TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES 1997 - NISTIR 6104

Cesium Fountain Frequency Standard. Schematic representation of the new cesium fountain frequency standard. The atoms are laser cooled (intersection of six beams) and prepared into the appropriate atomic state, and then launched upwards to pass twice through the microwave cavity. Atom detection is represented schematically at the bottom of the figure. The new standard has been constructed and preliminary operation (launching and detection of atoms) has been demonstrated. The new standard is expected to have a frequency uncertainty of less than 1×10^-15.

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Online: April 1998