Work Packages
WP1: New compact hollow-fibre-based optical wavelength standards
- Analysis of the optical properties of speciality fibres
- Spectroscopy of acetylene in fibre-based gas cells
- Development of compact 1.5 μm stabilized lasers and fully automated stabilization electronics
- Extension to other gases relevant for gas sensing and telecommunications
Key deliverable
Compact and turn-key stabilized laser at 1.5μm with a relative wavelength accuracy in the 10-10 region
WP2: Compact, vibration-insensitive and transportable optical local oscillators
- Experimental comparison of optical cavities and fibre interferometers
- Engineering developments to minimize sensitivity to vibrations and temperature fluctuations
- Development of automated relocking systems
Key deliverable
Transportable and compact laser system with a fractional frequency instability of 5 x 10-15 for averaging times from 1 - 100 s
WP3: Low noise microwave synthesis from compact optically-referenced femtosecond combs
- Experimental comparison of techniques for deriving microwave signals from an optically referenced comb
- Research to improve phase noise at selected Fourier frequencies
- Development of a compact high-repetition-rate comb
Key deliverable
Robust and compact source of ultra-low noise microwave signals with a fractional frequency instability of 5 x 10-15 at 1 s
WP4: Atom-referenced microwave standards
- Optimization of techniques for filling hollow-core fibres with caesium vapour and comparison of different methods for obtaining clock signals
- Improvements to the short-term stability of a trapped atom clock on a chip and evaluation of its long term stability and accuracy
Key deliverable
Recommendations for commercial production of microwave frequency standards with fractional frequency stability and accuracy in the 10 -10 - 10-13 range
For more information: Patrick Gill
