Atomic Clock

An atomic clock is a time counter, which is controlled by the oscillation frequency of certain atoms (e.g. caesium, rubidium), which are energized by an electromagnetic field or optical pumping.

Functional specification: The first main part of an atomic clock is the atomic transition of the 133 Caesium atom with a frequency of 9,192631770 GHz. which has been internationally assessed as second unit in 1967. The second main part is a so called Microwave resonator in which these transitions are to be proceeded. After the interaction with the Microwave field, the allocation of the originally chosen condition is to be measured. If the frequency of Microwave resonator is concordant with the one of the transition you will receive a signal maximum. Nevertheless, the signal being used is to be chosen from the Microwave resonator.

Divisions of application are, next to high-precision-clocks, also the construction of smaller, less expensive, lighter, more economical and energy saving clocks, e.g. for use in satellites or drones. Satellite navigation systems as GPS, GLONASS or Galileo apply such atomic clocks in their satellites and are able to thereby intensify their precision of positioning.
The first atomic clock has been developed by the American Isidor Isaac Rabi (1898-1988) at the Columbia University, who got the Nobel price for this development in 1944. Nowadays there are a lot of atomic clocks, mostly for research purposes.

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