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Precision Spectroscopy of the 1S-2S Optical Clock Transition in Atomic Hydrogen (Hydrogen 1S-2S)
Date du début: 1 oct. 2009, Date de fin: 30 sept. 2012 PROJET  TERMINÉ 

Field of optical atomic standards is rapidly developing. In 2008 optical atomic clocks surpassed the precision of microwave atomic clocks for the first time. The applicant continues to work at Max-Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ) on the same project as during the MC IEF with the goal to further improve the precision of the 1S-2S optical transition frequency in hydrogen and deuterium. These are the simplest atoms that have always been in the center of quantum mechanics. At MPQ a new hydrogen experimental setup is being constructed with a novel magnetic coil gun slower that will allow further improvement of the spectral resolution of the hydrogen line. This spectrometer will be able to run continuously and is important for collaborators at CERN who want to compare the optical transition frequency in antihydrogen with that of hydrogen. A novel optical fiber link scheme between MPQ and the German time keeping institute PTB in Braunschweig is set up that will allow to measure the laser frequency stabilised to hydrogen atoms with the best optical atomic clocks at PTB. This fiber link will allow to improve measurements of the H 1S-2S transition without borrwing a portable Cs fountain clock from Paris. Optical frequency distribution via an optical fiber network among the metrology institutes in European countries is presently one of prioritary tasks as it will allow to compare the clocks much faster. Better clocks will allow to search for a possible variation of fundamental constants, make faster telecommunication networks and more precise satellite navigation. Participation in these new developments increases the potential of Dr. Alnis to pursue his carrier in research in the field of optical atomic standards. The experience of the applicant on making some of the worlds most stable lasers used for the hydrogen 1S-2S experiment is now used in two other projects where applicant’s knowledge transfer to the PhD students is very important.

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