Vapor cells with electrical control of vapor pressure, and methods of using the vapor cells
US10056913B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 9, 2015 |
| Grant date | Aug 21, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01C19/62
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A vapor-cell system and method is provided, comprising an enclosed vapor-cell region containing a vapor-cell gas phase comprising a vapor-cell alkali or alkaline earth metal, wherein the vapor-cell region is configured to allow at least one vapor-cell optical path through the vapor-cell gas phase; an enclosed reservoir region containing a reservoir alkali or alkaline earth metal, wherein the reservoir region is in vapor isolation from the vapor-cell region; a solid electrolyte disposed in ionic communication between the vapor-cell region and the reservoir region; a first electrode disposed between the solid electrolyte and the vapor-cell region; and a second electrode disposed between the solid electrolyte and the reservoir region, wherein the second electrode is electrically isolated from the first electrode. This vapor-cell system enables independent control of the alkali or alkaline earth vapor pressure in the vapor cell. The principles disclosed herein can improve long-term frequency stability in systems having vapor cells.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.