An Optically Pumped Cesium Beam Frequency Standard for Military Applications

Abstract

An optically pumped Cesium beam frequency standard is being developed, based on the Frequency Electronics 7101 Cesium Tube. The A and B magnets of the 7101 tube have each been replaced by semiconductor laser diodes. The microwave resonance is detected by monitoring the fluorescence from the B laser, which is servo-locked to a hyperfine line of the D2 transition of CS. This prototype device represents the first commercial optically pumped atomic beam frequency standard. Short and long term stability performance of this device is discussed, as well as predicted performance for the next generation device. Laser requirements are also discussed with emphasis on techniques used to utilize comercially available semiconductor lasers.