GLO PMC could provide a compact precision timing solution. Precision timing relies on highly stable frequencies (called frequency standards or frequency references). These references are provided by resonances from crystals (e.g. quartz clock), molecular gases or atomic vapour. Advances in the assembly of PMC containing gases at ultra-low vacuum pressure allow the observation of quantum optical effects such as electromagnetically induced transparency and saturable absorption with low optical attenuation and low laser power. Such effects create spectral features that are Doppler-free and stable in frequency, two key requirements for atomic/molecular clocks. The portable vacuum pressure PMC has already been demonstrated (its IP is part of GLOphotonics portfolio) to be on the same par for laser frequency stabilisation as a state-of-the-art lab based acetylene optical frequency standard and could open the gate to a precision timing component for next-generation mobile networks.

On the right you will find some representative literature on "Optical frequency references & calibration" topics.