-the-art multi-core energy management technique. PMID:28837094

ACES microwave link requirements.

PubMed

Uhrich, P M; Guillernot, P; Aubry, P; Gonzalez, F; Salomon, C

2000-01-01

Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES) is a project of the European Space Agency on-board the future International Space Station (ISS). The payload consists mainly of two atomic frequency standards, one space hydrogen maser (SHM) prepared by the Observatoire de Neuchatel (Switzerland), and one cold atom caesium clock called PHARAO prepared by the CNES (France), with the participation of the BNM-LPTF, the ENS-LKB, and the CNRS-LHA. Because of the anticipated performances of these clocks on-board the ISS, the requirements of the links between the payload and the clocks on the Earth are at the limits of the known potential of the optical or microwave techniques. The microwave link (MWL) requirements are described in this paper. Taking into account the characteristics of the ISS orbit, and fixing an arbitrary limit to the additional noise brought to the clock readings by the MWL, the computation of the required stability leads to two kinds of requirements: the first one at the subpicosecond level over each single continuous pass of the ISS above any Earth station, and the second one at the level of one part in 10(16) and below over a one day or more averaging period. Moreover, the ISS orbit parameters should lead to a knowledge of the ACES clock position at the m level, and of the ACES clock speed at the mm/s level.

Flattened optical frequency-locked multi-carrier generation by cascading one EML and one phase modulator driven by different RF clocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xinying; Xiao, Jiangnan

2015-06-01

We propose a novel scheme for optical frequency-locked multi-carrier generation based on one electro-absorption modulated laser (EML) and one phase modulator (PM) in cascade driven by different sinusoidal radio-frequency (RF) clocks. The optimal operating zone for the cascaded EML and PM is found out based on theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. We experimentally demonstrate 25 optical subcarriers with frequency spacing of 12.5 GHz and power difference less than 5 dB can be generated based on the cascaded EML and PM operating in the optimal zone, which agrees well with the numerical simulation. We also experimentally demonstrate 28-Gbaud polarization division multiplexing quadrature phase shift keying (PDM-QPSK) modulated coherent optical transmission based on the cascaded EML and PM. The bit error ratio (BER) can be below the pre-forward-error-correction (pre-FEC) threshold of 3.8 × 10-3 after 80-km single-mode fiber-28 (SMF-28) transmission.

Space Flyable Hg(sup +) Frequency Standards

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prestage, John D.; Maleki, Lute

1994-01-01

We discuss a design for a space based atomic frequency standard (AFS) based on Hg(sup +) ions confined in a linear ion trap. This newly developed AFS should be well suited for space borne applications because it can supply the ultra-high stability of a H-maser but its total mass is comparable to that of a NAVSTAR/GPS cesium clock, i.e., about 11kg. This paper will compare the proposed Hg(sup +) AFS to the present day GPS cesium standards to arrive at the 11 kg mass estimate. The proposed space borne Hg(sup +) standard is based upon the recently developed extended linear ion trap architecture which has reduced the size of existing trapped Hg(sup +) standards to a physics package which is comparable in size to a cesium beam tube. The demonstrated frequency stability to below 10(sup -15) of existing Hg(sup +) standards should be maintained or even improved upon in this new architecture. This clock would deliver far more frequency stability per kilogram than any current day space qualified standard.

Search for light scalar dark matter with atomic gravitational wave detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arvanitaki, Asimina; Graham, Peter W.; Hogan, Jason M.; Rajendran, Surjeet; Van Tilburg, Ken

2018-04-01

We show that gravitational wave detectors based on a type of atom interferometry are sensitive to ultralight scalar dark matter. Such dark matter can cause temporal oscillations in fundamental constants with a frequency set by the dark matter mass and amplitude determined by the local dark matter density. The result is a modulation of atomic transition energies. We point out a new time-domain signature of this effect in a type of gravitational wave detector that compares two spatially separated atom interferometers referenced by a common laser. Such a detector can improve on current searches for electron-mass or electric-charge modulus dark matter by up to 10 orders of magnitude in coupling, in a frequency band complementary to that of other proposals. It demonstrates that this class of atomic sensors is qualitatively different from other gravitational wave detectors, including those based on laser interferometry. By using atomic-clock-like interferometers, laser noise is mitigated with only a single baseline. These atomic sensors can thus detect scalar signals in addition to tensor signals.

Demonstration of quantum synchronization based on second-order quantum coherence of entangled photons

PubMed Central

Quan, Runai; Zhai, Yiwei; Wang, Mengmeng; Hou, Feiyan; Wang, Shaofeng; Xiang, Xiao; Liu, Tao; Zhang, Shougang; Dong, Ruifang

2016-01-01

Based on the second-order quantum interference between frequency entangled photons that are generated by parametric down conversion, a quantum strategic algorithm for synchronizing two spatially separated clocks has been recently presented. In the reference frame of a Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) interferometer, photon correlations are used to define simultaneous events. Once the HOM interferometer is balanced by use of an adjustable optical delay in one arm, arrival times of simulta- neously generated photons are recorded by each clock. The clock offset is determined by correlation measurement of the recorded arrival times. Utilizing this algorithm, we demonstrate a proof-of-principle experiment for synchronizing two clocks separated by 4 km fiber link. A minimum timing stability of 0.44 ps at averaging time of 16000 s is achieved with an absolute time accuracy of 73.2 ps. The timing stability is verified to be limited by the correlation measurement device and ideally can be better than 10 fs. Such results shine a light to the application of quantum clock synchronization in the real high-accuracy timing system. PMID:27452276

H2D(+) observations give an age of at least one million years for a cloud core forming Sun-like stars.

PubMed

Brünken, Sandra; Sipilä, Olli; Chambers, Edward T; Harju, Jorma; Caselli, Paola; Asvany, Oskar; Honingh, Cornelia E; Kamiński, Tomasz; Menten, Karl M; Stutzki, Jürgen; Schlemmer, Stephan

2014-12-11

The age of dense interstellar cloud cores, where stars and planets form, is a crucial parameter in star formation and difficult to measure. Some models predict rapid collapse, whereas others predict timescales of more than one million years (ref. 3). One possible approach to determining the age is through chemical changes as cloud contraction occurs, in particular through indirect measurements of the ratio of the two spin isomers (ortho/para) of molecular hydrogen, H2, which decreases monotonically with age. This has been done for the dense cloud core L183, for which the deuterium fractionation of diazenylium (N2H(+)) was used as a chemical clock to infer that the core has contracted rapidly (on a timescale of less than 700,000 years). Among astronomically observable molecules, the spin isomers of the deuterated trihydrogen cation, ortho-H2D(+) and para-H2D(+), have the most direct chemical connections to H2 (refs 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) and their abundance ratio provides a chemical clock that is sensitive to greater cloud core ages. So far this ratio has not been determined because para-H2D(+) is very difficult to observe. The detection of its rotational ground-state line has only now become possible thanks to accurate measurements of its transition frequency in the laboratory, and recent progress in instrumentation technology. Here we report observations of ortho- and para-H2D(+) emission and absorption, respectively, from the dense cloud core hosting IRAS 16293-2422 A/B, a group of nascent solar-type stars (with ages of less than 100,000 years). Using the ortho/para ratio in conjunction with chemical models, we find that the dense core has been chemically processed for at least one million years. The apparent discrepancy with the earlier N2H(+) work arises because that chemical clock turns off sooner than the H2D(+) clock, but both results imply that star-forming dense cores have ages of about one million years, rather than 100,000 years.

The REVEILLE Clock Genes Inhibit Growth of Juvenile and Adult Plants by Control of Cell Size.

PubMed

Gray, Jennifer A; Shalit-Kaneh, Akiva; Chu, Dalena Nhu; Hsu, Polly Yingshan; Harmer, Stacey L

2017-04-01

The circadian clock is a complex regulatory network that enhances plant growth and fitness in a constantly changing environment. In Arabidopsis ( Arabidopsis thaliana ), the clock is composed of numerous regulatory feedback loops in which REVEILLE8 ( RVE8 ) and its homologs RVE4 and RVE6 act in a partially redundant manner to promote clock pace. Here, we report that the remaining members of the RVE8 clade, RVE3 and RVE5 , play only minor roles in the regulation of clock function. However, we find that RVE8 clade proteins have unexpected functions in the modulation of light input to the clock and the control of plant growth at multiple stages of development. In seedlings, these proteins repress hypocotyl elongation in a daylength- and sucrose-dependent manner. Strikingly, adult rve4 6 8 and rve3 4 5 6 8 mutants are much larger than wild-type plants, with both increased leaf area and biomass. This size phenotype is associated with a faster growth rate and larger cell size and is not simply due to a delay in the transition to flowering. Gene expression and epistasis analysis reveal that the growth phenotypes of rve mutants are due to the misregulation of PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR4 ( PIF4 ) and PIF5 expression. Our results show that even small changes in PIF gene expression caused by the perturbation of clock gene function can have large effects on the growth of adult plants. © 2017 American Society of Plant Biologists. All Rights Reserved.

Relationships Between the Performance of Time/Frequency Standards and Navigation/Communication Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hellwig, H.; Stein, S. R.; Walls, F. L.; Kahan, A.

1978-01-01

The relationship between system performance and clock or oscillator performance is discussed. Tradeoffs discussed include: short term stability versus bandwidth requirements; frequency accuracy versus signal acquisition time; flicker of frequency and drift versus resynchronization time; frequency precision versus communications traffic volume; spectral purity versus bit error rate, and frequency standard stability versus frequency selection and adjustability. The benefits and tradeoffs of using precise frequency and time signals are various levels of precision and accuracy are emphasized.

Fibrocartilage in various regions of the human glenoid labrum. An immunohistochemical study on human cadavers.

PubMed

Ockert, Ben; Braunstein, Volker; Sprecher, Christoph M; Shinohara, Yasushi; Milz, Stefan

2012-06-01

The nature and the distribution of fibrocartilage at the human glenoid labrum are unclear, and a better understanding may help to restore its function in open and arthroscopic Bankart repair. Aim of this study was to describe the fibrocartilage extent within the labrum at clinically relevant sites of the glenoid in order to relate the molecular composition of the labrum to its mechanical environment. Twelve fresh frozen human cadaveric shoulders (mean age 38 years) were obtained, and sections perpendicular to the glenoid rim at the 12, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 9 o' clock position were labelled with antibodies against collagen I and II, aggrecan and link protein. A fibrocartilaginous transition zone with a characteristic collagen fibre orientation was found in 81% of cases, evenly distributed (83-92%) around the glenoid rim. The percentage of labrum cross-sectional area comprised of fibrocartilage averaged 28% and ranged from 26% at 12 o'clock on the glenoid clock face to 30% at 3 o'clock. The highest amount of fibrocartilage (82%) was found in the region neighbouring the hyaline articular cartilage. In the region beyond the bony edge of the glenoid, fibrocartilage cross-sectional area did not exceed 12-17%. Fibrocartilage is present at all examined positions around the glenoid rim and constitutes up to 1/3 of the cross-sectional area of the labrum. In turn, the percentage of fibrocartilage in different regions of its cross-section varies considerably. The findings suggest that the penetration of fibrocartilaginous tissue may be reduced by avoiding the highly fibrocartilage transition zone during restoration of labral detachment.

A Low-Power All-Digital on-Chip CMOS Oscillator for a Wireless Sensor Node

PubMed Central

Sheng, Duo; Hong, Min-Rong

2016-01-01

This paper presents an all-digital low-power oscillator for reference clocks in wireless body area network (WBAN) applications. The proposed on-chip complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) oscillator provides low-frequency clock signals with low power consumption, high delay resolution, and low circuit complexity. The cascade-stage structure of the proposed design simultaneously achieves high resolution and a wide frequency range. The proposed hysteresis delay cell further reduces the power consumption and hardware costs by 92.4% and 70.4%, respectively, relative to conventional designs. The proposed design is implemented in a standard performance 0.18 μm CMOS process. The measured operational frequency ranged from 7 to 155 MHz, and the power consumption was improved to 79.6 μW (@7 MHz) with a 4.6 ps resolution. The proposed design can be implemented in an all-digital manner, which is highly desirable for system-level integration. PMID:27754439

A Low-Power All-Digital on-Chip CMOS Oscillator for a Wireless Sensor Node.

PubMed

Sheng, Duo; Hong, Min-Rong

2016-10-14

This paper presents an all-digital low-power oscillator for reference clocks in wireless body area network (WBAN) applications. The proposed on-chip complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) oscillator provides low-frequency clock signals with low power consumption, high delay resolution, and low circuit complexity. The cascade-stage structure of the proposed design simultaneously achieves high resolution and a wide frequency range. The proposed hysteresis delay cell further reduces the power consumption and hardware costs by 92.4% and 70.4%, respectively, relative to conventional designs. The proposed design is implemented in a standard performance 0.18 μm CMOS process. The measured operational frequency ranged from 7 to 155 MHz, and the power consumption was improved to 79.6 μW (@7 MHz) with a 4.6 ps resolution. The proposed design can be implemented in an all-digital manner, which is highly desirable for system-level integration.

Method for Experimental Verification of the Effect of Gravitational Time Dilation by Using an Active Hydrogen Maser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malykin, G. B.

2015-09-01

The well-known experiments performed by Pound and Rebka already in the 1960s confirmed the effect of gravitational time dilation, which had been predicted earlier within the framework of the general relativity theory. However, since photon exchange occurred in the course of these experiments on comparing the frequencies of nuclear resonance fluorescence at various altitudes, the reasons underlying the origin of this effect are explained in the literature by two different and, in fact, alternative presumed physical phenomena. According to the first explanation, clocks locate higher run faster, which is due to an increase in the gravitational potential with increasing distance from the Earth, whereas ascending and descending photons do not change their frequency (by the same clock, e.g., that of the so-called outside observer). According to the second explanation, the clock rate is the same at different altitudes, but the ascending photons undergo a redshift since they lose their energy, while the descending photons undergo a blueshift since they acquire energy. Other combined interpretations of the gravitational time dilation, which presume that the both phenomena exist simultaneously, are proposed in the literature. We propose an experiment with two clocks being active hydrogen masers, one of which is located at the bottom of a high-rise building, and the other, on the top of the building. In this case, time is measured by the first and second clocks during a sufficiently long time interval. After that, the masers are placed at one point, and their indications are compared. In this case, the photon exchange is not required for comparison of the clock readings, and, therefore, the method proposed allows one to reveal the actual reason of the effect under consideration. Numerical estimations are made, which allow for the accompanying effects influencing the measurement accuracy. Critical analysis of the earlier experiments shows that they are either equivocal, or are not absolutely impeccable from the methodology viewpoint.

FPGA-based RF interference reduction techniques for simultaneous PET–MRI

PubMed Central

Gebhardt, P; Wehner, J; Weissler, B; Botnar, R; Marsden, P K; Schulz, V

2016-01-01

Abstract The combination of positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a multi-modal imaging technique is considered very promising and powerful with regard to in vivo disease progression examination, therapy response monitoring and drug development. However, PET–MRI system design enabling simultaneous operation with unaffected intrinsic performance of both modalities is challenging. As one of the major issues, both the PET detectors and the MRI radio-frequency (RF) subsystem are exposed to electromagnetic (EM) interference, which may lead to PET and MRI signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) deteriorations. Early digitization of electronic PET signals within the MRI bore helps to preserve PET SNR, but occurs at the expense of increased amount of PET electronics inside the MRI and associated RF field emissions. This raises the likelihood of PET-related MRI interference by coupling into the MRI RF coil unwanted spurious signals considered as RF noise, as it degrades MRI SNR and results in MR image artefacts. RF shielding of PET detectors is a commonly used technique to reduce PET-related RF interferences, but can introduce eddy-current-related MRI disturbances and hinder the highest system integration. In this paper, we present RF interference reduction methods which rely on EM field coupling–decoupling principles of RF receive coils rather than suppressing emitted fields. By modifying clock frequencies and changing clock phase relations of digital circuits, the resulting RF field emission is optimised with regard to a lower field coupling into the MRI RF coil, thereby increasing the RF silence of PET detectors. Our methods are demonstrated by performing FPGA-based clock frequency and phase shifting of digital silicon photo-multipliers (dSiPMs) used in the PET modules of our MR-compatible Hyperion IID PET insert. We present simulations and magnetic-field map scans visualising the impact of altered clock phase pattern on the spatial RF field distribution, followed by MRI noise and SNR scans performed with an operating PET module using different clock frequencies and phase patterns. The methods were implemented via firmware design changes without any hardware modifications. This introduces new means of flexibility by enabling adaptive RF interference reduction optimisations in the field, e.g. when using a PET insert with different MRI systems or when different MRI RF coil types are to be operated with the same PET detector. PMID:27049898

FPGA-based RF interference reduction techniques for simultaneous PET-MRI.

PubMed

Gebhardt, P; Wehner, J; Weissler, B; Botnar, R; Marsden, P K; Schulz, V

2016-05-07

The combination of positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a multi-modal imaging technique is considered very promising and powerful with regard to in vivo disease progression examination, therapy response monitoring and drug development. However, PET-MRI system design enabling simultaneous operation with unaffected intrinsic performance of both modalities is challenging. As one of the major issues, both the PET detectors and the MRI radio-frequency (RF) subsystem are exposed to electromagnetic (EM) interference, which may lead to PET and MRI signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) deteriorations. Early digitization of electronic PET signals within the MRI bore helps to preserve PET SNR, but occurs at the expense of increased amount of PET electronics inside the MRI and associated RF field emissions. This raises the likelihood of PET-related MRI interference by coupling into the MRI RF coil unwanted spurious signals considered as RF noise, as it degrades MRI SNR and results in MR image artefacts. RF shielding of PET detectors is a commonly used technique to reduce PET-related RF interferences, but can introduce eddy-current-related MRI disturbances and hinder the highest system integration. In this paper, we present RF interference reduction methods which rely on EM field coupling-decoupling principles of RF receive coils rather than suppressing emitted fields. By modifying clock frequencies and changing clock phase relations of digital circuits, the resulting RF field emission is optimised with regard to a lower field coupling into the MRI RF coil, thereby increasing the RF silence of PET detectors. Our methods are demonstrated by performing FPGA-based clock frequency and phase shifting of digital silicon photo-multipliers (dSiPMs) used in the PET modules of our MR-compatible Hyperion II (D) PET insert. We present simulations and magnetic-field map scans visualising the impact of altered clock phase pattern on the spatial RF field distribution, followed by MRI noise and SNR scans performed with an operating PET module using different clock frequencies and phase patterns. The methods were implemented via firmware design changes without any hardware modifications. This introduces new means of flexibility by enabling adaptive RF interference reduction optimisations in the field, e.g. when using a PET insert with different MRI systems or when different MRI RF coil types are to be operated with the same PET detector.

FPGA-based RF interference reduction techniques for simultaneous PET-MRI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gebhardt, P.; Wehner, J.; Weissler, B.; Botnar, R.; Marsden, P. K.; Schulz, V.

2016-05-01

The combination of positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a multi-modal imaging technique is considered very promising and powerful with regard to in vivo disease progression examination, therapy response monitoring and drug development. However, PET-MRI system design enabling simultaneous operation with unaffected intrinsic performance of both modalities is challenging. As one of the major issues, both the PET detectors and the MRI radio-frequency (RF) subsystem are exposed to electromagnetic (EM) interference, which may lead to PET and MRI signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) deteriorations. Early digitization of electronic PET signals within the MRI bore helps to preserve PET SNR, but occurs at the expense of increased amount of PET electronics inside the MRI and associated RF field emissions. This raises the likelihood of PET-related MRI interference by coupling into the MRI RF coil unwanted spurious signals considered as RF noise, as it degrades MRI SNR and results in MR image artefacts. RF shielding of PET detectors is a commonly used technique to reduce PET-related RF interferences, but can introduce eddy-current-related MRI disturbances and hinder the highest system integration. In this paper, we present RF interference reduction methods which rely on EM field coupling-decoupling principles of RF receive coils rather than suppressing emitted fields. By modifying clock frequencies and changing clock phase relations of digital circuits, the resulting RF field emission is optimised with regard to a lower field coupling into the MRI RF coil, thereby increasing the RF silence of PET detectors. Our methods are demonstrated by performing FPGA-based clock frequency and phase shifting of digital silicon photo-multipliers (dSiPMs) used in the PET modules of our MR-compatible Hyperion II D PET insert. We present simulations and magnetic-field map scans visualising the impact of altered clock phase pattern on the spatial RF field distribution, followed by MRI noise and SNR scans performed with an operating PET module using different clock frequencies and phase patterns. The methods were implemented via firmware design changes without any hardware modifications. This introduces new means of flexibility by enabling adaptive RF interference reduction optimisations in the field, e.g. when using a PET insert with different MRI systems or when different MRI RF coil types are to be operated with the same PET detector.

A single chip 2 Gbit/s clock recovery subsystem for digital communications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hickling, Ronald M.

A self-contained clock recovery/data resynchronizer phase locked loop (PLL) for use in microwave and fiber optic digital communications has been fabricated using GaAs integrated circuit technology. The IC contains the analog and digital components for the PLL: an edge-triggered phase detector based on a 1.2 GHz phase/frequency comparator, an op amp for creating the loop filter, and a VCO based on a differential source-coupled pair amplifier.

Prospective Memory in HIV-associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND): The Neuropsychological Dynamics of Time Monitoring

PubMed Central

Doyle, Katie L.; Loft, Shayne; Morgan, Erin E.; Weber, Erica; Cushman, Clint; Johnston, Elaine; Grant, Igor; Woods, Steven Paul

2013-01-01

Strategic monitoring during a delay interval is theorized to be an essential feature of time-based prospective memory (TB PM), the cognitive architecture of which is thought to rely heavily on frontostriatal systems and executive functions. This hypothesis was examined in 55 individuals with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) and 108 seronegative comparison participants who were administered the Memory for Intentions Screening Test (MIST), during which time monitoring (clock checking) behavior was measured. Results revealed a significant interaction between HAND group and the frequency of clock checking, in which individuals with HAND monitored checked the clock significantly less often than the comparison group across the TB PM retention intervals of the MIST. Subsequent analyses in the HAND sample revealed that the frequency of clocking checking was positively related to overall TB performance, as well as to standard clinical measures of retrospective memory and verbal fluency. These findings add support to a growing body of research elucidating TB PM’s reliance on strategic monitoring processes dependent upon intact frontostriatal systems. HIV-associated TB strategic time monitoring deficits may manifest in poorer functioning outcomes, including medication non-adherence and dependence in activities of daily living. Future research is needed to further delineate the cognitive mechanisms underlying strategic time monitoring in order to advise rehabilitation strategies for reducing HAND related TB PM deficits. PMID:23465043

Optimal entrainment of circadian clocks in the presence of noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monti, Michele; Lubensky, David K.; ten Wolde, Pieter Rein

2018-03-01

Circadian clocks are biochemical oscillators that allow organisms to estimate the time of the day. These oscillators are inherently noisy due to the discrete nature of the reactants and the stochastic character of their interactions. To keep these oscillators in sync with the daily day-night rhythm in the presence of noise, circadian clocks must be coupled to the dark-light cycle. In this paper, we study the entrainment of phase oscillators as a function of the intrinsic noise in the system. Using stochastic simulations, we compute the optimal coupling strength, intrinsic frequency, and shape of the phase-response curve, that maximize the mutual information between the phase of the clock and time. We show that the optimal coupling strength and intrinsic frequency increase with the noise, but that the shape of the phase-response curve varies nonmonotonically with the noise: in the low-noise regime, it features a dead zone that increases in width as the noise increases, while in the high-noise regime, the width decreases with the noise. These results arise from a tradeoff between maximizing stability—noise suppression—and maximizing linearity of the input-output, i.e., time-phase, relation. We also show that three analytic approximations—the linear-noise approximation, the phase-averaging method, and linear-response theory—accurately describe different regimes of the coupling strength and the noise.

Data processing method for a weak, moving telemetry signal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kendall, W. B.; Levy, G. S.; Nixon, D. L.; Panson, P. L.

1969-01-01

Method of processing data from a spacecraft, where the carrier has a low signal-to-noise ratio and wide unpredictable frequency shifts, consists of analogue recording of the noisy signal along with a high-frequency tone that is used as a clock to trigger a digitizer.

Microresonator Frequency Comb Optical Clock

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-22

lithic construction with small size and power consumption. Microcomb development has included frequency control of their spectra [8–11...frequency f eo and amplified to a maximum of 140 mW. The first-order sideband powers are approximately 3 dB lower than the pump, and the piece of highly...resonator offers sufficient peak power for our experiments and is stable and repeatable even for different settings of pump frequency and power

Optimetrics for Precise Navigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, Guangning; Heckler, Gregory; Gramling, Cheryl

2017-01-01

Optimetrics for Precise Navigation will be implemented on existing optical communication links. The ranging and Doppler measurements are conducted over communication data frame and clock. The measurement accuracy is two orders of magnitude better than TDRSS. It also has other advantages of: The high optical carrier frequency enables: (1) Immunity from ionosphere and interplanetary Plasma noise floor, which is a performance limitation for RF tracking; and (2) High antenna gain reduces terminal size and volume, enables high precision tracking in Cubesat, and in deep space smallsat. High Optical Pointing Precision provides: (a) spacecraft orientation, (b) Minimal additional hardware to implement Precise Optimetrics over optical comm link; and (c) Continuous optical carrier phase measurement will enable the system presented here to accept future optical frequency standard with much higher clock accuracy.

Time and frequency technology at NIST

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sullivan, D. B.

1994-01-01

The state of development of advanced timing systems at NIST is described. The work on cesium and rubidium frequency standards, stored-ion frequency standards, diode lasers used to pump such standards, time transfer, and methods for characterizing clocks, oscillators, and time distribution systems is presented. The emphasis is on NIST-developed technology rather than the general state of the art in this field.

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p20 controls circadian cell-cycle timing

PubMed Central

Laranjeiro, Ricardo; Tamai, T. Katherine; Peyric, Elodie; Krusche, Peter; Ott, Sascha; Whitmore, David

2013-01-01

Specific stages of the cell cycle are often restricted to particular times of day because of regulation by the circadian clock. In zebrafish, both mitosis (M phase) and DNA synthesis (S phase) are clock-controlled in cell lines and during embryo development. Despite the ubiquitousness of this phenomenon, relatively little is known about the underlying mechanism linking the clock to the cell cycle. In this study, we describe an evolutionarily conserved cell-cycle regulator, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1d (20 kDa protein, p20), which along with p21, is a strongly rhythmic gene and directly clock-controlled. Both p20 and p21 regulate the G1/S transition of the cell cycle. However, their expression patterns differ, with p20 predominant in developing brain and peak expression occurring 6 h earlier than p21. p20 expression is also p53-independent in contrast to p21 regulation. Such differences provide a unique mechanism whereby S phase is set to different times of day in a tissue-specific manner, depending on the balance of these two inhibitors. PMID:23569261

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p20 controls circadian cell-cycle timing.

PubMed

Laranjeiro, Ricardo; Tamai, T Katherine; Peyric, Elodie; Krusche, Peter; Ott, Sascha; Whitmore, David

2013-04-23

Specific stages of the cell cycle are often restricted to particular times of day because of regulation by the circadian clock. In zebrafish, both mitosis (M phase) and DNA synthesis (S phase) are clock-controlled in cell lines and during embryo development. Despite the ubiquitousness of this phenomenon, relatively little is known about the underlying mechanism linking the clock to the cell cycle. In this study, we describe an evolutionarily conserved cell-cycle regulator, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1d (20 kDa protein, p20), which along with p21, is a strongly rhythmic gene and directly clock-controlled. Both p20 and p21 regulate the G1/S transition of the cell cycle. However, their expression patterns differ, with p20 predominant in developing brain and peak expression occurring 6 h earlier than p21. p20 expression is also p53-independent in contrast to p21 regulation. Such differences provide a unique mechanism whereby S phase is set to different times of day in a tissue-specific manner, depending on the balance of these two inhibitors.

Geodetic methods to determine the relativistic redshift at the level of 10^{-18} in the context of international timescales: a review and practical results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denker, Heiner; Timmen, Ludger; Voigt, Christian; Weyers, Stefan; Peik, Ekkehard; Margolis, Helen S.; Delva, Pacôme; Wolf, Peter; Petit, Gérard

2017-12-01

The frequency stability and uncertainty of the latest generation of optical atomic clocks is now approaching the one part in 10^{18} level. Comparisons between earthbound clocks at rest must account for the relativistic redshift of the clock frequencies, which is proportional to the corresponding gravity (gravitational plus centrifugal) potential difference. For contributions to international timescales, the relativistic redshift correction must be computed with respect to a conventional zero potential value in order to be consistent with the definition of Terrestrial Time. To benefit fully from the uncertainty of the optical clocks, the gravity potential must be determined with an accuracy of about 0.1 m2 s^{-2} , equivalent to about 0.01 m in height. This contribution focuses on the static part of the gravity field, assuming that temporal variations are accounted for separately by appropriate reductions. Two geodetic approaches are investigated for the derivation of gravity potential values: geometric levelling and the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)/geoid approach. Geometric levelling gives potential differences with millimetre uncertainty over shorter distances (several kilometres), but is susceptible to systematic errors at the decimetre level over large distances. The GNSS/geoid approach gives absolute gravity potential values, but with an uncertainty corresponding to about 2 cm in height. For large distances, the GNSS/geoid approach should therefore be better than geometric levelling. This is demonstrated by the results from practical investigations related to three clock sites in Germany and one in France. The estimated uncertainty for the relativistic redshift correction at each site is about 2 × 10^{-18}.

Demodulator for binary-phase modulated signals having a variable clock rate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, Ta Tzu (Inventor)

1976-01-01

Method and apparatus for demodulating binary-phase modulated signals recorded on a magnetic stripe on a card as the card is manually inserted into a card reader. Magnetic transitions are sensed as the card is read and the time interval between immediately preceeding basic transitions determines the duration of a data sampling pulse which detects the presence or absence of an intermediate transition pulse indicative of two respective logic states. The duration of the data sampling pulse is approximately 75 percent of the preceeding interval between basic transitions to permit tracking succeeding time differences in basic transition intervals of up to approximately 25 percent.

Tuning the ferroelectric-to-paraelectric transition temperature and dipole orientation of group-IV monochalcogenide monolayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barraza-Lopez, Salvador; Kaloni, Thaneshwor P.; Poudel, Shiva P.; Kumar, Pradeep

2018-01-01

Coordination-related, two-dimensional (2D) structural phase transitions are a fascinating facet of two-dimensional materials with structural degeneracies. Nevertheless, a unified theoretical account of these transitions remains absent, and the following points are established through ab initio molecular dynamics and 2D discrete clock models here: Group-IV monochalcogenide (GeSe, SnSe, SnTe,...) monolayers have four degenerate structural ground states, and a phase transition from a threefold coordinated onto a fivefold coordinated structure takes place at finite temperature. On unstrained samples, this phase transition requires lattice parameters to evolve freely. A fundamental energy scale J permits understanding this transition, and numerical results indicate a transition temperature Tc of about 1.41 J . Numerical data provides a relation among the experimental (rhombic) parameter 〈Δ α 〉 [Chang et al., Science 353, 274 (2016), 10.1126/science.aad8609] and T of the form 〈Δ α 〉 =Δ α (T =0 ) (1-T /Tc)β , with a critical exponent β ≃1 /3 that coincides with experiment. It is also shown that 〈Δ α 〉 is temperature independent in another theoretical work [Fei et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 097601 (2016), 10.1103/PhysRevLett.117.097601], and thus incompatible with experiment. Tc and the orientation of the in-plane intrinsic electric dipole can be controlled by moderate uniaxial tensile strain, and a modified discrete clock model describes the transition on strained samples qualitatively. An analysis of out-of-plane fluctuations and a discussion of the need for van der Waals corrections to describe these materials are given too. These results provide an experimentally compatible framework to understand structural phase transitions in 2D materials and their effects on material properties.

Testing relativity with orbiting clocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nissen, J. A.; Lipa, J. A.; Wang, S.; Avaloff, D.; Stricker, D. A.

2011-02-01

We describe the background and status of a superconducting microwave clock suitable for relativity experiments in earth orbit. The project has the capability of performing improved tests of Lorentz invariance via a Michelson-Morley type experiment, and setting new limits on nine parameters in the Standard Model Extension. If flown with a high stability atomic clock, a Kennedy-Thorndike experiment along with additional tests in general relativity could be performed.In orbit, unwanted cavity frequency variations are expected to be caused mainly by acceleration effects due to residual drag and vibration, temperature variations, and fluctuations in the energy stored in the cavity. A cavity support system has been designed to reduce acceleration effects and a high resolution thermometer has been implemented to improve temperature control.

High-speed optical phase-shifting apparatus

DOEpatents

Zortman, William A.

2016-11-08

An optical phase shifter includes an optical waveguide, a plurality of partial phase shifting elements arranged sequentially, and control circuitry electrically coupled to the partial phase shifting elements. The control circuitry is adapted to provide an activating signal to each of the N partial phase shifting elements such that the signal is delayed by a clock cycle between adjacent partial phase shifting elements in the sequence. The transit time for a guided optical pulse train between the input edges of consecutive partial phase shifting elements in the sequence is arranged to be equal to a clock cycle, thereby enabling pipelined processing of the optical pulses.

A Kalman Filter Clock Algorithm for Use in the Presence of Flicker Frequency Modulation Noise

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-09-01

40, S335-S341. [5] P. M. Harris, J. A. Davis, M. G. Cox, and S. L. Shemar, 2003, “ Least - squares analysis of time series data and its application to two - way satellite time and frequency transfer measurements ,” Metrologia

Results of an Internet-Based Dual-Frequency Global Differential GPS System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Muellerschoen, R.; Bertiger, W.; Lough, M.

2000-01-01

Observables from a global network of 18 GPS receivers are returned in real-time to JPL over the open Internet. 30 - 40 cm RSS global GPS orbits and precise dual-frequency GPS clocks are computed in real-time with JPL's Real Time Gipsy (RTG) software.

Design and Evaluation of a Clock Multiplexing Circuit for the SSRL Booster Accelerator Timing System - Oral Presentation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Araya, Million

2015-08-25

SPEAR3 is a 234 m circular storage ring at SLAC’s synchrotron radiation facility (SSRL) in which a 3 GeV electron beam is stored for user access. Typically the electron beam decays with a time constant of approximately 10hr due to electron lose. In order to replenish the lost electrons, a booster synchrotron is used to accelerate fresh electrons up to 3GeV for injection into SPEAR3. In order to maintain a constant electron beam current of 500mA, the injection process occurs at 5 minute intervals. At these times the booster synchrotron accelerates electrons for injection at a 10Hz rate. A 10Hzmore » 'injection ready' clock pulse train is generated when the booster synchrotron is operating. Between injection intervalswhere the booster is not running and hence the 10 Hz ‘injection ready’ signal is not present-a 10Hz clock is derived from the power line supplied by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) to keep track of the injection timing. For this project I constructed a multiplexing circuit to 'switch' between the booster synchrotron 'injection ready' clock signal and PG&E based clock signal. The circuit uses digital IC components and is capable of making glitch-free transitions between the two clocks. This report details construction of a prototype multiplexing circuit including test results and suggests improvement opportunities for the final design.« less

Design and Evaluation of a Clock Multiplexing Circuit for the SSRL Booster Accelerator Timing System - Final Paper

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Araya, Million

2015-08-21

SPEAR3 is a 234 m circular storage ring at SLAC’s synchrotron radiation facility (SSRL) in which a 3 GeV electron beam is stored for user access. Typically the electron beam decays with a time constant of approximately 10hr due to electron lose. In order to replenish the lost electrons, a booster synchrotron is used to accelerate fresh electrons up to 3GeV for injection into SPEAR3. In order to maintain a constant electron beam current of 500mA, the injection process occurs at 5 minute intervals. At these times the booster synchrotron accelerates electrons for injection at a 10Hz rate. A 10Hzmore » 'injection ready' clock pulse train is generated when the booster synchrotron is operating. Between injection intervals-where the booster is not running and hence the 10 Hz ‘injection ready’ signal is not present-a 10Hz clock is derived from the power line supplied by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) to keep track of the injection timing. For this project I constructed a multiplexing circuit to 'switch' between the booster synchrotron 'injection ready' clock signal and PG&E based clock signal. The circuit uses digital IC components and is capable of making glitch-free transitions between the two clocks. This report details construction of a prototype multiplexing circuit including test results and suggests improvement opportunities for the final design.« less

PTB’s Primary Clock CS1: First Results After Its Reconstruction

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-12-01

intense atomic beam and the frequency instability up (7 = 1 s) is predicted to be 4.10- la , based on the 62.5 Hz linewidth and the signal-to-noise...will be put into final operation as a clock again. REFERENCES [I] K. Dorenwendt 1986, "Realization and dissemination of the second, " Metrologia ...T. HeindorfT, R. Schroder, and B. Fischer 1996, "The P T B primary clod CS3: type B evaluation of its standard uncertainty," Metrologia , 33, 249

Tests of general relativity using pulsars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reichley, P. E.

1971-01-01

The arrival times of the pulses from each pulsar are measured by a cesium clock. The observations are all made at a frequency of 2388 MHz (12.5 cm wavelength) on a 26 m dish antenna. The effect of interstellar charged particles is a random one that increases the noise level on the arrival time measurements. The variation in clock rate is shown consisting of two effects: the time dilation effect of special relativity and the red shift effect of general relativity.

A Prototype Cesium Clock Ensemble for The Loran-C Radionavigation System

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

ability to discipline using all-in-view GNSS and Two-Way Satellite Time and Frequency Transfer ( TWSTFT ). I. INTRODUCTION In the mid-1990s, the Coast...the clock weighting to favor the “best” oscillator(s) or switch the AOG discipline source to use an external source of timing such as GPS or TWSTFT ...cesium trio ensemble; however, it may also use external sources such as GPS or TWSTFT . Control: The field in the lower right corner of the GUI

Precision Measurements with a Molecular Clock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grier, Andrew; McDonald, Mickey; McGuyer, Bart; Iwata, Geoffrey; Apfelbeck, Florian; Tarallo, Marco; Zelevinsky, Tanya

2015-05-01

We report on recent results obtained with photoassociated Sr2 molecules confined in a lattice. Sr2 has a range of electronically excited bound states which are readily accessible with optical wavelengths using the narrow 1S0->3P1 intercombination line. As in Nat. Phys. 11, 32, we measure the lifetimes of the narrow, deeply-bound subradiant states in the 1g (1S0+3P1 dissociative limit) potential, allowing for coherent control of molecules and a comparison with theoretical predictions of the lifetimes and transition strengths of these states. Next, we study ultracold photodissociation of Sr2 molecules through abortion of one and two photons near the atomic intercombination line. This allows us to observe the vector character of transition elements through the angular dissociation pattern and to directly measure barrier heights in the excited state potentials. Finally, as shown in PRL 114, 023001, we demonstrate that in a non-magic lattice, a narrow transition can be used to measure the trapped gas temperature through the linewidth of the spectral feature corresponding to the carrier transitions. We use this technique to measure the temperature of Sr2 molecules to 10x higher precision than with standard techniques. We discuss future prospects with this molecular lattice clock. Funding from NIST, ARO, and NSF IGERT.

Ultraviolet laser spectroscopy of neutral mercury in a one-dimensional optical lattice

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mejri, S.; McFerran, J. J.; Yi, L.

2011-09-15

We present details on the ultraviolet lattice spectroscopy of the (6s{sup 2}) {sup 1}S{sub 0}{r_reversible} (6s6p) {sup 3}P{sub 0} transition in neutral mercury, specifically {sup 199}Hg. Mercury atoms are loaded into a one-dimensional vertically aligned optical lattice from a magneto-optical trap with an rms temperature of {approx}60 {mu}K. We describe aspects of the magneto-optical trapping, the lattice cavity design, and the techniques employed to trap and detect mercury in an optical lattice. The clock-line frequency dependence on lattice depth is measured at a range of lattice wavelengths. We confirm the magic wavelength to be 362.51(0.16) nm. Further observations to thosemore » reported by Yi et al.[Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 073005 (2011)] are presented regarding the laser excitation of a Wannier-Stark ladder of states.« less

Influence of the ac-Stark shift on GPS atomic clock timekeeping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Formichella, V.; Camparo, J.; Tavella, P.

2017-01-01

The ac-Stark shift (or light shift) is a fundamental aspect of the field/atom interaction arising from virtual transitions between atomic states, and as Alfred Kastler noted, it is the real-photon counterpart of the Lamb shift. In the rubidium atomic frequency standards (RAFS) flying on Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, it plays an important role as one of the major perturbations defining the RAFS' frequency: the rf-discharge lamp in the RAFS creates an atomic signal via optical pumping and simultaneously perturbs the atoms' ground-state hyperfine splitting via the light shift. Though the significance of the light shift has been known for decades, to date there has been no concrete evidence that it limits the performance of the high-quality RAFS flying on GPS satellites. Here, we show that the long-term frequency stability of GPS RAFS is primarily determined by the light shift as a consequence of stochastic jumps in lamplight intensity. Our results suggest three paths forward for improved GPS system timekeeping: (1) reduce the light-shift coefficient of the RAFS by careful control of the lamp's spectrum; (2) operate the lamp under conditions where lamplight jumps are not so pronounced; and (3) employ a light source for optical pumping that does not suffer pronounced light jumps (e.g., a diode laser).

Synchronous radio-frequency FM signal generator using direct digital synthesizers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arablu, Masoud; Kafashi, Sajad; Smith, Stuart T.

2018-04-01

A novel Radio-Frequency Frequency-Modulated (RF-FM) signal generation method is introduced and a prototype circuit developed to evaluate its functionality and performance. The RF-FM signal generator uses a modulated, voltage-controlled time delay to correspondingly modulate the phase of a 10 MHz sinusoidal reference signal. This modulated reference signal is, in turn, used to clock a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) circuit resulting in an FM signal at its output. The modulating signal that is input to the voltage-controlled time delay circuit is generated by another DDS that is synchronously clocked by the same 10 MHz sine wave signal before modulation. As a consequence, all of the digital components are timed from a single sine wave oscillator that forms the basis of all timing. The resultant output signal comprises a center, or carrier, frequency plus a series of phase-synchronized sidebands having exact integer harmonic frequency separation. In this study, carrier frequencies ranging from 10 MHz to 70 MHz are generated with modulation frequencies ranging from 10 kHz to 300 kHz. The captured spectra show that the FM signal characteristics, amplitude and phase, of the sidebands and the modulation depth are consistent with the Jacobi-Anger expansion for modulated harmonic signals.

Ground-based demonstration of the European Laser Timing (ELT) experiment.

PubMed

Schreiber, Karl Ulrich; Prochazka, Ivan; Lauber, Pierre; Hugentobler, Urs; Schäfer, Wolfgang; Cacciapuoti, Luigi; Nasca, Rosario

2010-03-01

The development of techniques for the comparison of distant clocks and for the distribution of stable and accurate time scales has important applications in metrology and fundamental physics research. Additionally, the rapid progress of frequency standards in the optical domain is presently demanding additional efforts for improving the performances of existing time and frequency transfer links. Present clock comparison systems in the microwave domain are based on GPS and two-way satellite time and frequency transfer (TWSTFT). European Laser Timing (ELT) is an optical link presently under study in the frame of the ESA mission Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES). The on-board hardware for ELT consists of a corner cube retro-reflector (CCR), a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD), and an event timer board connected to the ACES time scale. Light pulses fired toward ACES by a laser ranging station will be detected by the SPAD diode and time tagged in the ACES time scale. At the same time, the CCR will re-direct the laser pulse toward the ground station providing precise ranging information. We have carried out a ground-based feasibility study at the Geodetic Observatory Wettzell. By using ordinary satellites with laser reflectors and providing a second independent detection port and laser pulse timing unit with an independent time scale, it is possible to evaluate many aspects of the proposed time transfer link before the ACES launch.

An open-source, extensible system for laboratory timing and control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaskell, Peter E.; Thorn, Jeremy J.; Alba, Sequoia; Steck, Daniel A.

2009-11-01

We describe a simple system for timing and control, which provides control of analog, digital, and radio-frequency signals. Our system differs from most common laboratory setups in that it is open source, built from off-the-shelf components, synchronized to a common and accurate clock, and connected over an Ethernet network. A simple bus architecture facilitates creating new and specialized devices with only moderate experience in circuit design. Each device operates independently, requiring only an Ethernet network connection to the controlling computer, a clock signal, and a trigger signal. This makes the system highly robust and scalable. The devices can all be connected to a single external clock, allowing synchronous operation of a large number of devices for situations requiring precise timing of many parallel control and acquisition channels. Provided an accurate enough clock, these devices are capable of triggering events separated by one day with near-microsecond precision. We have achieved precisions of ˜0.1 ppb (parts per 109) over 16 s.

Circadian and feeding cues integrate to drive rhythms of physiology in Drosophila insulin-producing cells.

PubMed

Barber, Annika F; Erion, Renske; Holmes, Todd C; Sehgal, Amita

2016-12-01

Circadian clocks regulate much of behavior and physiology, but the mechanisms by which they do so remain poorly understood. While cyclic gene expression is thought to underlie metabolic rhythms, little is known about cycles in cellular physiology. We found that Drosophila insulin-producing cells (IPCs), which are located in the pars intercerebralis and lack an autonomous circadian clock, are functionally connected to the central circadian clock circuit via DN1 neurons. Insulin mediates circadian output by regulating the rhythmic expression of a metabolic gene (sxe2) in the fat body. Patch clamp electrophysiology reveals that IPCs display circadian clock-regulated daily rhythms in firing event frequency and bursting proportion under light:dark conditions. The activity of IPCs and the rhythmic expression of sxe2 are additionally regulated by feeding, as demonstrated by night feeding-induced changes in IPC firing characteristics and sxe2 levels in the fat body. These findings indicate circuit-level regulation of metabolism by clock cells in Drosophila and support a role for the pars intercerebralis in integrating circadian control of behavior and physiology. © 2016 Barber et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

A bi-directional fixed-latency clock distribution system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Y.; Ó Murchadha, A.; Meures, T.; Korntheuer, M.; Hanson, K.

2013-12-01

The Askar'yan Radio Array (ARA) Collaboration is constructing a giant array of radio-frequency antennas deployed in the ice near the geographic South Pole. This experiment aims at detecting the extremely weak signal of neutrinos with energies in excess of 100 PeV from ultrahigh-energy cosmic ray interactions with the cosmic microwave background radiation. The antennas are located in shallow holes drilled to depths of 200 m and need high fidelity RF signal transmission over extended lengths to the data acquisition logic at the surface. We report on a transmission scheme whereby signals are digitized in the ice and the waveforms are digitally sent via high-speed serial links. Reconstruction algorithms require distribution of a low-jitter clock from the surface down to the digitization boards in the holes with knowledge of the overall time delay between the two clock domains. Previously, we designed a clock synchronization system using electrical signaling over CAT5. This year we have updated our solution to optical fibers using high speed transceiver blocks in Spartan-6 FPGAs. This note describes our improvements on the latter solution: technical details as well as methods of maintaining a fixed phase between two clocks after power cycles and resets.

Altering the Speed Profiles of Wheelchair Rugby Players With Game-Simulation Drill Design.

PubMed

Rhodes, James M; Mason, Barry S; Paulson, Thomas A W; Goosey-Tolfrey, Victoria L

2018-01-01

To examine the speed profiles of elite wheelchair rugby (WCR) players during game-simulation training drills of differing player number and shot-clock regulations. A secondary aim was to determine whether the profiles were further influenced by player classification. Eight elite WCR players (low-point n = 3, high-point n = 5) were monitored using a radio-frequency-based indoor tracking system during training sessions over a 5-mo period. Speed profiles were collected for 3 modified game-simulation drills-3-versus-3 drills (n = 8 observations), 30-s shot clock (n = 24 observations), and 15-s shot clock (n = 16 observations)-and were compared with regular game-simulation drills (4 vs 4, 40-s shot clock; n = 16 observations). Measures included mean and peak speed; exercise-intensity ratios, defined as the ratio of time spent performing at high and low speeds; and the number of high-speed activities performed. Compared with regular game-simulation drills, 3-versus-3 drills elicited a moderate increase in mean speed (6.3%; effect size [ES] = 0.7) and the number of high-speed activities performed (44.1%; ES = 1.1). Minimal changes in speed profiles were observed during the 30-s shot clock, although moderate to large increases in all measures were observed during the 15-s shot-clock drills. Classification-specific differences were further identified, with increased activity observed for high-point players during the 3-versus-3 drill and for low-point players during the 15-s shot clock. By reducing the number of players on court and the shot clock to 15 s, coaches can significantly increase elite WCR players' speed profiles during game-simulation drills.

Development of a strontium optical lattice clock for space applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Yeshpal

2016-07-01

With timekeeping being of paramount importance for modern life, much research and major scientific advances have been undertaken in the field of frequency metrology, particularly over the last few years. New Nobel-prize winning technologies have enabled a new era of atomic clocks; namely the optical clock. These have been shown to perform significantly better than the best microwave clocks reaching an inaccuracy of 1.6x10-18 [1]. With such results being found in large lab based apparatus, the focus now has shifted to portability - to enable the accuracy of various ground based clocks to be measured, and compact autonomous performance - to enable such technologies to be tested in space. This could lead to a master clock in space, improving not only the accuracy of technologies on which modern life has come to require such as GPS and communication networks. But also more fundamentally, this could lead to the redefinition of the second and tests of fundamental physics including applications in the fields of ground based and satellite geodesy, metrology, positioning, navigation, transport and logistics etc. Within the European collaboration, Space Optical Clocks (SOC2) [2-3] consisting of various institutes and industry partners across Europe we have tried to tackle this problem of miniaturisation whilst maintaining stability, accuracy (5x10-17) and robustness whilst keeping power consumption to a minimum - necessary for space applications. We will present the most recent results of the Sr optical clock in SOC2 and also the novel compact design features, new methods employed and outlook. References [1] B. J. Bloom, T. L. Nicholson, J. R. Williams, S. L. Campbell, M. Bishof, X. Zhang, W. Zhang, S. L. Bromley, and J. Ye, "An optical lattice clock with accuracy and stability at the 10-18 level," Nature 506, 71-75 (2014). [2] S. Schiller et al. "Towards Neutral-atom Space Optical Clocks (SOC2): Development of high-performance transportable and breadboard optical clocks and advanced subsystems" on "Let's embrace space, volume II" 45, 452-463 (2012). ISBN 978-92-79-22207-8. [3] www.soc2.eu

Spacecraft Tests of General Relativity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, John D.

1997-01-01

Current spacecraft tests of general relativity depend on coherent radio tracking referred to atomic frequency standards at the ground stations. This paper addresses the possibility of improved tests using essentially the current system, but with the added possibility of a space-borne atomic clock. Outside of the obvious measurement of the gravitational frequency shift of the spacecraft clock, a successor to the suborbital flight of a Scout D rocket in 1976 (GP-A Project), other metric tests would benefit most directly by a possible improved sensitivity for the reduced coherent data. For purposes of illustration, two possible missions are discussed. The first is a highly eccentric Earth orbiter, and the second a solar-conjunction experiment to measure the Shapiro time delay using coherent Doppler data instead of the conventional ranging modulation.

"Leading Clocks Lag" and the de Broglie Wavelength

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shuler, Robert L., Jr.

2016-01-01

The forgotten history of de Broglie waves as themselves artifacts of a Lorentz transform, not physical lengths and frequencies to be transformed, causes confusion for students and others. In this paper the de Broglie wavelength is derived and dependence of de Broglie frequency on velocity explained in terms of Einstein synchronized reference frame…

From Sundials to Atomic Clocks: Understanding Time and Frequency.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jespersen, James; Fitz-Randolph, Jane

An introduction to time, timekeeping, and the uses of time information, especially in the scientific and technical areas, are offered in this book for laymen. Historical and philosophical aspects of time and timekeeping are included. The scientific thought on time has been simplified. Contents include: the nature of time, time and frequency, early…

Short-term stability improvements of an optical frequency standard based on free Ca atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sherman, Jeff; Oates, Chris

2010-03-01

Compared to optical frequency standards featuring trapped ions or atoms in optical lattices, the strength of a standard using freely expanding neutral calcium atoms is not ultimate accuracy but rather short-term stability and experimental simplicity. Recently, a fractional frequency instability of 4 x10-15 at 1 second was demonstrated for the Ca standard at 657 nm [1]. The short cycle time (˜2 ms) combined with only a moderate interrogation duty cycle (˜15 %) is thought to introduce excess, and potentially critically limiting technical noise due to the Dick effect---high-frequency noise on the laser oscillator is not averaged away but is instead down-sampled by aliasing. We will present results of two strategies employed to minimize this effect: the reduction of clock laser noise by filtering the master clock oscillator through a high-finesse optical cavity [2], and an optimization of the interrogation cycle to match our laser's noise spectrum.[4pt] [1] Oates et al., Optics Letters, 25(21), 1603--5 (2000)[0pt] [2] Nazarova et al., J. Opt. Soc. Am. B, 5(10), 1632--8 (2008)

Monte Carlo simulations of precise timekeeping in the Milstar communication satellite system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Camparo, James C.; Frueholz, R. P.

1995-01-01

The Milstar communications satellite system will provide secure antijam communication capabilities for DOD operations into the next century. In order to accomplish this task, the Milstar system will employ precise timekeeping on its satellites and at its ground control stations. The constellation will consist of four satellites in geosynchronous orbit, each carrying a set of four rubidium (Rb) atomic clocks. Several times a day, during normal operation, the Mission Control Element (MCE) will collect timing information from the constellation, and after several days use this information to update the time and frequency of the satellite clocks. The MCE will maintain precise time with a cesium (Cs) atomic clock, synchronized to UTC(USNO) via a GPS receiver. We have developed a Monte Carlo simulation of Milstar's space segment timekeeping. The simulation includes the effects of: uplink/downlink time transfer noise; satellite crosslink time transfer noise; satellite diurnal temperature variations; satellite and ground station atomic clock noise; and also quantization limits regarding satellite time and frequency corrections. The Monte Carlo simulation capability has proven to be an invaluable tool in assessing the performance characteristics of various timekeeping algorithms proposed for Milstar, and also in highlighting the timekeeping capabilities of the system. Here, we provide a brief overview of the basic Milstar timekeeping architecture as it is presently envisioned. We then describe the Monte Carlo simulation of space segment timekeeping, and provide examples of the simulation's efficacy in resolving timekeeping issues.

Induced adult stem (iAS) cells and induced transit amplifying progenitor (iTAP) cells-a possible alternative to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells?

PubMed

Heng, Boon Chin; Richards, Mark; Ge, Zigang; Shu, Yimin

2010-02-01

The successful derivation of iPSC lines effectively demonstrates that it is possible to reset the 'developmental clock' of somatic cells all the way back to the initial embryonic state. Hence, it is plausible that this clock may instead be turned back half-way to a less immature developmental stage that is more directly applicable to clinical therapeutic applications or for in vitro pharmacology/toxicology screening assays. Such a suitable developmental state is postulated to be either the putative transit amplifying progenitor stage or adult stem cell stage. It is hypothetically possible to reprogram mature and terminally differentiated somatic cells back to the adult stem cell or transit amplifying progenitor stage, in a manner similar to the derivation of iPSC. It is proposed that the terminology 'Induced Adult Stem Cells' (iASC) or 'Induced Transit Amplifying Progenitor Cells' (iTAPC) be used to described such reprogrammed somatic cells. Of particular interest, is the possibility of resetting the developmental clock of mature differentiated somatic cells of the mesenchymal lineage, explanted from adipose tissue, bone marrow and cartilage. The putative adult stem cell sub-population from which these cells are derived, commonly referred to as 'mesenchymal stem cells', are highly versatile and hold much therapeutic promise in regenerative medicine, as attested to by numerous human clinical trials and animal studies. Perhaps it may be appropriate to term such reprogrammed cells as 'Induced Mesenchymal Stem Cells' (iMSC) or as 'Induced Mesenchumal Progenitor Cells' (iMPC). Given that cells from the same organ/tissue will share some commonalities in gene expression, we hypothesize that the generation of iASC or iTAPC would be more efficient as compared to iPSC generation, since a common epigenetic program must exist between the reprogrammed cells, adult stem cell or progenitor cell types and terminally differentiated cell types from the same organ/tissue.

A damped oscillator imposes temporal order on posterior gap gene expression in Drosophila.

PubMed

Verd, Berta; Clark, Erik; Wotton, Karl R; Janssens, Hilde; Jiménez-Guri, Eva; Crombach, Anton; Jaeger, Johannes

2018-02-01

Insects determine their body segments in two different ways. Short-germband insects, such as the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, use a molecular clock to establish segments sequentially. In contrast, long-germband insects, such as the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster, determine all segments simultaneously through a hierarchical cascade of gene regulation. Gap genes constitute the first layer of the Drosophila segmentation gene hierarchy, downstream of maternal gradients such as that of Caudal (Cad). We use data-driven mathematical modelling and phase space analysis to show that shifting gap domains in the posterior half of the Drosophila embryo are an emergent property of a robust damped oscillator mechanism, suggesting that the regulatory dynamics underlying long- and short-germband segmentation are much more similar than previously thought. In Tribolium, Cad has been proposed to modulate the frequency of the segmentation oscillator. Surprisingly, our simulations and experiments show that the shift rate of posterior gap domains is independent of maternal Cad levels in Drosophila. Our results suggest a novel evolutionary scenario for the short- to long-germband transition and help explain why this transition occurred convergently multiple times during the radiation of the holometabolan insects.

A damped oscillator imposes temporal order on posterior gap gene expression in Drosophila

PubMed Central

Verd, Berta; Clark, Erik; Wotton, Karl R.; Janssens, Hilde; Jiménez-Guri, Eva; Crombach, Anton

2018-01-01

Insects determine their body segments in two different ways. Short-germband insects, such as the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, use a molecular clock to establish segments sequentially. In contrast, long-germband insects, such as the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster, determine all segments simultaneously through a hierarchical cascade of gene regulation. Gap genes constitute the first layer of the Drosophila segmentation gene hierarchy, downstream of maternal gradients such as that of Caudal (Cad). We use data-driven mathematical modelling and phase space analysis to show that shifting gap domains in the posterior half of the Drosophila embryo are an emergent property of a robust damped oscillator mechanism, suggesting that the regulatory dynamics underlying long- and short-germband segmentation are much more similar than previously thought. In Tribolium, Cad has been proposed to modulate the frequency of the segmentation oscillator. Surprisingly, our simulations and experiments show that the shift rate of posterior gap domains is independent of maternal Cad levels in Drosophila. Our results suggest a novel evolutionary scenario for the short- to long-germband transition and help explain why this transition occurred convergently multiple times during the radiation of the holometabolan insects. PMID:29451884

Transient triggering of near and distant earthquakes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gomberg, J.; Blanpied, M.L.; Beeler, N.M.

1997-01-01

We demonstrate qualitatively that frictional instability theory provides a context for understanding how earthquakes may be triggered by transient loads associated with seismic waves from near and distance earthquakes. We assume that earthquake triggering is a stick-slip process and test two hypotheses about the effect of transients on the timing of instabilities using a simple spring-slider model and a rate- and state-dependent friction constitutive law. A critical triggering threshold is implicit in such a model formulation. Our first hypothesis is that transient loads lead to clock advances; i.e., transients hasten the time of earthquakes that would have happened eventually due to constant background loading alone. Modeling results demonstrate that transient loads do lead to clock advances and that the triggered instabilities may occur after the transient has ceased (i.e., triggering may be delayed). These simple "clock-advance" models predict complex relationships between the triggering delay, the clock advance, and the transient characteristics. The triggering delay and the degree of clock advance both depend nonlinearly on when in the earthquake cycle the transient load is applied. This implies that the stress required to bring about failure does not depend linearly on loading time, even when the fault is loaded at a constant rate. The timing of instability also depends nonlinearly on the transient loading rate, faster rates more rapidly hastening instability. This implies that higher-frequency and/or longer-duration seismic waves should increase the amount of clock advance. These modeling results and simple calculations suggest that near (tens of kilometers) small/moderate earthquakes and remote (thousands of kilometers) earthquakes with magnitudes 2 to 3 units larger may be equally effective at triggering seismicity. Our second hypothesis is that some triggered seismicity represents earthquakes that would not have happened without the transient load (i.e., accumulated strain energy would have been relieved via other mechanisms). We test this using two "new-seismicity" models that (1) are inherently unstable but slide at steady-state conditions under the background load and (2) are conditionally stable such that instability occurs only for sufficiently large perturbations. For the new-seismicity models, very small-amplitude transients trigger instability relative to the clock-advance models. The unstable steady-state models predict that the triggering delay depends inversely and nonlinearly on the transient amplitude (as in the clock-advance models). We were unable to generate delayed triggering with conditionally stable models. For both new-seismicity models, the potential for triggering is independent of when the transient load is applied or, equivalently, of the prestress (unlike in the clock-advance models). In these models, a critical triggering threshold appears to be inversely proportional to frequency. Further advancement of our understanding will require more sophisticated, quantitative models and observations that distinguish between our qualitative, yet distinctly different, model predictions.

Comparaisons d'étalons primaires de fréquence par GPS.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uhrich, P. J.-M.

The new primary frequency standard of the BNM-LPTF, LPTF FO1, exhibits a frequency accuracy estimated at 3×10-15. For the comparison with other primary frequency standards, it then requires a method that remains at a stability level better than 10-15 between ten hours, during which it remains generally in continuous operation, and a couple of days, where the local oscillator towards which LPTF FO1 is estimated keeps its frequency at a level of 2×10-15. The well known GPS common-view method does not fit any more when using a single channel receiver: the clock comparison measurements exhibit a frequency stability at a few parts in 10-14 over one day, depending on the distance between the clock, and the intrinsic best stability level limited by the GPS signal currently used can be calculated at 7.7×10-15. But is can be shown that a 4 channel receiver, performing as many regular common-views as possible over each day, would allow to reach 10-15 on actual measurements. That should also be the case for an other option: the use of the carrier phase of the GPS signal, associated with global geodetic computing.

Carrier-envelope phase control of femtosecond mode-locked lasers and direct optical frequency synthesis

PubMed

Jones; Diddams; Ranka; Stentz; Windeler; Hall; Cundiff

2000-04-28

We stabilized the carrier-envelope phase of the pulses emitted by a femtosecond mode-locked laser by using the powerful tools of frequency-domain laser stabilization. We confirmed control of the pulse-to-pulse carrier-envelope phase using temporal cross correlation. This phase stabilization locks the absolute frequencies emitted by the laser, which we used to perform absolute optical frequency measurements that were directly referenced to a stable microwave clock.

Method and apparatus for frequency spectrum analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cole, Steven W. (Inventor)

1992-01-01

A method for frequency spectrum analysis of an unknown signal in real-time is discussed. The method is based upon integration of 1-bit samples of signal voltage amplitude corresponding to sine or cosine phases of a controlled center frequency clock which is changed after each integration interval to sweep the frequency range of interest in steps. Integration of samples during each interval is carried out over a number of cycles of the center frequency clock spanning a number of cycles of an input signal to be analyzed. The invention may be used to detect the frequency of at least two signals simultaneously. By using a reference signal of known frequency and voltage amplitude (added to the two signals for parallel processing in the same way, but in a different channel with a sampling at the known frequency and phases of the reference signal), the absolute voltage amplitude of the other two signals may be determined by squaring the sine and cosine integrals of each channel and summing the squares to obtain relative power measurements in all three channels and, from the known voltage amplitude of the reference signal, obtaining an absolute voltage measurement for the other two signals by multiplying the known voltage of the reference signal with the ratio of the relative power of each of the other two signals to the relative power of the reference signal.

Stability and accuracy of International Atomic Time TAI.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, C.

Since the end of 1992, the quality of the timing data received at the BIPM has rapidly evolved dues to the extensive replacement of older designs of commercial Cs clocks. Consequently, the stability of the reference time scales has improved significantly. This was tested by running modified algorithms over the real clock data collected at the BIPM. Results of different studies are shown here; in particular the implementation of an upper relative contribution, chosen equal to 1.37% for any contributing clock, leads to σy(τ=40 d) = 1.8×10-15. The accuracy of TAI is estimated by the difference between the duration of the TAI scale interval and the SI second as produced on the rotating geoid by primary frequency standards. In this paper, TAI accuracy is evaluated from six primary frequency standards LPTF-FO1, PTB CS1, PTB CS2, PTB CS3, NIST-7 and SU MCsR 102 all corrected in a consistent manner for the gravitational shift and the black-body radiation shift. This led to a mean departure of the TAI scale interval of 1.8×10-14 s over 1995, known with a relative uncertainty of 0.5×10-14 (1σ).

Searching for dilaton dark matter with atomic clocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arvanitaki, Asimina; Huang, Junwu; Van Tilburg, Ken

2015-01-01

We propose an experiment to search for ultralight scalar dark matter (DM) with dilatonic interactions. Such couplings can arise for the dilaton as well as for moduli and axion-like particles in the presence of C P violation. Ultralight dilaton DM acts as a background field that can cause tiny but coherent oscillations in Standard Model parameters such as the fine-structure constant and the proton-electron mass ratio. These minute variations can be detected through precise frequency comparisons of atomic clocks. Our experiment extends current searches for drifts in fundamental constants to the well-motivated high-frequency regime. Our proposed setups can probe scalars lighter than 1 0-15 eV with a discovery potential of dilatonic couplings as weak as 1 0-11 times the strength of gravity, improving current equivalence principle bounds by up to 8 orders of magnitude. We point out potential 1 04 sensitivity enhancements with future optical and nuclear clocks, as well as possible signatures in gravitational-wave detectors. Finally, we discuss cosmological constraints and astrophysical hints of ultralight scalar DM, and show they are complimentary to and compatible with the parameter range accessible to our proposed laboratory experiments.

Global Positioning System Synchronized Active Light Autonomous Docking System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howard, Richard T. (Inventor); Book, Michael L. (Inventor); Bryan, Thomas C. (Inventor); Bell, Joseph L. (Inventor)

1996-01-01

A Global Positioning System Synchronized Active Light Autonomous Docking System (GPSSALADS) for automatically docking a chase vehicle with a target vehicle comprising at least one active light emitting target which is operatively attached to the target vehicle. The target includes a three-dimensional array of concomitantly flashing lights which flash at a controlled common frequency. The GPSSALADS further comprises a visual tracking sensor operatively attached to the chase vehicle for detecting and tracking the target vehicle. Its performance is synchronized with the flash frequency of the lights by a synchronization means which is comprised of first and second internal clocks operatively connected to the active light target and visual tracking sensor, respectively, for providing timing control signals thereto, respectively. The synchronization means further includes first and second Global Positioning System receivers operatively connected to the first and second internal clocks, respectively, for repeatedly providing simultaneous synchronization pulses to the internal clocks, respectively. In addition, the GPSSALADS includes a docking process controller means which is operatively attached to the chase vehicle and is responsive to the visual tracking sensor for producing commands for the guidance and propulsion system of the chase vehicle.

Global Positioning System Synchronized Active Light Autonomous Docking System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howard, Richard (Inventor)

1994-01-01

A Global Positioning System Synchronized Active Light Autonomous Docking System (GPSSALADS) for automatically docking a chase vehicle with a target vehicle comprises at least one active light emitting target which is operatively attached to the target vehicle. The target includes a three-dimensional array of concomitantly flashing lights which flash at a controlled common frequency. The GPSSALADS further comprises a visual tracking sensor operatively attached to the chase vehicle for detecting and tracking the target vehicle. Its performance is synchronized with the flash frequency of the lights by a synchronization means which is comprised of first and second internal clocks operatively connected to the active light target and visual tracking sensor, respectively, for providing timing control signals thereto, respectively. The synchronization means further includes first and second Global Positioning System receivers operatively connected to the first and second internal clocks, respectively, for repeatedly providing simultaneous synchronization pulses to the internal clocks, respectively. In addition, the GPSSALADS includes a docking process controller means which is operatively attached to the chase vehicle and is responsive to the visual tracking sensor for producing commands for the guidance and propulsion system of the chase vehicle.

Upper Limit of Weights in TAI Computation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, Claudine; Azoubib, Jacques

1996-01-01

The international reference time scale International Atomic Time (TAI) computed by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) relies on a weighted average of data from a large number of atomic clocks. In it, the weight attributed to a given clock depends on its long-term stability. In this paper the TAI algorithm is used as the basis for a discussion of how to implement an upper limit of weight for clocks contributing to the ensemble time. This problem is approached through the comparison of two different techniques. In one case, a maximum relative weight is fixed: no individual clock can contribute more than a given fraction to the resulting time scale. The weight of each clock is then adjusted according to the qualities of the whole set of contributing elements. In the other case, a parameter characteristic of frequency stability is chosen: no individual clock can appear more stable than the stated limit. This is equivalent to choosing an absolute limit of weight and attributing this to to the most stable clocks independently of the other elements of the ensemble. The first technique is more robust than the second and automatically optimizes the stability of the resulting time scale, but leads to a more complicated computatio. The second technique has been used in the TAI algorithm since the very beginning. Careful analysis of tests on real clock data shows that improvement of the stability of the time scale requires revision from time to time of the fixed value chosen for the upper limit of absolute weight. In particular, we present results which confirm the decision of the CCDS Working Group on TAI to increase the absolute upper limit by a factor of 2.5. We also show that the use of an upper relative contribution further helps to improve the stability and may be a useful step towards better use of the massive ensemble of HP 507IA clocks now contributing to TAI.

Satellite time and frequency transfer (STIFT)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vessot, R. F. C.

1983-01-01

The concept of placing a hydrogen maser high stability clock in Earth orbit to provide accurate time and frequency comparisons worldwide to major timing centers and to a large number of radio observatory antenna sites involved in VLBI measurements was studied. The proposal was chiefly directed toward studies and initial hardware designs for time comparisons between hydrogen maser frequency standards and to modifications of the hydrogen maser for long-term use in space.

Femtosecond Timekeeping: Slip-Free Clockwork for Optical Timescales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herman, D.; Droste, S.; Baumann, E.; Roslund, J.; Churin, D.; Cingoz, A.; Deschênes, J.-D.; Khader, I. H.; Swann, W. C.; Nelson, C.; Newbury, N. R.; Coddington, I.

2018-04-01

The generation of true optical time standards will require the conversion of the highly stable optical-frequency output of an optical atomic clock to a high-fidelity time output. We demonstrate a comb-based clockwork that phase-coherently integrates ˜7 ×1020 optical cycles of an input optical frequency to create a coherent time output. We verify the underlying stability of the optical timing system by comparing two comb-based clockworks with a common input optical frequency and show <20 fs total time drift over the 37-day measurement period. Both clockworks also generate traditional timing signals including an optical pulse per second and a 10-MHz rf reference. The optical pulse-per-second time outputs remain synchronized to 240 attoseconds (240 as) at 1000 s. The phase-coherent 10-MHz rf outputs are stable to near a part in 1019 . Fault-free timekeeping from an optical clock to femtosecond level over months is an important step in replacing the current microwave time standard by an optical standard.

Sample-Clock Phase-Control Feedback

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quirk, Kevin J.; Gin, Jonathan W.; Nguyen, Danh H.; Nguyen, Huy

2012-01-01

To demodulate a communication signal, a receiver must recover and synchronize to the symbol timing of a received waveform. In a system that utilizes digital sampling, the fidelity of synchronization is limited by the time between the symbol boundary and closest sample time location. To reduce this error, one typically uses a sample clock in excess of the symbol rate in order to provide multiple samples per symbol, thereby lowering the error limit to a fraction of a symbol time. For systems with a large modulation bandwidth, the required sample clock rate is prohibitive due to current technological barriers and processing complexity. With precise control of the phase of the sample clock, one can sample the received signal at times arbitrarily close to the symbol boundary, thus obviating the need, from a synchronization perspective, for multiple samples per symbol. Sample-clock phase-control feedback was developed for use in the demodulation of an optical communication signal, where multi-GHz modulation bandwidths would require prohibitively large sample clock frequencies for rates in excess of the symbol rate. A custom mixedsignal (RF/digital) offset phase-locked loop circuit was developed to control the phase of the 6.4-GHz clock that samples the photon-counting detector output. The offset phase-locked loop is driven by a feedback mechanism that continuously corrects for variation in the symbol time due to motion between the transmitter and receiver as well as oscillator instability. This innovation will allow significant improvements in receiver throughput; for example, the throughput of a pulse-position modulation (PPM) with 16 slots can increase from 188 Mb/s to 1.5 Gb/s.

The contribution of Multi-GNSS Experiment (MGEX) to precise point positioning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Fei; Li, Xingxing; Zhang, Xiaohong; Wang, Jinling

2017-06-01

In response to the changing world of GNSS, the International GNSS Service (IGS) has initiated the Multi-GNSS Experiment (MGEX). As part of the MGEX project, initial precise orbit and clock products have been released for public use, which are the key prerequisites for multi-GNSS precise point positioning (PPP). In particular, precise orbits and clocks at intervals of 5 min and 30 s are presently available for the new emerging systems. This paper investigates the benefits of multi-GNSS for PPP. Firstly, orbit and clock consistency tests (between different providers) were performed for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou. In general, the differences of GPS are, respectively, 1.0-1.5 cm for orbit and 0.1 ns for clock. The consistency of GLONASS is worse than GPS by a factor of 2-3, i.e. 2-4 cm for orbit and 0.2 ns for clock. However, the corresponding differences of Galileo and BeiDou are significantly larger than those of GPS and GLONASS, particularly for the BeiDou GEO satellites. Galileo as well as BeiDou IGSO/MEO products have a consistency of 0.1-0.2 m for orbit, and 0.2-0.3 ns for clock. As to BeiDou GEO satellites, the difference of their orbits reaches 3-4 m in along-track, 0.5-0.6 m in cross-track, and 0.2-0.3 m in the radial directions, together with an average RMS of 0.6 ns for clock. Furthermore, the short-term stability of multi-GNSS clocks was analyzed by Allan deviation. Results show that clock stability of the onboard GNSS is highly dependent on the satellites generations, operational lifetime, orbit types, and frequency standards. Finally, kinematic PPP tests were conducted to investigate the contribution of multi-GNSS and higher rate clock corrections. As expected, the positioning accuracy as well as convergence speed benefit from the fusion of multi-GNSS and higher rate of precise clock corrections. The multi-GNSS PPP improves the positioning accuracy by 10-20%, 40-60%, and 60-80% relative to the GPS-, GLONASS-, and BeiDou-only PPP. The usage of 30 s interval clock products decreases interpolation errors, and the positioning accuracy is improved by an average of 30-50% for the all the cases except for the BeiDou-only PPP.

Colour As a Signal for Entraining the Mammalian Circadian Clock

PubMed Central

Walmsley, Lauren; Hanna, Lydia; Mouland, Josh; Martial, Franck; West, Alexander; Smedley, Andrew R.; Bechtold, David A.; Webb, Ann R.; Lucas, Robert J.; Brown, Timothy M.

2015-01-01

Twilight is characterised by changes in both quantity (“irradiance”) and quality (“colour”) of light. Animals use the variation in irradiance to adjust their internal circadian clocks, aligning their behaviour and physiology with the solar cycle. However, it is currently unknown whether changes in colour also contribute to this entrainment process. Using environmental measurements, we show here that mammalian blue–yellow colour discrimination provides a more reliable method of tracking twilight progression than simply measuring irradiance. We next use electrophysiological recordings to demonstrate that neurons in the mouse suprachiasmatic circadian clock display the cone-dependent spectral opponency required to make use of this information. Thus, our data show that some clock neurons are highly sensitive to changes in spectral composition occurring over twilight and that this input dictates their response to changes in irradiance. Finally, using mice housed under photoperiods with simulated dawn/dusk transitions, we confirm that spectral changes occurring during twilight are required for appropriate circadian alignment under natural conditions. Together, these data reveal a new sensory mechanism for telling time of day that would be available to any mammalian species capable of chromatic vision. PMID:25884537

Optical Communication with Semiconductor Laser Diode. Interim Progress Report. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davidson, Frederic; Sun, Xiaoli

1989-01-01

Theoretical and experimental performance limits of a free-space direct detection optical communication system were studied using a semiconductor laser diode as the optical transmitter and a silicon avalanche photodiode (APD) as the receiver photodetector. Optical systems using these components are under consideration as replacements for microwave satellite communication links. Optical pulse position modulation (PPM) was chosen as the signal format. An experimental system was constructed that used an aluminum gallium arsenide semiconductor laser diode as the transmitter and a silicon avalanche photodiode photodetector. The system used Q=4 PPM signaling at a source data rate of 25 megabits per second. The PPM signal format requires regeneration of PPM slot clock and word clock waveforms in the receiver. A nearly exact computational procedure was developed to compute receiver bit error rate without using the Gaussion approximation. A transition detector slot clock recovery system using a phase lock loop was developed and implemented. A novel word clock recovery system was also developed. It was found that the results of the nearly exact computational procedure agreed well with actual measurements of receiver performance. The receiver sensitivity achieved was the closest to the quantum limit yet reported for an optical communication system of this type.

Programmable pulse generator based on programmable logic and direct digital synthesis.

PubMed

Suchenek, M; Starecki, T

2012-12-01

The paper presents a new approach of pulse generation which results in both wide range tunability and high accuracy of the output pulses. The concept is based on the use of programmable logic and direct digital synthesis. The programmable logic works as a set of programmable counters, while direct digital synthesis (DDS) as the clock source. Use of DDS as the clock source results in stability of the output pulses comparable to the stability of crystal oscillators and quasi-continuous tuning of the output frequency.

Precise calibration of zero-crossing temperature and drift of an ultralow expansion cavity with a clock transition spectrum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hui; Jiang, Kun-Liang; Wang, Jin-Qi; Xiong, Zhuan-Xian; He, Ling-Xiang; Lü, Bao-Long

2018-05-01

Not Available Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 61227805, 11574352, 91536104, and 91636215) and the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. XDB21030100).

Frequency-Accommodating Manchester Decoder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vasquez, Mario J.

1988-01-01

No adjustment necessary to cover a 10:1 frequency range. Decoding circuit converts biphase-level pulse-code modulation to nonreturn-to-zero (NRZ)-level pulse-code modulation plus clock signal. Circuit accommodates input data rate of 50 to 500 kb/s. Tracks gradual changes in rate automatically, eliminating need for extra circuits and manual switching to adjust to different rates.

Reliable inverter systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nagano, S.

1979-01-01

Base driver with common-load-current feedback protects paralleled inverter systems from open or short circuits. Circuit eliminates total system oscillation that can occur in conventional inverters because of open circuit in primary transformer winding. Common feedback signal produced by functioning modules forces operating frequency of failed module to coincide with clock drive so module resumes normal operating frequency in spite of open circuit.

F-state quenching with CH{sub 4} for buffer-gas cooled {sup 171}Y b{sup +} frequency standard

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jau, Y.-Y., E-mail: yjau@sandia.gov; Hunker, J. D.; Schwindt, P. D. D.

2015-11-15

We report that methane, CH{sub 4}, can be used as an efficient F-state quenching gas for trapped ytterbium ions. The quenching rate coefficient is measured to be (2.8 ± 0.3) × 10{sup 6} s{sup −1} Torr{sup −1}. For applications that use microwave hyperfine transitions of the ground-state {sup 171}Y b ions, the CH{sub 4} induced frequency shift coefficient and the decoherence rate coefficient are measured as δν/ν = (−3.6 ± 0.1) × 10{sup −6} Torr{sup −1} and 1/T{sub 2} = (1.5 ± 0.2) × 10{sup 5} s{sup −1} Torr{sup −1}. In our buffer-gas cooled {sup 171}Y b{sup +} microwave clockmore » system, we find that only ≤10{sup −8} Torr of CH{sub 4} is required under normal operating conditions to efficiently clear the F-state and maintain ≥85% of trapped ions in the ground state with insignificant pressure shift and collisional decoherence of the clock resonance.« less

Note: Low phase noise programmable phase-locked loop with high temperature stability.

PubMed

Michálek, Vojtěch; Procházka, Ivan

2017-03-01

The design and construction of low jitter programmable phase-locked loop with low temperature coefficient of phase are presented. It has been designed for demanding high precision timing applications, especially as a clock source for event timer with subpicosecond precision. The phase-locked loop itself has a jitter of few hundreds of femtoseconds. It produces square wave with programmable output frequency from 100 MHz to 500 MHz and programmable amplitude of 0.25 V to 1.2 V peak-to-peak, which is locked to 5 MHz or 10 MHz reference frequency common for disciplined oscillators and highly stable clocks such as hydrogen maser. Moreover, it comprises an on-board temperature compensated crystal oscillator for stand-alone usage. The device provides temperature coefficient of the phase lock of 0.9 ps/K near room temperature.

Anomalous finite-size effect due to quasidegenerate phases in triangular antiferromagnets with long-range interactions and mapping to the generalized six-state clock model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishino, Masamichi; Miyashita, Seiji

2016-11-01

The effect of long-range (LR) interactions on frustrated-spin models is an interesting problem, which provides rich ordering processes. We study the effect of LR interactions on triangular Ising antiferromagnets with the next-nearest-neighbor ferromagnetic interaction (TIAFF). In the thermodynamic limit, the LRTIAFF model should reproduce the corresponding mean-field results, in which successive phase transitions occur among various phases, i.e., the disordered paramagnetic phase, so-called partially disordered phase, three-sublattice ferrimagnetic phase, and two-sublattice ferrimagnetic phase. In the present paper we focus on the magnetic susceptibility at the transition point between the two-sublattice ferrimagnetic and the disordered paramagnetic phases at relatively large ferromagnetic interactions. In the mean-field analysis, the magnetic susceptibility shows no divergence at the transition point. In contrast, a divergencelike enhancement of the susceptibility is observed in Monte Carlo simulations in finite-size systems. We investigate the origin of this difference and find that it is attributed to a virtual degeneracy of the free energies of the partially disordered and 2-FR phases. We also exploit a generalized six-state clock model with an LR interaction, which is a more general system with Z6 symmetry. We discuss the phase diagram of this model and find that it exhibits richer transition patterns and contains the physics of the LRTIAFF model.

An improved grey model for the prediction of real-time GPS satellite clock bias

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Z. Y.; Chen, Y. Q.; Lu, X. S.

2008-07-01

In real-time GPS precise point positioning (PPP), real-time and reliable satellite clock bias (SCB) prediction is a key to implement real-time GPS PPP. It is difficult to hold the nuisance and inenarrable performance of space-borne GPS satellite atomic clock because of its high-frequency, sensitivity and impressionable, it accords with the property of grey model (GM) theory, i. e. we can look on the variable process of SCB as grey system. Firstly, based on limits of quadratic polynomial (QP) and traditional GM to predict SCB, a modified GM (1,1) is put forward to predict GPS SCB in this paper; and then, taking GPS SCB data for example, we analyzed clock bias prediction with different sample interval, the relationship between GM exponent and prediction accuracy, precision comparison of GM to QP, and concluded the general rule of different type SCB and GM exponent; finally, to test the reliability and validation of the modified GM what we put forward, taking IGS clock bias ephemeris product as reference, we analyzed the prediction precision with the modified GM, It is showed that the modified GM is reliable and validation to predict GPS SCB and can offer high precise SCB prediction for real-time GPS PPP.

The AGS Ggamma Meter and Calibrating the Gauss Clock

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ahrens, Leif

2014-03-31

During AGS Polarized Proton acceleration periods, one output from the AGS Ggamma Meter, namely the energy (or Ggamma) calculated from the magnetic field in the AGS main magnets and the beam radius- both measured in particular instant, is used to figure out the times in the AGS magnet acceleration cycle when the beam passes through a particular set of depolarizing resonances. The resonance set occur whenever a particle’s Ggamma (energy*(G/m) becomes nearly equal to n*Qx (i.e. any integer multiplied by the horizontal betatron tune). This deliverable is why the machinery is referred to as the ''Ggamma Meter'' rather than themore » AGS energy meter. The Ggamma Meter takes as inputs a set of measurements of frequency (F(t)), radius (r(t)), and gauss clock counts (GCC(t)). The other energy (GgammaBr) assumes the field when the gauss clock starts counting is known. The change in field to time t is given by the measured accumulated gauss clock counts multiplied by the gauss clock calibration (gauss/GCC). In order to deal with experimental data, this calibration factor gets an added ad hoc complication, namely a correction dependent on the rate of change the counting rate. The Ggamma meter takes GCC(t) and together with the past history for this cycle calculates B(t).« less

Circadian Rhythms in Neurospora crassa: Clock Mutant Effects in the Absence of a frq-Based Oscillator

PubMed Central

Lombardi, Laura; Schneider, Kevin; Tsukamoto, Michelle; Brody, Stuart

2007-01-01

In Neurospora, the circadian rhythm is expressed as rhythmic conidiation driven by a feedback loop involving the protein products of frq (frequency), wc-1 (white collar-1), and wc-2, known as the frq/wc (FWC) oscillator. Although strains carrying null mutations such as frq10 or wc-2Δ lack a functional FWC oscillator and do not show a rhythm under most conditions, a rhythm can be observed in them by the addition of geraniol or farnesol to the media. Employing this altered media as an assay, the effect of other clock mutations in a frq10- or wc-2Δ-null background can be measured. It was found that the existing clock mutations fall into three classes: (1) those, such as prd-3 or prd-4 or frq1, that showed no effect in a clock null background; (2) those, such as prd-1 or prd-2 or prd-6, that did have a measurable effect in the frq10 background; and (3) those, such as the new mutation ult, that suppressed the frq10 or wc-2Δ effect, i.e., geraniol/farnesol was not required for a visible rhythm. This classification suggests that some of the known clock mutations are part of a broader multioscillator system. PMID:17237512

Polaronic and dressed molecular states in orbital Feshbach resonances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Junjun; Qi, Ran

2018-04-01

We consider the impurity problem in an orbital Feshbach resonance (OFR), with a single excited clock state | e ↑⟩ atom immersed in a Fermi sea of electronic ground state | g ↓⟩. We calculate the polaron effective mass and quasi-particle residue, as well as the polaron to molecule transition. By including one particle-hole excitation in the molecular state, we find significant correction to the transition point. This transition point moves toward the BCS side for increasing particle densities, which suggests that the corresponding many-body physics is similar to a narrow resonance.

Isoform switching facilitates period control in the Neurospora crassa circadian clock.

PubMed

Akman, Ozgur E; Locke, James C W; Tang, Sanyi; Carré, Isabelle; Millar, Andrew J; Rand, David A

2008-01-01

A striking and defining feature of circadian clocks is the small variation in period over a physiological range of temperatures. This is referred to as temperature compensation, although recent work has suggested that the variation observed is a specific, adaptive control of period. Moreover, given that many biological rate constants have a Q(10) of around 2, it is remarkable that such clocks remain rhythmic under significant temperature changes. We introduce a new mathematical model for the Neurospora crassa circadian network incorporating experimental work showing that temperature alters the balance of translation between a short and long form of the FREQUENCY (FRQ) protein. This is used to discuss period control and functionality for the Neurospora system. The model reproduces a broad range of key experimental data on temperature dependence and rhythmicity, both in wild-type and mutant strains. We present a simple mechanism utilising the presence of the FRQ isoforms (isoform switching) by which period control could have evolved, and argue that this regulatory structure may also increase the temperature range where the clock is robustly rhythmic.

Estimation of satellite position, clock and phase bias corrections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henkel, Patrick; Psychas, Dimitrios; Günther, Christoph; Hugentobler, Urs

2018-05-01

Precise point positioning with integer ambiguity resolution requires precise knowledge of satellite position, clock and phase bias corrections. In this paper, a method for the estimation of these parameters with a global network of reference stations is presented. The method processes uncombined and undifferenced measurements of an arbitrary number of frequencies such that the obtained satellite position, clock and bias corrections can be used for any type of differenced and/or combined measurements. We perform a clustering of reference stations. The clustering enables a common satellite visibility within each cluster and an efficient fixing of the double difference ambiguities within each cluster. Additionally, the double difference ambiguities between the reference stations of different clusters are fixed. We use an integer decorrelation for ambiguity fixing in dense global networks. The performance of the proposed method is analysed with both simulated Galileo measurements on E1 and E5a and real GPS measurements of the IGS network. We defined 16 clusters and obtained satellite position, clock and phase bias corrections with a precision of better than 2 cm.

TDR method for determine IC's parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timoshenkov, V.; Rodionov, D.; Khlybov, A.

2016-12-01

Frequency domain simulation is a widely used approach for determine integrated circuits parameters. This approach can be found in most of software tools used in IC industry. Time domain simulation approach shows intensive usage last years due to some advantages. In particular it applicable for analysis of nonlinear and nonstationary systems where frequency domain is inapplicable. Resolution of time domain systems allow see heterogeneities on distance 1mm, determine it parameters and properties. Authors used approach based on detecting reflected signals from heterogeneities - time domain reflectometry (TDR). Field effect transistor technology scaling up to 30-60nm gate length and 10nm gate dielectric, heterojunction bi-polar transistors with 10-30nm base width allows fabricate digital IC's with 20GHz clock frequency and RF-IC's with tens GHz bandwidth. Such devices and operation speed suppose transit signal by use microwave lines. There are local heterogeneities can be found inside of the signal path due to connections between different parts of signal lines (stripe line-RF-connector pin, stripe line - IC package pin). These heterogeneities distort signals that cause bandwidth decrease for RF-devices. Time domain research methods of transmission and reflected signals give the opportunities to determine heterogeneities, it properties, parameters and built up equivalent circuits. Experimental results are provided and show possibility for inductance and capacitance measurement up to 25GHz. Measurements contains result of signal path research on IC and printed circuit board (PCB) used for 12GHz RF chips. Also dielectric constant versus frequency was measured up to 35GHz.

On Frequency Combs in Monolithic Resonators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savchenkov, A. A.; Matsko, A. B.; Maleki, L.

2016-06-01

Optical frequency combs have become indispensable in astronomical measurements, biological fingerprinting, optical metrology, and radio frequency photonic signal generation. Recently demonstrated microring resonator-based Kerr frequency combs point the way towards chip scale optical frequency comb generator retaining major properties of the lab scale devices. This technique is promising for integrated miniature radiofrequency and microwave sources, atomic clocks, optical references and femtosecond pulse generators. Here we present Kerr frequency comb development in a historical perspective emphasizing its similarities and differences with other physical phenomena. We elucidate fundamental principles and describe practical implementations of Kerr comb oscillators, highlighting associated solved and unsolved problems.

Open-loop digital frequency multiplier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, R. C.

1977-01-01

Monostable multivibrator is implemented by using digital integrated circuits where multiplier constant is too large for conventional phase-locked-loop integrated circuit. A 400 Hz clock is generated by divide-by-N counter from 1 Hz timing reference.

Epigenetic and Posttranslational Modifications in Light Signal Transduction and the Circadian Clock in Neurospora crassa

PubMed Central

Proietto, Marco; Bianchi, Michele Maria; Ballario, Paola; Brenna, Andrea

2015-01-01

Blue light, a key abiotic signal, regulates a wide variety of physiological processes in many organisms. One of these phenomena is the circadian rhythm presents in organisms sensitive to the phase-setting effects of blue light and under control of the daily alternation of light and dark. Circadian clocks consist of autoregulatory alternating negative and positive feedback loops intimately connected with the cellular metabolism and biochemical processes. Neurospora crassa provides an excellent model for studying the molecular mechanisms involved in these phenomena. The White Collar Complex (WCC), a blue-light receptor and transcription factor of the circadian oscillator, and Frequency (FRQ), the circadian clock pacemaker, are at the core of the Neurospora circadian system. The eukaryotic circadian clock relies on transcriptional/translational feedback loops: some proteins rhythmically repress their own synthesis by inhibiting the activity of their transcriptional factors, generating self-sustained oscillations over a period of about 24 h. One of the basic mechanisms that perpetuate self-sustained oscillations is post translation modification (PTM). The acronym PTM generically indicates the addition of acetyl, methyl, sumoyl, or phosphoric groups to various types of proteins. The protein can be regulatory or enzymatic or a component of the chromatin. PTMs influence protein stability, interaction, localization, activity, and chromatin packaging. Chromatin modification and PTMs have been implicated in regulating circadian clock function in Neurospora. Research into the epigenetic control of transcription factors such as WCC has yielded new insights into the temporal modulation of light-dependent gene transcription. Here we report on epigenetic and protein PTMs in the regulation of the Neurospora crassa circadian clock. We also present a model that illustrates the molecular mechanisms at the basis of the blue light control of the circadian clock. PMID:26198228

Using the principles of circadian physiology enhances shift schedule design

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Connolly, J.J.; Moore-Ede, M.C.

1987-01-01

Nuclear power plants must operate 24 h, 7 days a week. For the most part, shift schedules currently in use at nuclear power plants have been designed to meet operational needs without considering the biological clocks of the human operators. The development of schedules that also take circadian principles into account is a positive step that can be taken to improve plant safety by optimizing operator alertness. These schedules reduce the probability of human errors especially during backshifts. In addition, training programs that teach round-the-clock workers how to deal with the problems of shiftwork can help to optimize performance andmore » alertness. These programs teach shiftworkers the underlying causes of the sleep problems associated with shiftwork and also provide coping strategies for improving sleep and dealing with the transition between shifts. When these training programs are coupled with an improved schedule, the problems associated with working round-the-clock can be significantly reduced.« less

Muscle insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism are controlled by the intrinsic muscle clock★

PubMed Central

Dyar, Kenneth A.; Ciciliot, Stefano; Wright, Lauren E.; Biensø, Rasmus S.; Tagliazucchi, Guidantonio M.; Patel, Vishal R.; Forcato, Mattia; Paz, Marcia I.P.; Gudiksen, Anders; Solagna, Francesca; Albiero, Mattia; Moretti, Irene; Eckel-Mahan, Kristin L.; Baldi, Pierre; Sassone-Corsi, Paolo; Rizzuto, Rosario; Bicciato, Silvio; Pilegaard, Henriette; Blaauw, Bert; Schiaffino, Stefano

2013-01-01

Circadian rhythms control metabolism and energy homeostasis, but the role of the skeletal muscle clock has never been explored. We generated conditional and inducible mouse lines with muscle-specific ablation of the core clock gene Bmal1. Skeletal muscles from these mice showed impaired insulin-stimulated glucose uptake with reduced protein levels of GLUT4, the insulin-dependent glucose transporter, and TBC1D1, a Rab-GTPase involved in GLUT4 translocation. Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity was also reduced due to altered expression of circadian genes Pdk4 and Pdp1, coding for PDH kinase and phosphatase, respectively. PDH inhibition leads to reduced glucose oxidation and diversion of glycolytic intermediates to alternative metabolic pathways, as revealed by metabolome analysis. The impaired glucose metabolism induced by muscle-specific Bmal1 knockout suggests that a major physiological role of the muscle clock is to prepare for the transition from the rest/fasting phase to the active/feeding phase, when glucose becomes the predominant fuel for skeletal muscle. PMID:24567902

Ion-Atom Cold Collisions and Atomic Clocks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prestage, John D.; Maleki, Lute; Tjoelker, Robert L.

1997-01-01

Collisions between ultracold neutral atoms have for some time been the subject of investigation, initially with hydrogen and more recently with laser cooled alkali atoms. Advances in laser cooling and trapping of neutral atoms in a Magneto-Optic Trap (MOT) have made cold atoms available as the starting point for many laser cooled atomic physics investigations. The most spectacularly successful of these, the observation of Bose-Einstein Condensation (BEC) in a dilute ultra-cold spin polarized atomic vapor, has accelerated the study of cold collisions. Experimental and theoretical studies of BEC and the long range interaction between cold alkali atoms is at the boundary of atomic and low temperature physics. Such studies have been difficult and would not have been possible without the development and advancement of laser cooling and trapping of neutral atoms. By contrast, ion-atom interactions at low temperature, also very difficult to study prior to modern day laser cooling, have remained largely unexplored. But now, many laboratories worldwide have almost routine access to cold neutral atoms. The combined technologies of ion trapping, together with laser cooling of neutrals has made these studies experimentally feasible and several very important, novel applications might come out of such investigations . This paper is an investigation of ion-atom interactions in the cold and ultra-cold temperature regime. Some of the collisional ion-atom interactions present at room temperature are very much reduced in the low temperature regime. Reaction rates for charge transfer between unlike atoms, A + B(+) approaches A(+) + B, are expected to fall rapidly with temperature, approximately as T(sup 5/2). Thus, cold mixtures of atoms and ions are expected to coexist for very long times, unlike room temperature mixtures of the same ion-atom combination. Thus, it seems feasible to cool ions via collisions with laser cooled atoms. Many of the conventional collisional interactions, exploited as a useful tool at room temperature and higher, are greatly enhanced at low energy. For example, collisional spin transfer from one species of polarized atoms to another has long been a useful method for polarizing a sample of atoms where no other means was available. Because optical pumping cannot be used to polarize the nuclear spin of Xe-129 or He-3 (for use in nmr imaging of the lungs), the nuclear spins are polarized via collisions with an optically pumped Rb vapor in a cell containing both gases. In another case, a spin polarized thermal Cs beam was used to polarize the hyperfine states of trapped He(+)-3 ions in order to measure their hyperfine clock transition frequency. The absence of an x-ray light source to optically pump the ground state of the He(+)-3 ion necessitated this alternative state preparation. Similarly, Cd(+) and Sr(+) ions were spin-oriented via collisions in a cell with optically pumped Rb vapor. Resonant RF spin changing transitions in the ground state of the ions were detected by changes in the Rb resonance light absorption. Because cold collision spin exchange rates scale with temperature as T(sup -1/2) this technique is expected to be a far more powerful tool than the room temperature counterpart. This factor of 100 or more enhancement in spin exchange reaction rates at low temperatures is the basis for a novel trapped ion clock where laser cooled neutrals will cool, state select and monitor the ion clock transition. The advantage over conventional direct laser cooling of trapped ions is that the very expensive and cumbersome UV laser light sources, required to excite the ionic cooling transition, are effectively replaced by simple diode lasers.

Direct measurement of Lorentz transformation with Doppler effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Shao-Guang

For space science and astronomy the fundamentality of one-way velocity of light (OWVL) is selfevident. The measurement of OWVL (distance/interval) and the clock synchronization with light-signal transfer make a logical circulation. This means that OWVL could not be directly measured but only come indirectly from astronomical method (Romer's Io eclipse and Bradley's sidereal aberration), furthermore, the light-year by definitional OWVL and the trigonometry distance with AU are also un-measurable. For to solve this problem two methods of clock synchronization were proposed: The direct method is that at one end of dual-speed transmissionline with single clock measure the arriving-time difference of longitudinal wave and transverse wave or ordinary light and extraordinary light, again to calculate the collective sending-time of two wave with Yang's /shear elastic-modulus ratio (E/k) or extraordinary/ordinary light refractive-index ratio (ne/no), which work as one earthquake-station with single clock measures first-shake time and the distance to epicenter; The indirect method is that the one-way wavelength l is measured by dual-counters Ca and Cb and computer's real-time operation of reading difference (Nb - Na) of two counters, the frequency f is also simultaneously measured, then l f is just OWVL. Therefore, with classical Newtonian mechanics and ether wave optics, OWVL can be measured in the Galileo coordinate system with an isotropic length unit (1889 international meter definition). Without any hypotheses special relativity can entirely establish on the metrical results. When a certain wavelength l is defined as length unit, foregoing measurement of one-way wavelength l will become as the measurement of rod's length. Let a rigidity-rod connecting Ca and Cb moves relative to lamp-house with velocity v, rod's length L = (Nb - Na) l will change follow v by known Doppler effect, i.e., L(q) =L0 (1+ (v/c) cos q), where L0 is the proper length when v= 0, v• r = v cos q, r is the unit vector from lamphouse point to counters. Or: L (0) L (pi) =L0 (1+(v/c)) L0 (1 - (v/c)) =L0 2 y2 =L2 Or: L ≡ [L(0)L(pi)]1/2 =L0 y , which y ≡ (1 - (v/c)2 )1/2 is just Fitzgerald-Lorentzian contraction-factor. Also, when a light-wave period p is defined as time unit, from Doppler's frequency-shift the count N with p of one period T of moving-clock is: T(q) = N(q) p = T0 /(1+(v/c) cos q) Or: T ≡ (T(0) T(pi))1/2 = T 0 /y , where T0 is the proper period when v = 0, which is just the moving-clock-slower effect. Let r from clock point to lamp-house ((v/c) symbol reverse), Doppler formula in the usual form is: f (q) = 1/T(q) = f0 (1 - (v/c) cos q). Therefore, Lorentz transformation is the square root average of positive and negative directions twice metrical results of Doppler's frequency-shift, which Doppler's once items ( positive and negative v/c ) are counteract only residual twice item (v/c)2 (relativity-factor). Then Lorentz transformation can be directly measured by Doppler's frequency-shift method. The half-life of moving mu-meson is statistical average of many particles, the usual explanation using relativity-factor y is correct. An airship moving simultaneously along contrary directions is impossible, which makes that the relativity-factor y and the twin-paradox are inexistent in the macroscopical movement. Thereby, in the navigations of airship or satellite only use the measurement of Doppler's frequency-shift but have no use for Lorentz transformation.

Libya: The Transition Clock

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

particularly important aspect will be the treat- ment of minorities such as the Berbers , who played an important role in the fighting apparently sup- ported by...will insist on the adoption of a strict inter- pretation of Shariah law, a position that led to Berber representatives walking out of at least one

Time synchronization of new-generation BDS satellites using inter-satellite link measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Junyang; Hu, Xiaogong; Zhou, Shanshi; Tang, Chengpan; Guo, Rui; Zhu, Lingfeng; Tang, Guifeng; Hu, Guangming

2018-01-01

Autonomous satellite navigation is based on the ability of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), such as Beidou, to estimate orbits and clock parameters onboard satellites using Inter-Satellite Link (ISL) measurements instead of tracking data from a ground monitoring network. This paper focuses on the time synchronization of new-generation Beidou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) satellites equipped with an ISL payload. Two modes of Ka-band ISL measurements, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) mode and the continuous link mode, were used onboard these BDS satellites. Using a mathematical formulation for each measurement mode along with a derivation of the satellite clock offsets, geometric ranges from the dual one-way measurements were introduced. Then, pseudoranges and clock offsets were evaluated for the new-generation BDS satellites. The evaluation shows that the ranging accuracies of TDMA ISL and the continuous link are approximately 4 cm and 1 cm (root mean square, RMS), respectively. Both lead to ISL clock offset residuals of less than 0.3 ns (RMS). For further validation, time synchronization between these satellites to a ground control station keeping the systematic time in BDT was conducted using L-band Two-way Satellite Time Frequency Transfer (TWSTFT). System errors in the ISL measurements were calibrated by comparing the derived clock offsets with the TWSTFT. The standard deviations of the estimated ISL system errors are less than 0.3 ns, and the calibrated ISL clock parameters are consistent with that of the L-band TWSTFT. For the regional BDS network, the addition of ISL measurements for medium orbit (MEO) BDS satellites increased the clock tracking coverage by more than 40% for each orbital revolution. As a result, the clock predicting error for the satellite M1S was improved from 3.59 to 0.86 ns (RMS), and the predicting error of the satellite M2S was improved from 1.94 to 0.57 ns (RMS), which is a significant improvement by a factor of 3-4.

Component-Level Demonstration of a Microfabricated Atomic Frequency Reference

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-08-01

Kitching, L. A. Liew, and J. Moreland, "A microfabricated atomic clock," Applied Physics Letters, vol. 85, pp. 1460-1462, 2004. [4] R. Lutwak , P...Symposium on Frequency Standards and Metrology, P. Gill, Ed. St. Andrews, Scotland: World Scientific, 2001, pp. 155-166. [31] R. Lutwak , D. Emmons...Frequency and Time Forum. Tampa, FL, 2003, pp. 31-32. [71] R. Lutwak , D. Emmons, T. English, W. Riley, A. Duwel, M. Varghese, D. K. Serkland, and

A look into the crystal ball: The next 25 years

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hellwig, Helmut

1994-01-01

The PTTI Planning Meeting was born at about the same time as the atomic definition of the unit of time, the second. This use of the cesium resonance was made possible by advances in quantum electronics during the preceding decade which resulted in commercial availability of cesium, rubidium, and hydrogen clocks and frequency standards. Twenty-five years later these types of clocks still are the backbone of time and frequency applications; together with a variety of crystal oscillators, transmitters, and receivers, as well as signal distribution, conditioning and switching systems, atomic clocks are an essential part of the infrastructure of modern navigation and communication technology. The next 25 years undoubtedly will see a pervasive expansion of PTTI into the infrastructure that supports and leverages industrial, social, environmental, defense, and even individual human activities. Speculation as to what capabilities, services, and personal conveniences may become available will be limited by two factors: the degree to which existing device concepts can be made more affordable and reliable, and the ability to miniaturize for purposes of compatibility with electronic integration. With regard to the latter, history teaches us that the required technological breakthrough is unlikely to originate in existing technology; thus, we may expect a paradigm shift in PTTI device concepts not unlike the shift in the 1960s from vacuum tubes to semiconductors.

Laser Cooled Atomic Clocks in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, R. J.; Kohel, J.; Klipstein, W. M.; Seidel, D. J.; Maleki, L.

2000-01-01

The goals of the Glovebox Laser-cooled Atomic Clock Experiment (GLACE) are: (1) first utilization of tunable, frequency-stabilized lasers in space, (2) demonstrate laser cooling and trapping in microgravity, (3) demonstrate longest 'perturbation-free' interaction time for a precision measurement on neutral atoms, (4) Resolve Ramsey fringes 2-10 times narrower than achievable on Earth. The approach taken is: the use of COTS components, and the utilization of prototype hardware from LCAP flight definition experiments. The launch date is scheduled for Oct. 2002. The Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) specifications are reviewed, and a picture of the MSG is shown.

Proceedings of the Annual Precise Time and Time Interval (PTTI) Applications and Planning Meeting (15th) Held at Washington, DC on 6-8 December 1983,

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-04-02

clock is an absolute technique with a 14 0 • ,4 precision of about 0.1 )us The results of the portable clock experiment indicate that LF sync...also gains direct access to the U. S. primary frequency standard, NBS-6. Access to1 BS-6 makes it possible to set an absolute limit of one part in 10...of the components in these equations are uncorrelated we may take vari- ances of each of these equations and the cross terms will average to zero 117

Hysteresis prediction inside magnetic shields and application

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Morić, Igor; CNES, Edouard Belin 18, 31400 Toulouse; De Graeve, Charles-Marie

2014-07-15

We have developed a simple model that is able to describe and predict hysteresis behavior inside Mumetal magnetic shields, when the shields are submitted to ultra-low frequency (<0.01 Hz) magnetic perturbations with amplitudes lower than 60 μT. This predictive model has been implemented in a software to perform an active compensation system. With this compensation the attenuation of longitudinal magnetic fields is increased by two orders of magnitude. The system is now integrated in the cold atom space clock called PHARAO. The clock will fly onboard the International Space Station in the frame of the ACES space mission.

Trigger circuit forces immediate synchronization of free-running oscillator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nagano, S.

1975-01-01

Device provides positive triggering for inverter synchronization in uninterruptible power supplies. Integrated-circuit oscillator frequency may be higher, lower, or the same as that of the synch pulse and is always synchronized by first clock pulse.

On the feasibility of phase only PPP for kinematic LEO orbits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wallat, Christoph; Schön, Steffen

2016-04-01

Low Earth Orbiters (LEO) are satellites in altitudes up to 1000 kilometers. From the sensor data collected on board the Earth's gravity field can be recovered. Over the last 15 years several satellite missions were brought into space and the orbit determination improved over the years. To process the sensor data, precise positioning and timing of the satellite is mandatory. There are two approaches for precise orbit determination (POD) of LEO satellites. Kinematic orbits are based on GNSS observations and star camera data measured on board of the LEO. With a Precise Point Positioning (PPP) known from the terrestrial case, using ionospheric-free linear combinations P3 and L3 three-dimensional coordinates of the LEO can be estimated for every observation epoch. To counteract the challenges in kinematic orbit determination our approach is based on a technique called GNSS receiver clock modeling (RCM). Here the frequency stability of an external oscillator is used to model the behavior of the GNSS receiver clock with piecewise linear polynomials instead of estimating epoch-wise the receiver clock time offset as an unknown parameter. When using RCM the observation geometry is stabilized and the orbit coordinates and the receiver clock error can be estimated with a better precision. The satellites of the Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission are equipped with Ultra Stable quartz Oscillators (USO). The USO frequency stability is used to correct the GRACE GPS receiver clock. Therefore, receiver clock modeling is feasible for polynomials with a length up to 60 seconds, leading to improved mean PDOP values of 30 % and smaller formal mean standard deviations of the coordinates between 6 and 33 %. We developed a new approach for GRACE orbits using kinematic PPP with clock modeling and tested our approach with simulated and real GPS data. The idea to use only carrier phase observations in the final processing and no code measurements leads to a reduced number of observations and changes in parameter correlation in the adjustment. Canceling the code observations out of the normal equation system is possible due to a technique named parameter lumping, which will be explained in detail. The estimated coordinates of our phase only approach are comparable to the conventional PPP solution concerning standard deviations and RMS values. We will point out the advantages of our approach for the kinematic orbit determination of the GRACE satellites also for improvements in computing phase ambiguities.

A dynamically reconfigurable multi-functional PLL for SRAM-based FPGA in 65nm CMOS technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Mingqian; Chen, Lei; Li, Xuewu; Zhang, Yanlong

2018-04-01

Phase-locked loops (PLL) have been widely utilized in FPGA as an important module for clock management. PLL with dynamic reconfiguration capability is always welcomed in FPGA design as it is able to decrease power consumption and simultaneously improve flexibility. In this paper, a multi-functional PLL with dynamic reconfiguration capability for 65nm SRAM-based FPGA is proposed. Firstly, configurable charge pump and loop filter are utilized to optimize the loop bandwidth. Secondly, the PLL incorporates a VCO with dual control voltages to accelerate the adjustment of oscillation frequency. Thirdly, three configurable dividers are presented for flexible frequency synthesis. Lastly, a configuration block with dynamic reconfiguration function is proposed. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed multi-functional PLL can output clocks with configurable division ratio, phase shift and duty cycle. The PLL can also be dynamically reconfigured without affecting other parts' running or halting the FPGA device.

High Precision Time Transfer in Space with a Hydrogen Maser on MIR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mattison, Edward M.; Vessot, Robert F. C.

1996-01-01

An atomic hydrogen maser clock system designed for long term operation in space will be installed on the Russian space station Mir, in late 1997. The H-maser's frequency stability will be measured using pulsed laser time transfer techniques. Daily time comparisons made with a precision of better than 100 picoseconds will allow an assessment of the long term stability of the space maser at a level on the order of 1 part in 10(sup 15) or better. Laser pulse arrival times at the spacecraft will be recorded with a resolution of 10 picoseconds relative to the space clock's time scale. Cube corner reflectors will reflect the pulses back to the Earth laser station to determine the propagation delay and enable comparison with the Earth-based time scale. Data for relativistic and gravitational frequency corrections will be obtained from a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver.

Assessment of GPS carrier-phase stability for time-transfer applications.

PubMed

Larson, K M; Levine, J; Nelson, L M; Parker, T E

2000-01-01

We have conducted global positioning system (GPS) carrier-phase time-transfer experiments between the master clock (MC) at the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO) in Washington, DC and the alternate master clock (AMC) at Schriever Air Force Base near Colorado Springs, Colorado. These clocks are also monitored on an hourly basis with two-way satellite time-transfer (TWSTT) measurements. We compared the performance of the GPS carrier phase and TWSTT systems over a 236-d period. Because of power problems and data outages during the carrier-phase experiment, the longest continuous time span is 96 d. The data from this period show agreement with TWSTT within +/-1 ns, apart from an overall constant time offset (caused by unknown delays in the GPS hardware at both ends). For averaging times of a day, the carrier-phase and TWSTT systems have a frequency uncertainty of 2.5 and 5.5 parts in 10(15), respectively.

(abstract) Precision Time and Frequency Transfer Utilizing SONET OC-3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stein, Sam; Calhoun, Malcom; Kuhnle, Paul; Sydnor, Richard; Gifford, Al

1996-01-01

An innovative method of distributing precise time and reference frequency to users located several kilometers from a frequency standard and master clock has been developed by the Timing Solutions Corporation of Boulder, CO. The Optical Two-Way Time Transfer System (OTWTTS) utilizes a commercial SONET OC-3 facility interface to physically connect a master unit to multiple slave units at remote locations. Optical fiber is a viable alternative to standard copper cable and microwave transmission. This paper discusses measurements of frequency and timing stability over the OTWTTS.

A coherent fiber link for very long baseline interferometry.

PubMed

Clivati, Cecilia; Costanzo, Giovanni A; Frittelli, Matteo; Levi, Filippo; Mura, Alberto; Zucco, Massimo; Ambrosini, Roberto; Bortolotti, Claudio; Perini, Federico; Roma, Mauro; Calonico, Davide

2015-11-01

We realize a coherent fiber link for application in very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) for radio astronomy and geodesy. A 550-km optical fiber connects the Italian National Metrological Institute (INRIM) to a radio telescope in Italy and is used for the primary Cs fountain clock stability and accuracy dissemination. We use an ultrastable laser frequency- referenced to the primary standard as a transfer oscillator; at the radio telescope, an RF signal is generated from the laser by using an optical frequency comb. This scheme now provides the traceability of the local maser to the SI second, realized by the Cs fountain at the 1.7 × 10(-16) accuracy. The fiber link never limits the experiment and is robust enough to sustain radio astronomical campaigns. This experiment opens the possibility of replacing the local hydrogen masers at the VLBI sites with optically-synthesized RF signals. This could improve VLBI resolution by providing more accurate and stable frequency references and, in perspective, by enabling common- clock VLBI based on a network of telescopes connected by fiber links.

Adaptive sampling dual terahertz comb spectroscopy using dual free-running femtosecond lasers.

PubMed

Yasui, Takeshi; Ichikawa, Ryuji; Hsieh, Yi-Da; Hayashi, Kenta; Cahyadi, Harsono; Hindle, Francis; Sakaguchi, Yoshiyuki; Iwata, Tetsuo; Mizutani, Yasuhiro; Yamamoto, Hirotsugu; Minoshima, Kaoru; Inaba, Hajime

2015-06-02

Terahertz (THz) dual comb spectroscopy (DCS) is a promising method for high-accuracy, high-resolution, broadband THz spectroscopy because the mode-resolved THz comb spectrum includes both broadband THz radiation and narrow-line CW-THz radiation characteristics. In addition, all frequency modes of a THz comb can be phase-locked to a microwave frequency standard, providing excellent traceability. However, the need for stabilization of dual femtosecond lasers has often hindered its wide use. To overcome this limitation, here we have demonstrated adaptive-sampling THz-DCS, allowing the use of free-running femtosecond lasers. To correct the fluctuation of the time and frequency scales caused by the laser timing jitter, an adaptive sampling clock is generated by dual THz-comb-referenced spectrum analysers and is used for a timing clock signal in a data acquisition board. The results not only indicated the successful implementation of THz-DCS with free-running lasers but also showed that this configuration outperforms standard THz-DCS with stabilized lasers due to the slight jitter remained in the stabilized lasers.

Adaptive sampling dual terahertz comb spectroscopy using dual free-running femtosecond lasers

PubMed Central

Yasui, Takeshi; Ichikawa, Ryuji; Hsieh, Yi-Da; Hayashi, Kenta; Cahyadi, Harsono; Hindle, Francis; Sakaguchi, Yoshiyuki; Iwata, Tetsuo; Mizutani, Yasuhiro; Yamamoto, Hirotsugu; Minoshima, Kaoru; Inaba, Hajime

2015-01-01

Terahertz (THz) dual comb spectroscopy (DCS) is a promising method for high-accuracy, high-resolution, broadband THz spectroscopy because the mode-resolved THz comb spectrum includes both broadband THz radiation and narrow-line CW-THz radiation characteristics. In addition, all frequency modes of a THz comb can be phase-locked to a microwave frequency standard, providing excellent traceability. However, the need for stabilization of dual femtosecond lasers has often hindered its wide use. To overcome this limitation, here we have demonstrated adaptive-sampling THz-DCS, allowing the use of free-running femtosecond lasers. To correct the fluctuation of the time and frequency scales caused by the laser timing jitter, an adaptive sampling clock is generated by dual THz-comb-referenced spectrum analysers and is used for a timing clock signal in a data acquisition board. The results not only indicated the successful implementation of THz-DCS with free-running lasers but also showed that this configuration outperforms standard THz-DCS with stabilized lasers due to the slight jitter remained in the stabilized lasers. PMID:26035687

Science Goals for the PARCS mission on the International Space Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashby, Neil; Hollberg, Leo; Jefferts, Steven; Klipstein, William; Seidel, David; Sullivan, Donald

2003-05-01

The PARCS (Primary Atomic Reference Clock in Space) experiment will use a laser-cooled cesium atomic clock operating in the microgravity environment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to provide both advanced tests of gravitational theory and to demonstrate a new cold-atom clock technology for space. This presentation concentrates on the scientific goals of the PARCS mission. The microgravity space environment allows laser-cooled Cs atoms to have Ramsey times in excess of those feasible on Earth, resulting in improved clock performance. Clock stabilities of 5×10-14 at one second, and uncertainties below 10-16 are projected. The relativistic frequency shift should be measurable at least 40 times better than the previous best measurement made by Gravity Probe A. Significant improvements in testing fundamental assumptions of relativity theory, such as local position invariance (LPI), are expected. PARCS is scheduled for launch in 2007 and may very well fly with the Stanford superconducting microwave oscillator (SUMO) which will allow a Kennedy-Thorndike-type experiment with an improvement of better than three orders of magnitude compared to previous best results. PARCS will also provide a much-improved realization of the second, and a stable time reference in space. PARCS is a joint project by the National Institue of Standards and Technology (NIST), the University of Colorado (CU) and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).