Abstract
We have constructed an optical clock with a fractional frequency inaccuracy of , based on quantum logic spectroscopy of an ion. A simultaneously trapped ion serves to sympathetically laser cool the ion and detect its quantum state. The frequency of the clock transition is compared to that of a previously constructed optical clock with a statistical measurement uncertainty of . The two clocks exhibit a relative stability of , and a fractional frequency difference of , consistent with the accuracy limit of the older clock.
- Received 23 November 2009
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.104.070802
Synopsis
Better timing with aluminum ions
Published 1 March 2010
Researchers have constructed a new high accuracy optical clock based on quantum spectroscopy of an aluminum ion.
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