A single trapped strontium ion: a first step towards an improved frequency standard

Summary form only given. Current progress at the National Research Council of Canada toward a practical frequency standard based on a single trapped strontium ion is discussed. It is pointed out that a single Sr/sup +/ ion is an excellent compromise for a first-generation single-ion frequency standard. Its transition rate, 2.7/s, is fast enough for good data to be obtained in moderate experimental periods. yet slow enough to allow an unsophisticated microcomputer programmed in BASIC to keep up with it and slow enough that the natural linewidth. 0.4 Hz in 445 THz, permits a precision exceeding that of cesium standards. The experimental design is described in some details.<>