Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The two-way laser time transfer technology, based on single-photon detection, is among the techniques requiring the least weight and power consumption for ultra-long-distance clock synchronization. It holds promise as the most viable technology for high-accuracy inter-satellite clock synchronization, particularly for small satellites that are highly sensitive to weight and power consumption. In this study, we analyze laser time transfer in fast-moving platforms and find that not only does the relative motion speed between platforms significantly impact the clock offset measurement, but also the components of each platform’s relative motion velocity are critical. We introduce a lightweight scenario for laser time transfer, capable of achieving high-precision and high-accuracy interstellar clock offset measurements within a 5000 km range using high repetition rate microchip lasers and single-pixel single-photon detectors. With a speed accuracy of ±0.06 m/s, the precision of clock offset measurement surpasses 3 ps at full width at half maximum (FWHM), making it suitable for high-speed and high-precision clock synchronization between near-Earth satellites.
Source: Photonics
Authors: Xinyi Zhu, Yurong Wang, Zhaohui Li, Xue Li, Guang Wu
Institutions: East China Normal University, Shanxi University
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,728
Awards: G172385640, G7899578889
OpenAlex ID: W4403939286