Of all measurement units, frequency is the one that may be determined with the highest degree of accuracy. It equally allows precise measurements of other physical and technical quantities, whenever they can be measured in terms of frequency. This volume covers the central methods and techniques relevant for frequency standards developed in physics, electronics, quantum electronics, and statistics. After a review of the basic principles, the book looks at the realisation of commonly used components. It then continues with the description and characterisation of important frequency standards from atomic clocks, to frequency stabilised lasers. The whole is rounded of with a discussion of topical applications in engineering, telecommunications, and metrology.

The Symposium on Frequency Standards and Metrology is an event held approximately every seven years, and is regarded as the premier conference in the field of advanced clocks and oscillators together with their applications in science and metrology. This series began with the first meeting at Universiteacute; Laval, Quebec Canada in 1971, and the last one was held in 2001 at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. The 7th Symposium on Frequency Standards and Metrology is scheduled for October 5ndash;11, 2008 at the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, California, USA. The Symposium is intended as a forum for bringing together international scientists and technologists engaged in the development of precise frequency standards and clocks, the study of their underlying physics, and their applications in metrology and tests of fundamental laws. The symposium has been traditionally held in a venue that promotes exchange of information on emerging ideas and latest achievements in the field, with a single-session approach which includes oral presentations by invitation, poster session(s) and keynote talks from internationally-recognized speakers. The program also includes social and other events aimed at promoting the exchange of technical and scientific information.

A unique insight into the measurement of time and its applications, at an introductory level.

This volume covers advances in atomic frequency standards (atomic clocks) from the last several decades. It explains the use of techniques, such as laser optical pumping, coherent population trapping, laser cooling, and electromagnetic and optical trapping, in the implementation of classical microwave and optical atomic frequency standards. The authors describe the basic physics behind the operation of atomic clocks, explore new frequency standards that provide better stability and accuracy than conventional standards, and illustrate the application of atomic clocks in various areas.

Clear and accessible introduction to the concept of time examines measurement, historic timekeeping methods, uses of time information, role of time in science and technology, and much more. Over 300 illustrations.

This work reviews the principles underlying quantum-based atomic clocks, with introductory chapters placing them in context with the development of mechanical clocks and electronic quartz-controlled clocks. The book details design principles of the rubidium, cesium, hydrogen maser, and mercury ion standards; changes enabled by the advent of the laser; and the time-based global navigation systems, Loran-C and the Global Positioning System. The new edition includes such recent developments as clocks based on quantum resonance at optical frequency in individual ions confined in miniature electromagnetic traps. The Quantum Beat explores the subject with a minimum of mathematical formalism.

The Rubidium atomic clock (Rb) is the workhorse of the satellite navigation systems of which GPS is now a household name. With just the tap of a few keys, drivers and navigators all over the world are able to reach their destination effortlessly with high precision. People are now curious to know what makes this possible. Hence, the need to explain in simplistic terms the Rb atomic clocks that are onboard these satellite navigation systems because no good satellite navigation system is possible without such clocks.But why only Rb atomic clocks when far better and exotic atomic clocks are available? The reasons are as simple as that they are slim, low in weight, easy to build inexpensively. They are also used in numerous military applications such as secure communications, electronic warfare, command and control, telemetry and navigation. Besides, they are used in the measurements of the variation in fine-structure constant, test of relativity, precise spectroscopy and scientific research.This book details the history of time keeping and the chronological development of the Rb atomic clocks, with special focus on the physics Package that accounts for the actual performance of the clock. Researchers and industrialists will find that producing such clocks is relatively simple and inexpensive.