Chinese Optics Letters, 2010, 8 (8): 735, Published Online: Aug. 12, 2010
Cold atom space clock with counter-propagating atoms Download: 847次
Abstract
We discuss the feasibility of realizing a cold atom space clock with counter-propagating cold atoms in microgravity. The design of the space clock is based on an atomic beam clock with Ramsey cavity, except that magneto-optical trap (MOT) is placed at each side. Cold atoms are launched simultaneously from the MOTs at both sides of the clock and they move at the counter-direction towards each other. The velocity of the launched atoms is precisely controlled to Ramsauer-Townsend resonance so that no additional collision frequency shift takes place. Such configuration can efficiently cancel the frequency shift resulting from cavity phase shift and increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
Desheng Lv, Bin Wang, Tang Li, Liang Liu. Cold atom space clock with counter-propagating atoms[J]. Chinese Optics Letters, 2010, 8(8): 735.