Metrology
Metrology and optical networks
Increasingly stringent network synchronization is a key element of metrology, the science of measurement that gives an agreed value to all units. Within metrology, this value is established in the International System of Units, a set of standard, independent dimensions that enables scientists in all fields to conduct and compare analysis. To establish these measurements and distribute ultra-stable metrological signals over long distances precise and reliable network timing is required.
Getting the measure
Rapid advances in micro- and nanoscale technology demand network synchronization with unprecedented accuracy and reliability.
Our OSA ePRTC solution provides a more than three-fold improvement in timing accuracy and represents a huge boost to metrology.
Combining long term accuracy with short-term stability
ePRTC systems leverages the advantages of both timing methods, ensuring accuracy of GNSS alongside the stability of cesium clocks.
Enhanced timing
Well-established methods for ensuring accurate and stable time and frequency information using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) are no longer sufficient for today’s metrological needs. Concerns regarding GNSS vulnerability and overreliance on a single source of time verification have led to the development of enhanced primary reference time clocks (ePRTCs). A new standard for synchronization, ePRTC’s require a second, autonomous time source such as a cesium clock. If GNSS signals fail, time can still be aligned, reducing the risk of time loss. This has major advantages for metrology as it promises to deliver time to within just 30ns.
Taking reliability and accuracy to the next level
Today’s metrology requirements demand an exceptionally accurate source of time with guaranteed holdover performance.
High-performance cesium clock with scalable grandmaster
Our OSA ePRTC system provides the ideal timing source for metrology’s increasingly strict requirements. Featuring our OSA 3230B ePRTC atomic cesium clock connected to an Oscilloquartz clock combiner and grandmaster, our innovative solution offers the exceptionally stable frequency of a cesium clock with the UTC-traceable signal provided by GNSS. Its more than three-fold improvement in timing accuracy represents a huge boost to metrology as well as scientists in a wide range of fields working with experimental results that need to be compared over space and time.
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