Related papers: Frequency Comparison of Two High-Accuracy Al+ Opti…
We explore the potential of the electric quadrupole transitions $7s\,^2S_{1/2}$ - $6d\,^2D_{3/2}$, $6d\,^2D_{5/2}$ in radium isotopes as single-ion optical frequency standards. The frequency shifts of the clock transitions due to external…
Evidence that the fine structure constant, alpha, was different in an early epoch has recently been found in quasar (QSO) absorption spectra. An accurate laboratory measurement of alpha variation could help to distinguish between space and…
The absolute frequency of the $^{87}{\rm Sr}$ clock transition measured in 2015 was reevaluated using an improved frequency link to the SI second. The scale interval of International Atomic Time (TAI) that we used as the reference was…
We carried out a 26-day comparison of five simultaneously operated optical clocks and six atomic fountain clocks located at INRIM, LNE-SYRTE, NPL and PTB by using two satellite-based frequency comparison techniques: broadband Two-Way…
We have developed a broadly-applicable approach that drastically increases the ability to accurately predict properties of complex atoms. We applied it to the case of Ir$^{17+}$, which is of particular interest for the development of novel…
In this paper we present a novel method of atomic clock synchronisation combining digital error correction and phase tracking. Microwave broadcasts are used to measure the difference in frequency between a pair of atomic clocks. We use the…
We report the first laser spectroscopy of the $^1$S$_0$ to $^3$D$_1$ clock transition in $^{175}$Lu$^+$. Clock operation is demonstrated on three pairs of Zeeman transitions, one pair from each hyperfine manifold of the $^3$D$_1$ term. We…
We present an analysis of the different types of noise from the detection and interrogation laser in our strontium lattice clock. We develop a noise model showing that in our setup quantum projection noise--limited detection is possible if…
We present a transportable optical clock (TOC) with $^{87}$Sr. Its complete characterization against a stationary lattice clock resulted in a systematic uncertainty of ${7.4 \times 10^{-17}}$ which is currently limited by the statistics of…
This article theoretically proposes a new dual interferometer technique to accurately calibrate two laser frequencies simultaneously using four-wave mixing in an alkali metal vapor cell. The two frequency-calibrated lasers are mixed to…
We describe experimental investigations on an optical frequency standard based on a laser cooled 171Yb+ ion confined in a radiofrequency Paul trap. The electric-quadrupole transition from the 2S1/2(F=0) ground state to the 2D3/2(F=2) state…
We consider an application of precision frequency measurements to searches for possible time variations of the fundamental physical constants. Current laboratory constraints on variations of the fine structure constant alpha and other…
The operation of atomic clocks is generally carried out at room temperature, whereas the definition of the second refers to the clock transition in an atom at absolute zero. This implies that the clock transition frequency should be…
Optical clocks require an ultra-stable laser to probe and precisely measure the frequency of the narrow-linewidth clock transition. We introduce a portable ultraviolet (UV) laser system for use in an aluminum quantum logic clock,…
The energy levels and electric dipole ($E1$) matrix elements of the ground state and low-lying excited states of Be atoms are calculated using the relativistic configuration interaction plus core polarization (RCICP) method. The static and…
We examine energy level-crossings of fine-structure (FS) levels in the heavier highly charged ions (HCIs) with $d^6$ and $d^8$ configurations. From the analysis, we find that some of these HCIs are tailor-made for atomic clocks with quality…
Based on general relativity, clock comparisons enable the determination of the gravity potential relative to a stable reference. Lunar surface clocks, owing to the Moon's low-noise conditions, high orbital stability, and broad Earth…
We study a wide range of neutral atoms and ions suitable for ultra-precise atomic optical clocks with naturally suppressed black body radiation shift of clock transition frequency. Calculations show that scalar polarizabilities of clock…
A new method for examining the possible space-time variation of the fine structure constant ($\alpha$) is proposed. The technique uses a relatively simple measurement with an optical resonator to compare atom-stabilized optical frequency…
We describe a frequency stabilized diode laser at 698 nm used for high resolution spectroscopy of the 1S0-3P0 strontium clock transition. For the laser stabilization we use state-of-the-art symmetrically suspended optical cavities optimized…