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New-generation cryogenic sapphire microwave oscillators for space, metrology and scientific applications
Auteur(s)
Giordano, Vincent
Grop, Serge
Dubois, Benoît
Bourgeois, Pierre-Yves
Kersalé, Yann
Haye, Grégory
Chauvin, Jacques
Valat, Davis
Rubiola, Enrico
Date de parution
2012-8-28
In
Review Scientific Instruments
Vol.
085113
No
83
De la page
1
A la page
4
Résumé
This article reports on the characterization of cryogenic sapphireoscillators (CSOs), and on the first test of a CSO in a real field installation, where ultimate frequency stability and continuous operation are critical issues, with no survey. Thanks to low-vibration liquid-He cryocooler design, Internet monitoring, and a significant effort of engineering, these oscillators could bridge the gap from an experiment to a fully reliable machine. The cryocooler needs scheduled maintenance every 2 years, which is usual for these devices. The direct comparison of two CSOs demonstrates a frequency stability of 5 × 10E−16 for 30 s < τ < 300 s integration time, and 4.5 × 10E−15 at 1 day (1 × 10E−14 typical). Two prototypes are fully operational, codenamed ELISA and ULISS. ELISA has been permanently installed the new deep space antenna station of the European Space Agency in Malargüe, Argentina, in May 2012. ULISS is a transportable version of ELISA, modified to fit in a small van (8.5 m2 footprint). Installation requires a few hours manpower and 1 day of operation to attain full stability. ULISS, intended for off-site experiments and as a technology demonstrator, and has successfully completed two long-distance travels.
Identifiants
Type de publication
journal article
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