Patrick Berthoud showcases optical pumping technology advancements at UFFC-JS 2024

• Speakers: Patrick Berthoud, time and frequency chief scientist at Oscilloquartz, Adtran
• Topics: High-performance industrial optically pumped cesium beam clocks
• When: Thursday, September 26, 1:15 p.m. TST
• Where: 2024 IEEE Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control Joint Symposium, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.Taipei, Taiwan https://2024.ieee-uffc-js.org/ 

The industrial cesium beam clock has long been the go-to frequency standard for applications in time scale, metrology, communications and navigation. Traditionally, these clocks relied on magnetic deflection to select the correct atomic states, but this method often came at the cost of product longevity due to the need for higher cesium source temperatures. However, advancements in optical pumping technology are now revolutionizing the field. By using narrow-band lasers to manipulate atoms between hyperfine ground states, optical pumping can enhance frequency stability by up to a factor of 10, while extending the clock’s lifespan. This development promises significant improvements in accuracy and performance, without compromising the compact size of the product.

In this presentation, Patrick Berthoud will explore the latest innovations in optically pumped cesium beam clock technology. He will discuss the design choices behind a newly developed industrial product that features a simplified optical setup, a monolithic laser diode and advanced digital servo loops that enhance reliability. Patrick will also present performance data comparing the clock’s output frequency to an active hydrogen maser and will share insights from further testing on environmental frequency sensitivities, offering a glimpse into the future of ultra-reliable industrial frequency standards.