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High-Stability Single-Ion Clock with Systematic Uncertainty
Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 033201 – Published 14 July, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/hb3c-dk28
Abstract
We report a single-ion optical atomic clock with a fractional frequency uncertainty of and fractional frequency stability of , based on quantum logic spectroscopy of a single ion. A cotrapped ion provides sympathetic cooling and quantum logic readout of the clock transition. A Rabi probe duration of 1 s, enabled by laser stability transfer from a remote cryogenic silicon cavity across a 3.6 km fiber link, results in a threefold reduction in instability compared to previous clocks. Systematic uncertainties are lower due to an improved ion trap electrical design, which reduces excess micromotion, and a new vacuum system, which reduces collisional shifts. We also perform a direction-sensitive measurement of the ac magnetic field due to the rf ion trap, eliminating systematic uncertainty due to field orientation.