An Atomic Clock with 10(-18) Instability

作者:Hinkley, N.; Sherman, J. A.; Phillips, N. B.; Schioppo, M.; Lemke, N. D.; Beloy, K.; Pizzocaro, M.; Oates, C. W.; Ludlow, A. D.*
来源:Science, 2013, 341(6151): 1215-1218.
DOI:10.1126/science.1240420

摘要

Atomic clocks have been instrumental in science and technology, leading to innovations such as global positioning, advanced communications, and tests of fundamental constant variation. Timekeeping precision at 1 part in 10(18) enables new timing applications in relativistic geodesy, enhanced Earth- and space-based navigation and telescopy, and new tests of physics beyond the standard model. Here, we describe the development and operation of two optical lattice clocks, both using spin-polarized, ultracold atomic ytterbium. A measurement comparing these systems demonstrates an unprecedented atomic clock instability of 1.6 x 10(-18) after only 7 hours of averaging.

  • 出版日期2013-9-13