Related papers: Optical frequency standard based on a two-photon t…
We experimentally investigate an optical frequency standard based on the 467 nm (642 THz) electric-octupole reference transition 2S1/2(F=0) -> F7/2(F=3) in a single trapped 171Yb+ ion. The extraordinary features of this transition result…
This paper describes advances in microwave frequency standards using laser-cooled atoms at BNM-SYRTE. First, recent improvements of the $^{133}$Cs and $^{87}$Rb atomic fountains are described. Thanks to the routine use of a cryogenic…
Atomic sensors employing cold-atom technology enable unprecedented accuracy and resolution for next generation atomic clocks, magnetometers, gravimeters, and gyroscopes. To date, however, the size and complexity of cold atom systems have…
We describe experiments with an optical frequency standard based on a laser cooled $^{171}$Yb$^+$ ion confined in a radiofrequency Paul trap. The electric-quadrupole transition from the $^2S_{1/2}(F=0)$ ground state to the $^2D_{3/2}(F=2)$…
The experimental comparison of two thulium optical lattice clocks in a time interval of up to one hour has been carried out. The synchronous comparison of a clock transition in two independent atomic ensembles using a single ultrastable…
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…
Light shift and vapor-cell temperature shift are the two most significant factors dominating the long-term instability of compact atomic clocks. Due to the different physical mechanisms, there is not yet a solution that can effectively…
We calculate the shift, due to interatomic interactions, of an optical transition in an atomic Fermi gas trapped in an optical lattice, as in recent experiments of Campbell {\it et al.}, Science {\bf 324}, 360 (2009). Using a pseudospin…
The exquisite control exhibited over quantum states of individual particles has revolutionized the field of precision measurement, as exemplified by the most accurate atomic clock realized in single trapped ions. Whereas many-atom lattice…
Optical clocks are not only powerful tools for prime fundamental research, but are also deemed for the re-definition of the SI base unit second as they now surpass the performance of caesium atomic clocks in both accuracy and stability by…
Some 50~years ago, physicists, and after them the entire world, started to found their time reference on atomic properties instead of motions of the Earth that have been in use since the origin. Far from being an arrival point, this…
Atomic clocks play a crucial role in timekeeping, communications, and navigation systems. Recent efforts enabled by heterogeneous MEMS integration have led to the commercial introduction of Chip-Scale Atomic Clocks (CSAC) with a volume of…
Collisions with background gas can perturb the transition frequency of trapped ions in an optical atomic clock. We develop a non-perturbative framework based on a quantum channel description of the scattering process, and use it to derive a…
Optical atomic clocks have already overcome the eighteenth decimal digit of instability and uncertainty demonstrating incredible control over external perturbations of the clock transition frequency. At the same time there is an increasing…
Laboratory optical atomic clocks achieve remarkable accuracy (now counted to 18 digits or more), opening possibilities to explore fundamental physics and enable new measurements. However, their size and use of bulk components prevent them…
We report on the development and short-term stability characterization of an optical frequency reference based on the spectroscopy of the rubidium two-photon transition at 778 nm in a microfabricated vapor cell. When compared against a 778…
In optical clocks, transitions of ions or neutral atoms are interrogated using pulsed ultra-narrow laser fields. Systematic phase chirps of the laser or changes of the optical path length during the measurement cause a shift of the…
Optical atomic clocks are the most accurate measurement devices ever constructed and have found many applications in fundamental science and technology. The use of highly charged ions (HCI) as a new class of references for highest accuracy…
We demonstrate experimentally and theoretically a controllable way of shifting the frequency of an optical pulse by using a combination of spectral hole burning, slow light effect, and linear Stark effect in a rare-earth-ion doped crystal.…
Time and frequency are the most accurately measurable quantities, providing foundations for science and modern technologies. The accuracy relies on the SI (Syst\'eme International) second that refers to Cs microwave clocks with fractional…