FREQUENCY-SHIFTS IN A CESIUM ATOMIC CLOCK DUE TO MAJORANA TRANSITIONS

This paper deals with a theoretical model which describes the effect o f Majorana transitions on the frequency of a cesium atomic clock. In c ontrast to the explanations given in the past, the phase correlation b etween the individual successive excitations in inhomogeneous magnetic fields and the microwave resonator are for the first time taken into account. The pi transitions with the selection rule DELTAF = 1, DELTAm = +/- 1 are of particular importance. The theory allows experimental results obtained in the past with the CSX apparatus, in particular the large frequency shifts observed, to be interpreted. The effect on the determination of the uncertainty of primary atomic clocks will be dis cussed.