Application of Control Theory in the Formation of a Timescale

摘要

We have created a timescale that joins the short-term stability of several hydrogen masers with the long-term capabilities of an ensemble of cesium frequency standards. Control theory is utilized in a system design that combines frequency standards with varied properties. The system steers a maser ensemble with respect to a cesium ensemble while minimally perturbing the maser short- term performance. Results are given from both simulated and measured data. Systems are designed using linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) and pole-placement techniques.