title: An atomic clock with 10(-18) instability.
abstract: Atomic clocks have been instrumental in science and technology, leading to innovations such as global positioning, advanced communications, and tests of fundamental constant variation. Timekeeping precision at 1 part in 10(18) enables new timing applications in relativistic geodesy, enhanced Earth- and space-based navigation and telescopy, and new tests of physics beyond the standard model. Here, we describe the development and operation of two optical lattice clocks, both using spin-polarized, ultracold atomic ytterbium. A measurement comparing these systems demonstrates an unprecedented atomic clock instability of 1.6 × 10(-18) after only 7 hours of averaging.
authors: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Boulder, CO 80305, USA.
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Hinkley
authors: J A
authors: JA
authors: Sherman
authors: N B
authors: NB
authors: Phillips
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Schioppo
authors: N D
authors: ND
authors: Lemke
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Beloy
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Pizzocaro
authors: C W
authors: CW
authors: Oates
authors: A D
authors: AD
authors: Ludlow