Laser-cooled 171 Yb + microwave frequency standard with a short-term frequency instability of 8.5 × 10 −13 /√τ

Abstract

We report on the development of a microwave frequency standard based on a laser-cooled 171 Y b   +   ion trap system. The electronics , lasers, and magnetic shields are integrated into a single physical package. With over 10 5 ions are stably trapped, the system offers a high signal-to-noise ratio Ramsey line-shape. In comparison with previous work, the frequency instability of a 171 Y b   +   microwave clock was further improved to 8.5 × 10 − 13 / τ for averaging times between 10 and 1000 s. Essential systematic shifts and uncertainties are also estimated.