The Brazilian compact frequency standard with cold atoms: Current status and future perspectives

We have constructed a compact frequency standard using cold cesium atoms. The operation of this experiment is different from conventional atomic fountains, since all the steps are sequentially performed inside a microwave cavity. In this paper we report the analysis of a Ramsey pattern observed to a 47 Hz linewidth and a short term stability of 5×10^-13. The results show the potential use of this system compared to cesium beam standards. For the next step, we are developing a system containing lasers, microwave source and cavity in a single block. The mobile atomic standard based on cold atoms is an important contribution to a primary standard of high relevance.