Title :
Applications of highly stable oscillators to scientific measurements
Author :
Vessot, Robert F.C.
Author_Institution :
Smithsonian Astrophys. Obs., Cambridge, MA, USA
fDate :
7/1/1991 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
The author describes several scientific experiments requiring highly stable oscillators. It is clear from this analysis that technology has advanced to the point where concepts of relativity theory can be tested in a number of ways. He shows sigma versus tau plots for stored ion devices, for atomic hydrogen masers, and for a binary pulsar. In the discussion of experimental techniques, the H maser performance data on sigma versus tau plots are used as a basis for numerical examples
Keywords :
astronomical instruments; atomic clocks; frequency stability; general relativity; gravitational experiments; hydrogen; masers; oscillators; pulsars; time measurement; Doppler effect; H maser; VLBI; analysis; angular measurement; binary pulsar; frequency stability; gravitational radiation; highly stable oscillators; relativity theory; scientific measurements; stored ion devices; Atomic clocks; Cryogenics; Extraterrestrial measurements; Frequency measurement; Hydrogen; Masers; Oscillators; Phase measurement; Stability; Time measurement;
Journal_Title :
Proceedings of the IEEE
