Frequency Offset Due to Spectral Impurities in Cesium-Beam Frequency Standards

Theoretical expressions for the frequency offset due to spectral impurities in beam-tube frequency standards are given for the case of small sideband to carrier power ratios. They are valid for any value of the separation between the extraneous sideband and the carrier which interrogates the atomic transition, as well as for any value of the power in the carrier. Useful approximations are given in special cases of interest. The effects of the velocity distribution of the detected atoms and of the frequency modulation technique (sine or square wave) are considered.