Reference frequency signal generator includes atomic resonator with two linked oscillators controlling pumping and deriving stable output signal

摘要

The circuit comprises a two oscillators producing a signal (S1,S2) at related frequencies (F0, NF0). The second oscillator is chosen to produce a signal (S2) close in frequency to the frequency of response for the resonator (R). The phase of the two signals is controlled by a phase control circuit, and a pumping signal for the resonator is derived from that produced by the second oscillator. The device (1) produces a reference frequency signal (Se) from the response of an atomic resonator (R) to a pumping signal (Fat) which is applied to the resonator. The circuit comprises a first oscillator producing a first signal (S1) of frequency F0, as a function of the response signal (E1) from the resonator (R). A second oscillator (13) produces a second signal (S2) at a frequency, NF0, equal to a multiple of the frequency of the first signal. The second oscillator is chosen to produce a signal (S2) close in frequency to the frequency of response for the resonator (R). A phase control circuit (6,9,12) controls the second signal on the phase of the first, and a further circuit (3,17,20) produces the pumping signal from the second signal.