Alpha-dot or not: Comparison of two single atom optical clocks

T. Rosenband, D.B. Hume, C.W. Chou, J. C J Koelemeij, A. Brusch, S. Bickman, W. H. Oskay, T. M. Fortier, J. E. Stalnaker, S. A. Diddams, R. Newbury-Ecob, W. C. Swann, W. M. Itano, D.J. Wineland, J. C. Bergquist

Research output: Chapter in Book / Report / Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Repeated measurements of the frequency ratio of 199Hg + and 27A1+ singleatom optical clocks over the course of a year yield a constraint on the possible present-era temporal variation of the fine-structure constant a. The time variation of the measured ratio corresponds to a time variation in the fine structure constant of ά/α = (-1.6 ± 2.3) × 10-17/year, consistent with no change. The frequency ratio of these clocks was measured with a fractional uncertainty of 5.2 × 10-17. Stability simulations for optical clocks whose probe period is limited by 1/f-noise in the laser local oscillator provide an estimate of the optimal probe period, as well as a modified expression for the theoretical clock stability.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 7th Symposium on Frequency Standards and Metrology, ISFSM 2008
Pages20-33
Number of pages14
Publication statusPublished - 2009
Event7th Symposium on Frequency Standards and Metrology, ISFSM 2008 - Pacific Grove, CA, United States
Duration: 5 Oct 200811 Oct 2008

Conference

Conference7th Symposium on Frequency Standards and Metrology, ISFSM 2008
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPacific Grove, CA
Period5/10/0811/10/08

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