Development of compact transportable frequency standards is an important goal of the modern applied physics. Despite of the great progress in the field of optical frequency standards with their ultimate accuracy and stability, they remain bulky, complex and sensitive systems. At the other hand, the best microwave frequency standards like cesium fountains are also bulky and sensitive to adjustments. Combination of techniques developed for optical and microwave standards can result in compact and robust transportable frequency standard. Here we suggest the microwave transition in 25Mg+ laser cooled ion cloud for realization of highly accurate microwave frequency reference. We describe its design and experimental sequence, estimate its expected accuracy and stability.

The microwave transition in 25Mg+ laser cooled ion cloud can provide a compact and robust transportable frequency standard with high accuracy and stability.

Microwave frequency standard based on 25Mg+ ions

Key Takeaway: The microwave transition in 25Mg+ laser cooled ion cloud can provide a compact and robust transportable frequency standard with high accuracy and stability.