A Wide-Frequency-Tuning Micro-Loop-Gap Resonator for Miniature Rubidium Vapor-Cell Atomic Frequency Standards
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: To miniaturize the double-resonance (DR) rubidium (Rb) vapor-cell atomic clocks, a new type of micro-loop-gap microwave resonator ($\mu $-LGR) is proposed for TE011-like mode where the magnetic field inside the cavity is homogeneous and oriented along its longitudinal axis over a large volume. It provides more design degrees of freedom by elaborating the printed pattern in the middle layer, while the mechanical strength of the cavity is strong. It also possesses a wider tuning range of the resonances in order to compensate the fabrication tolerances on such miniature precision devices. A theoretical analysis of the general$\mu $-LGR without tuning is presented first, serving as the basic guideline to design the tunable$\mu $-LGR. To demonstrate the wide tuning mechanism, an equivalent circuit model and different tuning schemes are discussed. The measured results show that the proposed tunable$\mu $-LGR can operate at 6.835 GHz by properly adjusting the tuning screw position. Compared to the existing$\mu $-LGRs, this new design can achieve a 40% volume reduction (572 mm3, approaching the physical limit) and a comparable magnetic field quality, and enlarges the frequency tuning range to 260 MHz (twofold) in measurement. Thus, the proposed compact tunable$\mu $-LGR has a high potential in miniature vapor-cell atomic frequency standards.
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4377709773