Frequency Metrology with Optical Lattice Clocks

Abstract

The precision measurement of time and frequency is of great interest for a wide range of applications, including fundamental science and technologies that support broadband communication networks and the navigation with global positioning systems (GPSs). The development of optical frequency measurement based on frequency combs has revolutionized the field of frequency metrology, especially research on optical frequency standards. The proposal and realization of the optical lattice clock have further stimulated studies in the field of optical frequency metrology. Optical carrier transfer using optical fibers has been used to disseminate optical frequencies or compare two optical clocks without degrading their stability and accuracy. In this paper, we review the state-of-the-art development of optical frequency combs, standards, and transfer techniques with emphasis on optical lattice clocks. We address recent results achieved at the University of Tokyo and the National Metrology Institute of Japan in respect of frequency metrology with Sr and Yb optical lattice clocks.