A Novel Method for Rubidium Bulb Bonding and Key Characterization for Future Space Clocks.

RF-discharge lamp is a key component in space- and ground-based compact and portable atomic clocks, such as rubidium atomic frequency standards (RAFSs). Precise thermal, structural design, and control of a rubidium (Rb) bulb is of crucial importance for long-term reliable operation of the onboard clocks. An important aspect is the potting material that is used to mount the Rb bulb.

Digital lock-in amplifier for space rubidium atomic clock.

In many low-noise applications, extracting information from the extremely noisy signal is required. This task can be accomplished by a lock-in amplifier if the frequency of the signal is known before detection. Error signal output from the physics package of the rubidium atomic clock (RbAC) is one of those noisy signals.

Optics integrated compact cavity for rubidium atomic frequency standards.

A compact magnetron cavity having integrated optics is designed and realized for a rubidium atomic clock that is being developed for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System. This cavity comprises a cylindrical dielectric cell with 25 mm diameter and 25 mm height. The cavity is designed to resonate at the rubidium hyperfine ground-state frequency of 6.