Joint time and frequency dissemination network over delay-stabilized fiber optic links

Abstract

A precise fiber-based time and frequency dissemination scheme for multiple users with a tree-like branching topology is proposed. Through this scheme, ultrastable signals can be easily accessed online without affecting other sites. The scheme is tested through an experiment, in which a modulated frequency signal and a synchronized time signal are transferred to multiple remote sites over delay-stabilized fiber optic links that are over 50 km long. Results show that the relative stabilities are 5 × 10 -14 at 1 s and 2 × 10 -17 at 10 4 s. Meanwhile, compared with each site, time synchronization precision is less than 80 ps. These results can pave the way to practical applications in joint time and frequency dissemination network systems.