Optical atomic clocks

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Abstract
Optical atomic clocks represent the state of the art in the frontier of modern measurement science. In this article a detailed review on the development of optical atomic clocks that are based on trapped single ions and many neutral atoms is provided. Important technical ingredients for optical clocks are discussed and measurement precision and systematic uncertainty associated with some of the best clocks to date are presented. An outlook on the exciting prospect for clock applications is given in conclusion.
Funding Information
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology
  • National Science Foundation
  • Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (QUEST)
  • European Space Agency
  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • European Metrology Research Program (SIB04)