Absolute frequency measurements of the Hg+ and Ca optical clock transitions with a femtosecond laser

Citation
T. Udem et al., Absolute frequency measurements of the Hg+ and Ca optical clock transitions with a femtosecond laser, PHYS REV L, 86(22), 2001, pp. 4996-4999
Citations number
29
Categorie Soggetti
Physics
Journal title
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
ISSN journal
00319007 → ACNP
Volume
86
Issue
22
Year of publication
2001
Pages
4996 - 4999
Database
ISI
SICI code
0031-9007(20010528)86:22<4996:AFMOTH>2.0.ZU;2-Q
Abstract
The frequency comb created by a femtosecond mode-looked laser and a microst ructured fiber is used to phase coherently measure the frequencies of both the Hg+ and Ca optical standards with respect to the SI second. We find the transition frequencies to be f(Hg) = 1 064 721 609 899 143(10) Hz and fc, = 455 986 240 494 158(26) Hz. respectively. In addition to the unprecedente d precision demonstrated here, this work is the precursor to all-optical at omic clocks based on the Hg+ and Ca standards. Furthermore, when combined w ith previous measurements, we find no time variations of these atomic frequ encies within the uncertainties of /(partial derivativef(Ca)/partial deriva tivet)/f(Ca)/ less than or equal to 8 X 10(-14) yr(-1) and /(partial deriva tivef(Hg)/partial derivativet)/f(Hg)/ less than or equal to 30 X 10(-14) yr (-1).