Frequency standard using hydrogen maser

Patent · Tue Nov 10 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:5634381

Stein, S R; Smith, T E; Lewis, L L

A frequency standard is described comprising: frequency-generating means for generating electromagnetic energy at variable frequencies; a hydrogen maser adapted to generate electromagnetic energy at hydrogen resonance frequency; and electronic means connecting the hydrogen maser to the frequency-generating means to lock and maintain the frequency of the frequency-generating means at an accurate, stable, standard frequency with the electromagnetic energy generated by the hydrogen maser at hydrogen resonance frequency. The hydrogen maser comprises: a microwave cavity assembly comprising a dielectric container having outer and inner surfaces. The outer surface of the container defines a microwave cavity tuned to about the hydrogen resonance frequency. The container has an aperture therein for open communication between the inner and outer portions of the container, and has on an end wall a discontinuous conductive coating with a predetermined configuration to suppress undesirable oscillation of the microwave cavity; a dissociator having a chamber for generating hydrogen atoms with an opening serving as an exit and forming a narrow beam of the hydrogen atoms and yieldable member means; and means for moving the yieldable member means to align the narrow beam of hydrogen atoms with the aperture.

• Assignee: Ball Corp., Muncie, IN
• Patent Number(s): US 4706043
• OSTI ID: 5634381
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420800* -- Engineering-- Electronic Circuits & Devices-- (-1989)
AMPLIFIERS
DESIGN
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FREQUENCY CONVERTERS
FUNCTION GENERATORS
HYDROGEN-BASED ECONOMY
MASERS
MICROWAVE AMPLIFIERS
MICROWAVE EQUIPMENT
MICROWAVE RADIATION
MODE LOCKING
PULSE GENERATORS
RADIATIONS
RESONANCE