Analysis and optimization of rubidium spectrum lamp to eliminate frequency fluctuations of rubidium atomic frequency standard

Jiqing Lian,Lixun Wei,Jun Zhang,Fucheng Shi,Kuan Wang,Jinhai Zhang,C.H Su

doi:10.1051/matecconf/202031602003

Abstract

Rubidium atomic frequency standard (RAFS) is the most widely used frequency standard in space. The light used to pump the atoms and detect the resonance signal is emitted by rubidium spectrum lamp, so the light intensity of rubidium spectrum lamp directly determines the performance of RAFS. This paper discussed on-board RAFS’ output frequency fluctuations caused by rubidium spectrum lamp. The reason of frequency fluctuations from rubidium lamps was described. To obtain stable lamp light intensity, analysis and optimization of the lamp was developed. Relevant experiments were carried out to verify the optimization. The study content of this paper is beneficial to improve the performance of a single temperature controlled space RAFS physics package.

Highlights

Rubidium atomic frequency standard (RAFS) is the most widely used atomic clock in space, which is characterized by small size, low power consumption and good stability
Research shows that, when the satellites operate in space, especially in the first one or two years, frequency fluctuations may happen to the rubidium atomic frequency standard, which have bad effect on the accuracy and stability of the RAFS
The optimization of rubidium spectrum lamp is mainly about the following aspects: 1)In the original design, all the heat of the bulb came from the excitation circuit, because we believe that single energy source has relatively lower noise and is better for more stable thermal balance and light intensity

Summary

Introduction

Rubidium atomic frequency standard (RAFS) is the most widely used atomic clock in space, which is characterized by small size, low power consumption and good stability. The accuracy and stability of RAFS is closely related to the performance of the satellite. Research shows that, when the satellites operate in space, especially in the first one or two years, frequency fluctuations may happen to the rubidium atomic frequency standard, which have bad effect on the accuracy and stability of the RAFS. The frequency fluctuations mainly decreased with the passage of time, they were still one of the main factors affecting the performance of space RAFS. It is of great significance to reduce the frequency fluctuations of space RAFS

Description and analysis of frequency fluctuations

Analysis and optimization of rubidium spectrum lamps

Original design and analysis of Rb spectrum lamp

Experiments

Conclusions