Lamp and laser integrated pulsed optically pumped (LaLI-POP) vapor-cell atomic clock
Phys. Rev. Applied 26, 044058 – Published 20 October, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/4zcx-b66r
Abstract
Arguably, the lamp-pumped vapor-cell atomic clock is the workhorse of precise timekeeping in space. However, the present-day Rb atomic frequency standard (RAFS) has two clear deficiencies: (1) its short-term stability is limited by weak optical pumping, and (2) its long-term stability can be limited by light-shift-induced frequency noise. In both cases, the limitations trace to the use of an rf-discharge lamp for atomic signal generation and monitoring. Though replacement of the lamp by a pulsed diode laser can eliminate these problems, laser use in the RAFS presents space-systems engineers with a dilemma: trading better clock performance against potentially decreased clock reliability. Here, we discuss progress on development of the lamp and laser integrated pulsed optically pumped atomic clock, which is a “bridge technology” that can solve the space-system engineer’s dilemma.
