Abstract
We present the experimental realisation of a laser optically-pumped vapour-cell atomic frequency standard ("Rb clock") using a DFB laser diode as pump light source. This development aims to fully exploit the advantages of narrow-band laser pumping over discharge lamps commonly used as pump light sources in Rb clocks. These advantages include, e.g., improved control over the pump light spectrum and increased signal contrast, and thus show potential for the realisation of Rb atomic clocks with improved frequency stability [1]. Such compact (< 1.5 Litres) Rb clocks with high medium-term frequency stability (10−14 between 10'000 s and one day) could find their applications for example in satellite navigation systems or in telecommunication applications. For such space applications, it is essential to implement laser diodes such as DFB or DBR lasers, showing reliable single-mode operation directly from the laser chip without need for external optical feedback, which helps to reduce the sensitivity of the overall clock to environmental disturbances such as, e.g., vibrations.
© 2007 IEEE
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