Construction and evaluation of the first Brazilian atomic clock

For the past two years we have been implementing a program for the establis hment of scientific time and frequency metrology in Brazil. The main object ive of this program is to construct an atomic fountain and use it as a prim ary standard. As a first step toward this goal, we have constructed a Cs-13 3 beam optically pumped conventional crock. In this paper we describe the s ystem and the results of its evaluation. The possible limitations of our sh ort-term stability are discussed.