Matthew Nelson
Research teams from the National Institute of Standards and Technology tested an experimental atomic clock as part of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Atomic Clock with Enhanced Stability initiative.
The optical atomic clock consists of three miniature chips, two frequency combs, optics and electronic components and is designed to trace rubidium atoms’ oscillations within a vapor cell, DARPA said Tuesday.
NIST microfabricated key components for the clock, which will potentially allow mass production as well as integration of optic and electronic parts. In addition, the clock runs at a higher frequency and utilizes 275 milliwatts in power.
Honeywell has started the development of precision atomic sensors in support of the clock’s development. NASA has also partnered with SRI International, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and University of California, Davis to demonstrate an atomic clock that has met ACES standards.
