Short-Term Frequency Stability Measurement of BVA Oscillators

Abstract

This paper discusses the time-domain measurement of short-term frequency stability of ultra-stable BVA oscillators with flicker frequency modulation noise on the order of 10‑14 at averaging intervals from hundreds of milliseconds to tens of seconds. The stability has been measured with a highly sensitive phase-time comparator based on the dual-mixer time-difference multiplication with a background instability of ≈7x10-15/τ in terms of Allan deviation. A discrepancy has been observed in the comparator background noise found with two signals from a single oscillator (comparator test) and with two signals from two oscillators (stability measurements)

Recent progress in the performances of ultrastable quartz resonators and oscillators

“…It has to be underlined that the progress in terms of frequency stability of quartz oscillators are related to several multidisciplinary domains for optimization such has mechanical, thermal and electronic optimization. [24]. The curve given in reference [24] shows a flicker floor at 7.5 · 10 À14 for integration times between 10 s and 100 s. We can underline that even if those oscillators were carried under batteries during transport, each short disconnection can have an effect on the value of the stability.…”

“…[24]. The curve given in reference [24] shows a flicker floor at 7.5 · 10 À14 for integration times between 10 s and 100 s. We can underline that even if those oscillators were carried under batteries during transport, each short disconnection can have an effect on the value of the stability. That's why performances of ultra stable quartz oscillators are typically guaranteed after enough time the quartz oscillators are being placed under supply voltage.…”

Frequency stability measurements of ultrastable BVA resonators and oscillators

“…The frequency stability of the oscillator is determined after packaging the resonator with electronics. [7]. The curve represented in Fig.…”

High-Resolution Multi-Channel Frequency Standard Comparator Using Digital Frequency Measurement

“…Besides, with the development of science and technology, the performance of atomic frequency standards is constantly improving [ 6 ]. For example, the accuracy of a new type of atomic frequency standard can reach 1 × 10 −15 , the uncertainty of the optical clock can even reach 1 × 10 −18 / d , and the stability of an ultra-stable crystal oscillator can reach 1 × 10 −14 / τ = 1 s [ 7 , 8 , 9 ], which puts forward higher requirements for the measurement resolution of atomic frequency standard measurement and analysis equipment.…”