JP7017066B2 - Atomic oscillator and frequency signal generation system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an atomic oscillator and a frequency signal generation system.

As an oscillator having high-precision oscillation characteristics over a long period of time, an atomic oscillator that oscillates based on the energy transition of alkali metal atoms such as rubidium and cesium is known.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes an atomic oscillator including a gas cell unit including a gas cell in which an alkali metal atom is enclosed, and a light emitting unit including a light source that emits excitation light to the gas cell. The light emitting portion and the light emitting portion are arranged at the bottom of the outer shell shield made of permalloy or the like via the substrate.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-59865

Generally, in an atomic oscillator, the light source and the atomic cell need to be controlled to different temperatures. However, in the atomic oscillator described in Patent Document 1, the heat of the temperature element that controls the temperature of the light source is transferred to the atomic cell through the bottom of the outer shell shield, or the temperature of the temperature element that controls the temperature of the atomic cell is controlled. Heat may be transferred to the light source. Therefore, the temperature of the light source and the temperature of the atomic cell may become unstable, and the frequency stability may deteriorate.

One of the objects according to some aspects of the present invention is to provide an atomic oscillator capable of suppressing the instability of the temperature of the light source and the temperature of the atomic cell. Further, one of the objects according to some aspects of the present invention is to provide a frequency signal generation system capable of suppressing instability of the temperature of a light source and the temperature of an atomic cell.

The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized as the following aspects or application examples.

[Application Example 1]
The atomic oscillator according to this application example contains a light source unit having a light source that emits light, a first temperature control element that controls the light source to a first temperature, and an alkali metal atom, and emits light from the light source. An atomic cell unit having an atomic cell to which the light is incident, a second temperature control element for controlling the atomic cell to a second temperature different from the first temperature, a light source unit, and the atomic cell. Containing the unit, including a container having a first surface and a second surface different from the first surface, the light source unit and the first surface are connected, and the light source unit and the said. There is a gap between the second surface, the atomic cell unit and the second surface are connected, and there is a gap between the atomic cell unit and the first surface.

In the atomic oscillator according to this application example, the light source unit and the first surface are connected, there is a gap between the light source unit and the second surface, and the atomic cell unit and the second surface are connected. There is a void between the atomic cell unit and the first surface. Therefore, in the atomic oscillator according to this application example, the heat of the light source unit (heat of the first temperature control element) is higher than the case where the light source unit and the atomic cell unit are connected to the same surface of the container. Can be suppressed from being transferred to the atomic cell or the heat of the atomic cell unit (heat of the second temperature control element) being transferred to the light source. Therefore, in the atomic oscillator according to this application example, it is possible to suppress the instability of the temperature of the light source and the temperature of the atomic cell.

[Application example 2]
In the atomic oscillator according to this application example, the first surface and the second surface may face each other.

In the atomic oscillator according to this application example, since the first surface and the second surface face each other, the heat of the light source unit and the heat of the atomic cell unit can be transferred in opposite directions, and the heat of the light source unit can be transferred. Can be more reliably suppressed from being transferred to the atomic cell or the heat of the atomic cell unit being transmitted to the light source.

[Application example 3]
In the atomic oscillator according to the present application example, the container may include a first member having the first surface and a second member having the second surface and separate from the first member.

In the atomic oscillator according to this application example, since the container has a first member having a first surface and a second member having a second surface, heat is transferred between the first surface and the second surface. It can be difficult. Therefore, in the atomic oscillator according to the present application example, it is possible to more reliably suppress the heat of the light source unit from being transferred to the atomic cell and the heat of the atomic cell unit from being transferred to the light source.

[Application example 4]
In the atomic oscillator according to this application example, a third member having a thermal conductivity lower than the thermal conductivity of the first member and the thermal conductivity of the second member between the first member and the second member. May include.

In the atomic oscillator according to this application example, since the first member and the second member include a third member having a thermal conductivity lower than that of the first member and the second member, the first member and the second member It is possible to make it difficult for heat to be transferred to and from the second member. Therefore, in the atomic oscillator according to the present application example, it is possible to more reliably suppress the heat of the light source unit from being transferred to the atomic cell and the heat of the atomic cell unit from being transferred to the light source.

[Application Example 5]
In the atomic oscillator according to this application example, the thermal resistance of the path through the substrate between the light source unit and the atomic cell unit includes the substrate on which the light source unit and the atomic cell unit are arranged. It may be higher than the thermal resistance between the light source unit and the first surface and the thermal resistance between the atomic cell unit and the second surface.

In the atomic oscillator according to this application example, the thermal resistance of the path between the light source unit and the atomic cell unit via the substrate is the thermal resistance between the light source unit and the first surface, and the atomic cell unit and the second surface. Since it is higher than the thermal resistance between the two, it is possible to suppress the heat of the light source unit from being transferred to the atomic cell and the heat of the atomic cell unit from being transferred to the light source through the substrate.

[Application example 6]
In the atomic oscillator according to this application example, the substrate may be arranged on the first surface, and a heat transfer member may be arranged between the substrate and the first surface.

In the atomic oscillator according to this application example, since the heat transfer member is arranged between the substrate and the first surface, it is easy to transfer heat between the substrate and the container having the first surface. be able to.

[Application 7]
In the atomic oscillator according to the present application example, the atomic cell unit has an atomic cell container for accommodating the atomic cell, and a heat insulating member may be arranged between the atomic cell container and the substrate. ..

In the atomic oscillator according to this application example, since the heat insulating member is arranged between the atomic cell container and the substrate, it is possible to make it difficult to transfer heat between the atomic cell container and the support member. Therefore, in the atomic oscillator according to the present application example, it is possible to more reliably suppress the heat of the light source unit from being transferred to the atomic cell and the heat of the atomic cell unit from being transferred to the light source.

[Application Example 8]
In the atomic oscillator according to this application example, the light source unit and the container may be connected only on the first surface, and the atomic cell unit and the container may be connected only on the second surface.

In the atomic oscillator according to this application example, the light source unit and the container are connected only on the first surface, and the atomic cell unit and the container are connected only on the second surface. Compared to the case where the container is connected to other surfaces, it is more reliable to prevent the heat of the light source unit from being transferred to the atomic cell and the heat of the atomic cell unit from being transferred to the light source through the container. be able to.

[Application 9]
The frequency signal generation system according to this application example is a frequency signal generation system including an atomic oscillator, wherein the atomic oscillator includes a light source that emits light and a first temperature control element that controls the light source to a first temperature. A light source unit having a A container comprising an atomic cell unit having a temperature control element, a light source unit, and a container containing the atomic cell unit and having a first surface and a second surface different from the first surface. The light source unit and the first surface are connected, there is a gap between the light source unit and the second surface, and the atomic cell unit and the second surface are connected and the atomic cell is connected. There is a gap between the unit and the first surface.

In the frequency signal generation system according to this application example, the light source unit and the first surface are connected, there is a gap between the light source unit and the second surface, and the atomic cell unit and the second surface are connected. There is a void between the atomic cell unit and the first surface. Therefore, in the frequency signal generation system according to this application example, it is possible to suppress the instability of the temperature of the light source and the temperature of the atomic cell.

The schematic diagram which shows the atomic oscillator which concerns on embodiment. The cross-sectional view which shows typically the atomic oscillator which concerns on embodiment. The cross-sectional view which shows typically the atomic oscillator which concerns on embodiment. The cross-sectional view which shows typically the atomic cell unit of the atomic oscillator which concerns on embodiment. The perspective view which shows typically the atomic oscillator which concerns on embodiment. The perspective view which shows typically the atomic oscillator which concerns on embodiment. The perspective view which shows typically the 1st positioning member of the atomic oscillator which concerns on embodiment. The plan view which shows typically the 1st positioning member of the atomic oscillator which concerns on embodiment. The perspective view which shows typically the atomic oscillator which concerns on embodiment. The perspective view which shows typically the atomic oscillator which concerns on embodiment. The perspective view which shows typically the support member of the atomic oscillator which concerns on embodiment. The cross-sectional view which shows typically the atomic oscillator which concerns on embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the positioning of an atomic cell with respect to a support member. FIG. 5 is a sectional view schematically showing an atomic oscillator according to a first modification of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sectional view schematically showing an atomic oscillator according to a second modification of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sectional view schematically showing an atomic oscillator according to a third modification of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sectional view schematically showing an atomic oscillator according to a fourth modification of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an atomic oscillator according to a fifth modification of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sectional view schematically showing an atomic oscillator according to a sixth modification of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an atomic oscillator according to a seventh modification of the embodiment. The schematic block diagram which shows the frequency signal generation system which concerns on embodiment.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below do not unreasonably limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Moreover, not all of the configurations described below are essential constituent requirements of the present invention.

1. 1. Atomic oscillator 1.1. Outline First, the atomic oscillator according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an atomic oscillator 10 according to the present embodiment.

When the atomic oscillator 10 simultaneously irradiates an alkali metal atom with two resonance lights having specific different wavelengths, the quantum interference effect (CPT) causes a phenomenon in which the two resonance lights are transmitted without being absorbed by the alkali metal atoms. : Coherent Population Trapping) is an atomic oscillator. The phenomenon due to this quantum interference effect is also referred to as an electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) phenomenon. Further, the atomic clock according to the present invention may be an atomic clock utilizing a double resonance phenomenon caused by light and microwave.

As shown in FIG. 1, the atomic oscillator 10 includes a light source unit 100, an optical system unit 200, an atomic cell unit 300, and a control unit 500 that controls the light source unit 100 and the atomic cell unit 300. Hereinafter, first, the outline of the atomic oscillator 10 will be described.

The light source unit 100 includes a Pelche element 110, a light source 120, and a temperature sensor 130.

The light source 120 emits linearly polarized light LL containing two types of light having different frequencies. The light source 120 is a light emitting element such as a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL). The temperature sensor 130 detects the temperature of the light source 120. The Pelche element 110 is a first temperature control element that controls the temperature of the light source 120 to the first temperature. Specifically, the Pelche element 110 heats or cools the light source 120. The first temperature is, for example, 25 ° C. or higher and 35 ° C. or lower.

The optical system unit 200 is arranged between the light source unit 100 and the atomic cell unit 300. The optical system unit 200 includes a neutral density filter 210, a lens 220, and a quarter wave plate 230.

The neutral density filter 210 reduces the intensity of the light LL emitted from the light source 120. The lens 220 adjusts the emission angle of the light LL. Specifically, the lens 220 makes the light LL parallel light. The 1/4 wave plate 230 converts two types of light contained in the light LL having different frequencies from linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light.

The atomic cell unit 300 includes an atomic cell 310, a light receiving element 320, a heater unit 380, a temperature sensor 322, and a coil 324.

The atomic cell 310 transmits the light LL emitted from the light source 120. The atomic cell 310 contains an alkali metal atom. The alkali metal atom has an energy level of a three-level system consisting of two different ground levels and an excitation level. The light LL emitted from the light source 120 is incident on the atomic cell 310 through the neutral density filter 210, the lens 220, and the quarter wave plate 230.

The light receiving element 320 receives and detects the light LL that has passed through the atomic cell 310. The light receiving element 320 is, for example, a photodiode.

The heater unit 380 is a second temperature control element that controls the atomic cell 310 to a second temperature different from the first temperature. The heater unit 380 heats the alkali metal atoms contained in the atomic cell 310 and puts at least a part of the alkali metal atoms into a gas state. The second temperature is, for example, 60 ° C. or higher and 70 ° C. or lower.

The temperature sensor 322 detects the temperature of the atomic cell 310. The coil 324 applies a magnetic field in a predetermined direction to the alkali metal atom contained in the atomic cell 310, and causes the energy level of the alkali metal atom to undergo Zeeman splitting.

When the alkali metal atom is irradiated with a circularly polarized resonance light pair in a state where the alkali metal atom is Zeeman split, the alkali metal atom of the desired energy level among the multiple levels in which the alkali metal atom is Zeeman split is The number is relatively large relative to the number of alkali metal atoms at other energy levels. Therefore, the number of atoms expressing the desired EIT phenomenon increases, and the desired EIT signal becomes large. As a result, the oscillation characteristics of the atomic oscillator 10 can be improved.

The control unit 500 includes a temperature control unit 510, a light source control unit 520, a magnetic field control unit 530, and a temperature control unit 540.

The temperature control unit 510 controls the energization of the heater unit 380 so that the inside of the atomic cell 310 has a desired temperature based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 322. The magnetic field control unit 530 controls the energization of the coil 324 so that the magnetic field generated by the coil 324 is constant. The temperature control unit 540 controls the energization of the Pelche element 110 so that the temperature of the light source 120 becomes a desired temperature based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 130.

The light source control unit 520 controls the frequencies of two types of light contained in the light LL emitted from the light source 120 so that the EIT phenomenon occurs based on the detection result of the light receiving element 320. Here, the EIT phenomenon occurs when these two types of light become a resonance light pair having a frequency difference corresponding to the energy difference between the two base levels of the alkali metal atom contained in the atomic cell 310. The light source control unit 520 includes a voltage-controlled oscillator (not shown) whose oscillation frequency is controlled so as to stabilize in synchronization with the control of the frequencies of two types of light, and this voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). : Voltage Controlled Oscillator) is output as an output signal (clock signal) of the atomic oscillator 10.

1.2. Specific Configuration Next, a specific configuration of the atomic oscillator 10 will be described. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views schematically showing the atomic oscillator 10. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. Further, in FIGS. 2 and 3, FIGS. 4 to 13 described later, and FIGS. 19 and 20 described later, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are shown as three axes orthogonal to each other.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the atomic oscillator 10 includes a light source unit 100, an optical system unit 200, an atomic cell unit 300, a support member (board) 400, a control unit 500, an outer container 600, and the like. including.

Here, the Z axis is an axis along the perpendicular line P of the first outer container surface 612 of the outer base portion 610, and the + Z axis direction is from the first outer container surface 612 of the outer base portion 610 to the first outer container surface 612. The direction is toward the placed parts. The X-axis is an axis along the light LL emitted from the light source unit 100, and the + X-axis direction is the direction in which the light LL travels. The Y-axis is an axis perpendicular to the X-axis and the Z-axis, and the + Y-axis direction is a direction from the front to the back when the + Z-axis direction is upward and the + X-axis direction is directed to the right.

The light source unit 100 is arranged on the support member 400. The light source unit 100 includes a Pelche element 110, a light source 120, a temperature sensor 130, a light source container 140 accommodating these, and a light source substrate 150 in which the light source container 140 is arranged. The light source substrate 150 is fixed to the support member 400 by, for example, a screw (not shown). The Pelche element 110, the light source 120, and the temperature sensor 130 are electrically connected to the control unit 500.

The optical system unit 200 is arranged on the support member 400. The optical system unit 200 includes a neutral density filter 210, a lens 220, a quarter wave plate 230, and a holder 240 that holds them. The holder 240 is fixed to the support member 400 by, for example, a screw (not shown).

The holder 240 is provided with a through hole 250. The through hole 250 is a passage region for light LL. A neutral density filter 210, a lens 220, and a quarter wave plate 230 are arranged in the through hole 250 in this order from the light source unit 100 side.

Here, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the atomic cell unit 300. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the atomic cell unit 300 includes an atomic cell 310, a light receiving element 320, a first holding member 330, a screw 331, a second holding member 332, and a first atomic cell container 340. A first positioning member 350, a second positioning member 360, a spacer 369, a second atomic cell container 370, a heater unit 380, and a Pelche element 390.

The atomic cell 310 contains gaseous alkali metals such as rubidium, cesium, and sodium. If necessary, the atomic cell 310 may contain a rare gas such as argon or neon, or an inert gas such as nitrogen as a buffer gas together with the alkali metal atom.

The light LL emitted from the light source 120 is incident on the atomic cell 310. The material of the wall portion of the atomic cell 310 is, for example, glass. The wall portion of the atomic cell 310 defines the internal space of the atomic cell 310. As shown in FIG. 4, the internal space of the atomic cell 310 includes a first space 312, a second space 314, and a communication hole 316.

The first space 312 is, for example, a saturated vapor pressure of an alkali metal atom. Light source 120
The light LL emitted from the first space 312 passes through the first space 312. The second space 314 communicates with the first space 312 via the communication hole 316. The volume of the second space 314 is, for example, smaller than the volume of the first space 312. The temperature of the second space 314 is adjusted to be lower than that of the first space 312. Therefore, for example, a liquid alkali metal atom exists in the second space 314. As a result, when the gaseous alkali metal atom in the first space 312 is reduced due to the reaction with the wall portion of the atomic cell 310 or the like, the liquid alkali metal atom is vaporized and the gaseous alkali metal atom in the first space 312 is vaporized. The concentration can be kept constant.

The light receiving element 320 is arranged on the side opposite to the light source 120 side of the atomic cell 310. In the illustrated example, the light receiving element 320 is arranged in the first atomic cell container 340. The light receiving element 320 is electrically connected to the control unit 500.

The first holding member 330 holds the atomic cell 310 in the first atomic cell container 340. The first holding member 330 is in contact with, for example, the wall portion of the atomic cell 310 that defines the first space 312. In the illustrated example, the first holding member 330 is fixed to the wall portion 345 of the first atomic cell container 340 by a screw 331. The wall portion 345 is a wall portion on the −Y axis direction side of the first atomic cell container 340. The first holding member 330 transfers the heat of the heater unit 380 to the alkali metal atoms in the first space 312. The material of the first holding member 330 is, for example, aluminum, titanium, copper, brass or the like.

The first holding member 330 is provided with through holes 330a and 330b. The light LL emitted from the light source 120 enters the atomic cell 310 through the through hole 330a. The light LL transmitted through the atomic cell 310 passes through the through hole 330b and is incident on the light receiving element 320. A member that transmits light LL may be arranged in the through holes 330a and 330b.

The second holding member 332 holds the atomic cell 310 in the first atomic cell container 340. The second holding member 332 is in contact with, for example, the wall portion of the atomic cell 310 that defines the second space 314. In the illustrated example, the second holding member 332 is fixed to the first atomic cell container 340 by a screw 333. The second holding member 332 transfers, for example, the heat of the second space 314 to the Pelche element 390. The second holding member 332 is provided apart from the first holding member 330. Thereby, the second space 314 can be adjusted to have a lower temperature than the first space 312. The material of the second holding member 332 is, for example, the same as that of the first holding member 330.

The first atomic cell container 340 houses the atomic cell 310, the light receiving element 320, and the holding members 330 and 332. The first atomic cell container 340 is arranged on the support member 400 via the positioning members 350 and 360. The first atomic cell container 340 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. The material of the first atomic cell container 340 is, for example, iron, silicon iron, permalloy, supermalloy, sendust, copper and the like. By using such a material, the first atomic cell container 340 can shield the magnetism from the outside. As a result, it is possible to suppress the influence of the alkali metal atoms in the atomic cell 310 by the magnetism from the outside, and to stabilize the oscillation characteristics of the atomic oscillator 10. Here, "suppressing" includes a case where the occurrence of the event is completely stopped so that the event does not occur, and a case where the degree of the event is reduced even if the event occurs.

The first atomic cell container 340 is provided with a through hole 340a. The light LL emitted from the light source 120 passes through the through hole 340a and enters the atomic cell 310. The through hole 340a may be provided with a member for transmitting light LL.

A heat transfer member 346 is arranged on the outer surface 34f of the first atomic cell container 340. In the illustrated example, the heat transfer member 346 has a plate shape and is fixed to the wall portion 345 of the first atomic cell container 340 by a screw 331. The heat transfer member 346 is arranged between the first atomic cell container 340 and the heater unit 380. The thermal conductivity of the heat transfer member 346 is higher than, for example, the thermal conductivity of the first atomic cell container 340 and the thermal conductivity of the heater lid 383 of the heater unit 380. The heat transfer member 346 transfers the heat of the heater unit 380 to the alkali metal atoms in the first space 312. The material of the heat transfer member 346 is, for example, aluminum, copper, or the like.

Here, FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views schematically showing the atomic oscillator 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing the first positioning member 350. FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically showing the first positioning member 350. For convenience, the members of the atomic oscillator 10 are partially omitted in FIGS. 5 and 6.

The first positioning member 350 and the second positioning member 360 are arranged on the support member 400 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The first positioning member 350 and the second positioning member 360 are fixed to the support member 400. The support member 400 and the first positioning member 350 are separate bodies. That is, the support member 400 and the first positioning member 350 are not integrally formed and are separate members. Similarly, the support member 400 and the second positioning member 360 are separate bodies. The material of the support member 400 and the material of the positioning members 350 and 360 are different. Although not shown, the support member 400, the first positioning member 350, and the second positioning member 360 may be integrally formed. That is, a structure having the same shape as the positioning members 350 and 360 may be formed on the support member 400. Further, if there is at least the first positioning member 350, the atomic cell 310 can be arranged on the support member 400 with high positional accuracy. That is, the second positioning member 360 may not be necessary. If there is a second positioning member 360, the position of the atomic cell 310 can be determined by the two positioning members of the first positioning member 350 and the second positioning member 360.

The first positioning member 350 is arranged on the + Y axis direction side of the first atomic cell container 340. The second positioning member 360 is arranged on the −Y axis direction side of the first atomic cell container 340. The first atomic cell container 340 is arranged between the first positioning member 350 and the second positioning member 360 when viewed from the Z-axis direction (perpendicular line P direction).

The first positioning member 350 and the second positioning member 360 are members that position the first atomic cell container 340 with respect to the support member 400. As a method of arranging the first atomic cell container 340 on the support member 400, first, as shown in FIG. 5, the positioning members 350 and 360 are fixed to the support member 400. Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the first atomic cell container 340 is arranged on the support member 400 using the positioning members 350 and 360, and the position of the first atomic cell container 340 with respect to the support member 400 is determined.

The first atomic cell container 340 has a first corner portion 341 and a second corner portion 342. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first corner portion 341 is a corner portion of the first atomic cell container 340 on the −X axis direction side and the + Y axis direction side. The outer surface 34a, the outer surface 34b, and the outer surface 34c intersect each other, and the portion where these three surfaces intersect is the first corner portion 341. The second corner portion 342 is a corner portion of the first atomic cell container 340 on the + X axis direction side and the −Y axis direction side. The outer surface 34a, the outer surface 34c, and the outer surface 34d intersect each other, and the portion where these three surfaces intersect is the second corner portion 342. The first positioning member 350 includes a first block 352 in contact with the first corner portion 341, a second block 354 in contact with the second corner portion 342, and a connection portion 356 connecting the first block 352 and the second block 354. ,have.

The "corner portion of the first atomic cell container 340" includes a vertex formed by the three outer surfaces of the first atomic cell container 340 and a portion in the vicinity of the vertex. The "portion near the apex" is, for example, a portion within a quarter of the length of each side of the outer surface from the apex formed by the three outer surfaces.

The first block 352 has a block base portion 352a and block wall portions 352b and 352c extending from the block base portion 352a in the + Z axis direction. The block base 352a is in contact with the outer surface 34a of the first atomic cell container 340 on the −Z axis direction side. The block wall portion 352b is in contact with the outer surface 34b on the −X-axis direction side of the first atomic cell container 340. The block wall portion 352c is in contact with the outer surface 34c of the first atomic cell container 340 on the + Y axis direction side. In this way, the first block 352 is in contact with the three outer surfaces 34a, 34b, 34c of the first atomic cell container 340. Therefore, the first positioning member 350 can position the first atomic cell container 340 in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction.

The second block 354 has a block base portion 354a and block wall portions 354b and 354c extending from the block base portion 354a in the + Z axis direction. The block base 354a is in contact with the outer surface 34a of the first atomic cell container 340 on the −Z axis direction side. The block wall portion 354c is in contact with the outer surface 34c of the first atomic cell container 340 on the + Y axis direction side. The block wall portion 354b faces the outer surface 34d on the + X axis direction side of the first atomic cell container 340. The block wall portion 354b may be in contact with the outer surface 34d or may be separated from the outer surface 34d.

The first block 352 is fixed to the support member 400 by the first fixed structure portion 357. The first fixed structure portion 357 is composed of, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a screw hole 357a provided in the first block 352 and a screw 357b inserted into the screw hole 357a. In the illustrated example, two first fixed structure portions 357 are provided.

The second block 354 is fixed to the support member 400 by the second fixed structure portion 358. The second fixed structure portion 358 is composed of, for example, a screw hole 358a provided in the second block 354 and a screw 358b inserted into the screw hole 358a. In the illustrated example, two second fixed structure portions 358 are provided.

The distance L1 between the first fixed structure portion 357 and the second fixed structure portion 358 is larger than the distance L2 between the first corner portion 341 and the second corner portion 342. As a result, even if the position of the second fixed structure portion 358 is deviated from the desired position with respect to the first fixed structure portion 357, the first positioning member 350 is compared with the case where the distance L1 is the distance L2 or less. The angle deviation can be reduced. For example, even if the position of the second fixed structure portion 358 is displaced in the Y-axis direction, the rotation angle with the axis parallel to the Z axis of the first positioning member 350 as the rotation axis can be reduced. The distance L1 is the shortest distance between the first fixed structure portion 357 and the second fixed structure portion 358. The distance L2 is the distance between the apex of the first corner portion 341 and the apex of the second corner portion 342.

The connecting portion 356 is, for example, a beam-shaped member that connects the block base portion 352a and the block base portion 354a. In the illustrated example, the connecting portion 356 extends in the X-axis direction. The connecting portion 356 may be in contact with the first atomic cell container 340 or may be separated from the first atomic cell container 340.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second positioning member 360 has, for example, the same shape as the first positioning member 350. The first atomic cell container 340 has a third corner portion 343 and a fourth corner portion 344. In the illustrated example, the third corner portion 343 is a corner portion of the first atomic cell container 340 on the −X axis direction side and the −Y axis direction side. The fourth corner portion 344 is a corner portion of the first atomic cell container 340 on the + X axis direction side and the −Y axis direction side. The second positioning member 360 includes a third block 362 in contact with the third corner portion 343, a fourth block 364 in contact with the fourth corner portion 344, and a connection portion 366 connecting the third block 362 and the fourth block 364. ,have.

The third block 362 has a block base portion 362a and block wall portions 362b and 362c. The fourth block 364 has a block base portion 364a and block wall portions 364b and 364c. The block wall portion 362b is in contact with the outer surface 34b on the −X-axis direction side of the first atomic cell container 340. The block wall portions 362c, 364b, 364c may be in contact with the first atomic cell container 340 or may be separated from the first atomic cell container 340.

The third block 362 is fixed to the support member 400 by the third fixed structure portion 367, similarly to the first block 352. The fourth block 364 is fixed to the support member 400 by the fourth fixed structure portion 368, similarly to the second block 354.

The first positioning member 350 and the second positioning member 360 are heat insulating members. The materials of the positioning members 350 and 360 are, for example, engineering plastics, liquid crystal polymer (LCP) resins, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and other resins. Since the positioning members 350 and 360 are heat insulating members, for example, it is possible to suppress the heat of the heater unit 380 from being transferred to the light source 120 via the support member 400. If the heat of the heater unit 380 is transferred to the light source 120 via the support member 400, the light source 120 may not be able to reach a desired temperature. The "heat insulating member" is a member having a thermal conductivity of 1 W / mK or less.

The spacer 369 is arranged between the outer surface 34e on the + Z axis direction side of the first atomic cell container 340 and the second atomic cell container 370. As shown in FIG. 6, four spacers 369 are arranged, for example. In the illustrated example, the spacer 369 is arranged at the corner of the first atomic cell container 340 on the + Z axis direction side. The material of the spacer 369 is, for example, the same as that of the positioning members 350 and 360.

Here, FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing the atomic oscillator 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the region α shown in FIG. For convenience, in FIG. 9, a part of the member of the atomic oscillator 10 is omitted.

The second atomic cell container 370 accommodates the first atomic cell container 340. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the second atomic cell container 370 has a plate-shaped fixing portion 372 provided with a through hole, and the fixing portion 372 is fixed to the support member 400 by a screw 374. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the second atomic cell container 370 has three fixing portions 372 and is fixed to the support member 400 at three points.

The material of the second atomic cell container 370 is, for example, the same as that of the first atomic cell container 340. The second atomic cell container 370 can shield magnetism from the outside. Since the spacer 369 is arranged between the first atomic cell container 340 and the second atomic cell container 370, the first atomic cell container 340 and the second atomic cell container 370 are separated from each other. Therefore, as compared with the case where the first atomic cell container 340 and the second atomic cell container 370 are in contact with each other, the function of shielding magnetism from the outside can be enhanced. The atomic cell containers 340 and 370 may be formed by cutting.

The second atomic cell container 370 is provided with a through hole 370a. The light LL emitted from the light source 120 passes through the through hole 370a and enters the atomic cell 310. The through hole 370a may be provided with a member for transmitting light LL.

As shown in FIG. 10, a heat insulating member 376 is arranged between the fixed portion 372 of the second atomic cell container 370 and the support member 400. As a result, it is possible to suppress the heat of the heater unit 380 from being transferred to the light source 120 via the second atomic cell container 370 and the support member 400. The heat insulating member 376 may be a washer. The material of the heat insulating member 376 is, for example, the same as that of the positioning members 350 and 360.

As shown in FIG. 4, the heater unit 380 is in contact with the heat transfer member 346. The heater unit 380 has a heating element 381, a heater container 382, a heat insulating member 386, 387, a heat insulating member 385, and a screw 389.

The heating element 381 is arranged on the outer surface 34f of the first atomic cell container 340. In the illustrated example, the heating element 381 is arranged on the outer surface 34f of the first atomic cell container 340 in a state of being housed in the heater container 382. The heating element 381 is an element that heats the atomic cell 310. Specifically, the heating element 381 is an element for heating the alkali metal atom in the first space 312. The heating element 381 is, for example, a heat generation resistor. As the heating element 381, a Pelche element may be used instead of the heat generation resistor or in combination with the heat generation resistor.

The heater container 382 houses the heating element 381. The heater container 382 has a heater lid portion 383 and a heater base portion 384.

The heater lid portion 383 is arranged between the heating element 381 and the atomic cell 310. In the illustrated example, the heater lid portion 383 has a shape having a recess in which the heating element 381 is arranged. The heater lid portion 383 is in contact with the heat transfer member 346. The heater lid portion 383 has a through hole 383a through which the screw 389 is passed. The heater base 384 is arranged on the side opposite to the atomic cell 310 side of the heating element 381. In the illustrated example, the heater base 384 is plate-shaped. The heater base 384 has a through hole 384a through which the screw 389 is passed.

The heater lid portion 383 and the heater base portion 384 are fixed to each other by screws 389. Further, the heater container 382 is fixed to the second atomic cell container 370 by a screw 389. In the illustrated example, two screws 389 are arranged, and a heating element 381 is arranged between the two screws 389. The material of the screw 389 is, for example, metal.

The material of the heater lid portion 383 and the heater base portion 384 is, for example, the same as that of the first atomic cell container 340. Therefore, the heater lid portion 383 and the heater base portion 384 shield the magnetism. Therefore, the heater container 382 can shield the magnetism generated from the heating element 381. As a result, it is possible to suppress the influence of the alkali metal atoms in the atomic cell 310 by the magnetism from the heating element 381, and to stabilize the oscillation characteristics of the atomic oscillator 10. The heater container 382 may be composed of any number of members as long as it can shield the magnetism generated from the heating element 381, and the shape is arbitrary.

The heat insulating members 385, 386, 387 are arranged between the heater lid portion 383 and the heater base portion 384, and are arranged closer to the heater base portion 384 than the heating element 381. As described above, in the atomic oscillator 10, a plurality of heat insulating members 385, 386, 387 are arranged between the heater lid portion 383 and the heater base portion 384, and on the heater base portion 384 side of the heating element 381. ing. At least a part of the heat insulating member 385, 386, 387 may be located on the heater base 384 side of the heating element 381. The materials of the heat insulating members 385, 386 and 387 are the same as those of the positioning members 350 and 360, for example.

The heat insulating member 385 is housed in the heater container 382. The heat insulating member 385 is arranged on the side opposite to the atomic cell 310 side of the heating element 381. That is, the heat insulating member 385 is arranged between the heating element 381 and the heater base 384. As a result, it is possible to suppress the heat of the heating element 381 from being transferred to the side opposite to the atomic cell 310 side, and the heat of the heating element 381 can be efficiently transferred to the atomic cell 310. The heat insulating member 385 may be a film formed by forming a heat insulating material on the heater base 384.

The heat insulating members 386 and 387 are arranged in the through holes 383a of the heater lid portion 383. The heat insulating members 386 and 387 include, for example, a first portion 388a arranged between the heater lid portion 383 and the heater base portion 384, and a second portion 388b arranged in the through hole 383a of the heater lid portion 383. Is a washer that has. The heat insulating member 386 and 387 of the present embodiment has a structure in which the first portion 388a and the second portion 388b are integrated, but the first portion 388a and the second portion 388b are separate bodies. May be good. That is, the member corresponding to the first portion 388a and the member corresponding to the second portion 388b may be combined. Further, only the member corresponding to one of the first portion 388a and the second portion 388b may be used.

The diameter of the first portion 388a is larger than the diameter of the through hole 383a of the heater lid portion 383, and the diameter of the second portion 388b is smaller than the diameter of the through hole 383a of the heater lid portion 383. That is, the diameter of the first portion 388a is larger than that of the second portion 388b. Further, the diameter of the first portion 388a is larger than that of the through hole 384a of the heater base portion 384. The heat insulating members 386 and 387 are provided with through holes through which the screws 389 are passed. The length of the second portion 388b is larger than the thickness of the heater lid portion 383, in other words, the length of the through hole 383a of the heater lid portion 383. Further, the diameter of the screw hole through which the screw 389 of the second atomic cell container 370 is passed is smaller than the diameter of the second portion 388b of the heat insulating member 386, 387.

Since the heat insulating members 386 and 387 can reduce the possibility of contact between the heater lid portion 383 and the heater base portion 384 by the first portion 388a, the heat of the heating element 381 transmitted to the heater lid portion 383 is transmitted to the heater base portion 384. It can be suppressed. Further, the heat of the heating element 381 transmitted to the heater lid portion 383 can be suppressed from being transmitted to the heater base portion 384 via the screw 389 by the second portion 388b. As a result, the heat of the heating element 381 can be efficiently transferred to the atomic cell 310. Further, since the length of the second portion 388b is larger than the thickness of the heater lid portion 383, it is possible to prevent the heater lid portion 383 from coming into contact with the second atomic cell container 370. Further, since the diameter of the screw hole through which the screw 389 of the second atomic cell container 370 is passed is smaller than the diameter of the second portion 388b of the heat insulating member 386, 387, this also causes the heater lid portion 383 and the second atomic cell. It is possible to prevent contact with the container 370. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the heat of the heating element 381 transmitted to the heater lid portion 383 from being transferred to the second atomic cell container 370. In the illustrated example, the heat insulating member 386 is arranged on the + X-axis direction side of the heat insulating member 385, and the heat insulating member 387 is arranged on the −X axis direction side of the heat insulating member 385.

Although not shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the temperature sensor 322 is arranged in the vicinity of the atomic cell 310. The temperature sensor 322 is, for example, various temperature sensors such as a thermistor and a thermoelectric pair.

Further, although not shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the coil 324 faces, for example, via a solenoid-type coil provided by winding along the outer circumference of the atomic cell 310, or via the atomic cell 310. A pair of Helmholtz type coils. The coil 324 generates a magnetic field in the direction of the optical axis A of the optical LL inside the atomic cell 310. As a result, the gap between the different degenerate energy levels of the alkali metal atom contained in the atomic cell 310 can be widened by Zeeman splitting, the resolution can be improved, and the line width of the EIT signal can be reduced.

Further, although not shown, a flexible substrate provided with wiring for supplying electric power to the heating element 381 from the outside may be arranged on the side opposite to the heating element 381 side of the heat insulating member 385. As a result, the heat of the heating element 381 can be suppressed from being transferred to the flexible substrate, and the heat of the heating element 381 can be efficiently transferred to the atomic cell 310.

As shown in FIG. 2, the Pelche element 390 is arranged in the second atomic cell container 370. In the illustrated example, the Pelche element 390 is arranged on the outer surface of the second atomic cell container 370 on the + Z axis direction side. The Pelche element 390 is controlled by the temperature control unit 510 so as to transfer heat from the second atomic cell container 370 to the outer lid portion 620 of the outer container 600, for example. The temperature control unit 510 may control the Pelche element 390 based on the detection result of the temperature sensor (not shown).

A heat transfer member 392 is arranged between the Pelche element 390 and the outer lid portion 620 of the outer container 600. The thermal conductivity of the heat transfer member 392 is higher than, for example, the thermal conductivity of the outer lid portion 620. The heat transfer member 392 has, for example, a plate shape or a sheet shape. The material of the heat transfer member 392 is, for example, aluminum, titanium, copper, or silicone having high heat dissipation. The heat transfer member 392 transfers the heat released from the heat dissipation surface of the Pelche element 390 to the outer lid portion 620.

As shown in FIG. 2, the support member 400 is cantileveredly fixed to the outer base 610 of the outer container 600. The support member 400 is fixed to, for example, the pedestal portion 611 of the outer base portion 610 by two screws 602 as shown in FIG. The support member 400 includes a fixed end 402 and a free end 404. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the support member 400 has a fixed end 402 side on the −X axis direction side and a free end 404 side on the + X axis direction side. There is a gap 6 between a portion of the support member 400 other than the fixed portion, that is, a portion other than the fixed end 402 in the present embodiment, and the outer base portion 610. That is, there is a gap 6 between the free end 404 and the outer base 610. The material of the support member 400 may be, for example, aluminum or copper, and the support member 400 may be, for example, a carbon sheet using carbon fibers. The support member 400 may be fixed to the outer base portion 610 with an adhesive.

Here, FIG. 11 is a perspective view schematically showing the support member 400. The support member 400 has an atomic cell support portion 410 facing the outer base portion 610 and a light source support portion 420 located in the + Z axis direction with respect to the atomic cell support portion 410. The atomic cell support portion 410 is provided with a through hole 412 penetrating in the Z-axis direction, and the atomic cell support portion 410 has a frame shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The light source support portion 420 is provided with a through hole 422 that penetrates in the X-axis direction. The light source support portion 420 is arranged on the fixed end 402 side of the support member 400.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a light source unit 100, an optical system unit 200, and an atomic cell unit 300 are arranged on the support member 400.

The light source unit 100 is arranged on the fixed end 402 side of the fixed end 402 side and the free end 404 side of the support member 400. The light source unit 100 is fixed to the surface of the light source support portion 420 on the −X-axis direction side by, for example, a screw (not shown) so that the light source container 140 is located in the through hole 422. In the illustrated example, the light source 120 is arranged on the fixed end 402 side of the support member 400 via the light source container 140 and the light source substrate 150. The optical system unit 200 is fixed to the surface of the light source support portion 420 on the + X axis direction by, for example, a screw (not shown).

Of the fixed end 402 side and the free end 404 side of the support member 400, the atomic cell unit 300 is arranged on the free end 404 side. The atomic cell unit 300 is arranged on the free end 404 side so as to overlap the through hole 412 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. In the illustrated example, the atomic cell unit 300 is fixed to the atomic cell support portion 410 by a screw 374. In the illustrated example, the atomic cell 310 is located on the free end 404 side of the support member 400 via the first holding member 330, the first atomic cell container 340, the positioning members 350, 360, and the second atomic cell container 370. Has been done.

As described above, since the support member 400 is cantileveredly fixed to the outer base portion 610, for example, the support member 400 is caused by the stress caused by the difference between the thermal expansion rate of the support member 400 and the thermal expansion rate of the outer base portion 610. It is possible to suppress deformation. If the support member 400 is fixed to the outer base portion 610 with both sides, the support member 400 may be deformed due to the stress caused by the difference in the thermal expansion rate between the two.

The atomic oscillator 10 includes a protrusion 440 arranged on the support member 400. Here, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the support member 400, the protrusion 440, the screw 442, and the outer base portion 610, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the XII-XII line of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 12, the protrusion 440 is arranged on the free end 404 side of the support member 400. The protrusion 440 is arranged on a surface of the support member 400 facing the outer base portion 610, and protrudes from the surface toward the outer base portion 610. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the protrusion 440 is fixed to the support member 400 by a screw 442. The protrusion 440 may be a washer.

When the support member 400 bends toward the outer base portion 610 and the free end 404 approaches the outer base portion 610, the protrusion 440 comes into contact with the outer base portion 610 before the support member 400. Thereby, for example, even if a force in the Z-axis direction is applied from the outside, the protrusion 440 can suppress the deformation of the support member 400. Therefore, if the position of the protrusion 440 is closer to the free end 404 than the fixed end 402, the deformation of the support member 400 can be suppressed by appropriately designing the height of the protrusion 440. The shape of the protrusion 440 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a rod shape.

In the illustrated example, the light source unit 100 is arranged on the fixed end 402 side of the fixed end 402 side and the free end 404 side of the support member 400, and among the fixed end 402 side and the free end 404 side of the support member 400. The atomic cell unit 300 is arranged on the free end 404 side. Therefore, the protrusion 440 can prevent the atomic cell 310 from shifting with respect to the light source 120.

There is a gap 2 between the protrusion 440 and the outer base 610. The material of the facing portion 444 facing at least the outer base portion 610 of the protrusion 440 is a heat insulating material. Specifically, the protrusion 440 is a heat insulating member, and the material of the protrusion 440 is, for example, the same as that of the positioning members 350 and 360. Since the material of the facing portion 444 of the protrusion 440 is a heat insulating material, even if the protrusion 440 comes into contact with the outer base portion 610, the heat of the heater unit 380 causes the second atomic cell container 370, the support member 400, and the protrusion 440 to come into contact with each other. It is possible to suppress transmission to the outer base portion 610 via the above. When the heat of the heater unit 380 is transferred to the outer base 610 via the protrusion 440, the heat of the heater unit 380 is transferred to the light source 120, and the light source 120 may not be able to reach a desired temperature. Although not shown, the material of the facing portion 444 may be a heat insulating material, and the material of the portion other than the facing portion 444 of the protrusion 440 may be a material having a high thermal conductivity. Further, the material of the protrusion 440 does not have to be a heat insulating material.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 500 has a circuit board 502. Circuit board 5
02 is fixed to the outer base 610 via a plurality of lead pins 504. An IC (Integrated Circuit) chip (not shown) is arranged on the circuit board 502, and the IC chip functions as a temperature control unit 510, a light source control unit 520, a magnetic field control unit 530, and a temperature control unit 540. The IC chip is electrically connected to the light source unit 100 and the atomic cell unit 300. The circuit board 502 is provided with a through hole 503 through which the support member 400 is inserted.

The outer container 600 houses a light source unit 100, an optical system unit 200, an atomic cell unit 300, a support member 400, a protrusion 440, and a control unit 500. The outer container 600 has an outer base portion (first member) 610 and an outer lid portion (second member) 620 separate from the outer base portion 610. The material of the outer container 600 is, for example, the same as that of the first atomic cell container 340. Therefore, the outer container 600 can shield the magnetism from the outside, and can suppress the influence of the alkali metal atom in the atomic cell 310 by the magnetism from the outside.

The outer container 600 has a first outer container surface (first surface) 612 and a second outer container surface (second surface) 622 different from the first outer container surface 612. Specifically, the outer base portion 610 has a first outer container surface 612, and the outer lid portion 620 has a second outer container surface 622.

In the illustrated example, the first outer container surface 612 is a surface of the outer base portion 610 facing the + Z axis direction, and the perpendicular P direction of the first outer container surface 612 is the Z axis direction. The first outer container surface 612 includes a first region 612a which is an upper surface of the pedestal portion 611, and a second region 612b and a third region 612c arranged so as to sandwich the first region 612a when viewed from the Z-axis direction. Have. The support member 400 is arranged on the first outer container surface 612. The second outer container surface 622 is a surface facing the first outer container surface 612. In the illustrated example, the second outer container surface 622 is a surface of the outer lid portion 620 facing the −Z axis direction.

The light source unit 100 and the first outer container surface 612 are connected to each other. In the illustrated example, the light source unit 100 and the first outer container surface 612 are connected via a support member 400 and a heat transfer member 614. In this way, "connection" means that the A member and the B member (or the B surface) are directly connected, and the A member and the B member are indirectly connected via the C member. Including cases and. The heat transfer member 614 is provided between the support member 400 and the first outer container surface 612. The heat transfer member 614 has, for example, a plate shape or a sheet shape. The thermal conductivity of the heat transfer member 614 is higher than the thermal conductivity of the support member 400 and the thermal conductivity of the outer base 610. The material of the heat transfer member 614 is, for example, aluminum, titanium, copper, or silicone having high heat dissipation.

There is a gap 4 between the light source unit 100 and the second outer container surface 622. That is, the light source unit 100 is arranged apart from the second outer container surface 622. In other words, the light source unit 100 and the second outer container surface 622 are not connected.

The atomic cell unit 300 and the second outer container surface 622 are connected to each other. In the illustrated example, the atomic cell unit 300 and the second outer container surface 622 are connected via a heat transfer member 392. The atomic cell 310 and the outer lid portion 620 are connected to each other. In the illustrated example, the atomic cell 310 and the outer lid portion 620 are connected via a holding member 330, 332, a first atomic cell container 340, a spacer 369, a Pelche element 390, and a heat transfer member 392.

There is a void 6 between the atomic cell unit 300 and the first outer container surface 612. That is, the atomic cell unit 300 is arranged apart from the first outer container surface 612.

In the illustrated example, the light source unit 100 and the outer container 600 are connected only by the first outer container surface 612, and the atomic cell unit 300 and the outer container 600 are connected only by the second outer container surface 622. If the light source unit 100 and the atomic cell unit 300 are not connected to the same surface, the light source unit 100 and the outer container 600 may not be connected only by the first outer container surface 612, and the atomic cell may not be connected. The unit 300 and the outer container 600 may not be connected only by the second outer container surface 622. For example, the light source unit 100 and the outer container 600 may be further connected to each other on a surface different from the first outer container surface 612 and the second outer container surface 622 in addition to the first outer container surface 612. Further, the atomic cell unit 300 and the outer container 600 may be further connected to each other on a surface different from the first outer container surface 612 and the second outer container surface 622, in addition to the second outer container surface 622.

As described above, the light source unit 100 is separated from the second outer container surface 622 and connected to the first outer container surface 612, and the atomic cell unit 300 is separated from the first outer container surface 612 and is connected to the second outer container surface. By being connected to 622, the heat of the light source unit 100 (specifically, the heat of the Pelche element 110) is released to the outside from the outer base 610 having the first outer container surface 612, and the atomic cell unit 300 The heat (specifically, the heat of the heater unit 380) can be discharged to the outside from the outer lid portion 620 having the second outer container surface 622. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the heat of the light source unit 100 from being transferred to the atomic cell 310 or the heat of the atomic cell unit 300 to be transferred to the light source 120 via the outer base portion 610.

The first thermal resistance of the path between the light source unit 100 and the atomic cell unit 300 via the support member 400 is the second thermal resistance between the light source unit 100 and the first outer container surface 612, and the atomic cell unit 300. Higher than the third thermal resistance between and the second outer container surface 622. The second thermal resistance is, for example, the thermal resistance of the path between the light source unit 100 and the first outer container surface 612 via the support member 400. The third thermal resistance is, for example, the thermal resistance of the path between the atomic cell unit 300 and the second outer container surface 622 via the heat transfer member 392.

Thermal resistance represents the difficulty of transmitting temperature. The thermal resistance R [K / W] of a member is generally such that the thermal conductivity of the member is λ [W / m · K], the cross-sectional area of the member is S [m ² ], and the length of the member is L [m]. When the temperature difference ΔT occurs in the length direction of the member, it is calculated as R [K / W] = L / (λ · S). Further, when the shape is complicated or the number of parts is large, the complex thermal resistance can be roughly calculated by thermal simulation. For example, in a simulation in which the light source unit 100, the atomic cell unit 300, the support member 400, and the outer container surface 612,622 are modeled, the light source unit 100 and the atomic cell unit 300 are heated to generate heat, and the support member 400 and the outer container surface are generated. By determining the temperature of 612,622, it is possible to know the magnitude relationship between the first resistance, the second thermal resistance, and the third thermal resistance.

As described above, the support member 400 is provided with a through hole 412. The portion of the atomic cell support portion 410 between the portion where the atomic cell unit 300 is arranged and the light source support portion 420 is narrowed by the through hole 412, that is, the cross-sectional area is reduced. Thereby, the first thermal resistance can be increased. Further, the atomic cell unit 300 is arranged so as to overlap the through hole 412 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. That is, there is a larger void between the atomic cell unit 300 and the first outer container surface 612 than when there is no through hole 412. As a result, heat transfer between the atomic cell unit 300 and the first outer container surface 612 can be suppressed as compared with the case where the through hole 412 is not provided.

Here, FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the positioning of the atomic cell 310 with respect to the support member 400.

The atomic cell 310 is pressed against the first atomic cell container 340 toward the heating element 381 (see arrow F1 in FIG. 13). In the illustrated example, the atomic cell 310 is pressed against the wall portion 345 of the first atomic cell container 340 in the −Y axis direction. The atomic cell 310 is held by the first holding member 330, and the first holding member 330 is pressed against the first atomic cell container 340 toward the heating element 381. As described above, in the illustrated example, the atomic cell 310 is pressed by pressing the first holding member 330 that holds the atomic cell 310.

The atomic cell 310 is fixed to the first atomic cell container 340 by a screw 331. In the illustrated example, the first holding member 330 that holds the atomic cell 310 is fixed to the first atomic cell container 340 by a screw 331. As a result, the atomic cell 310 is fixed to the first atomic cell container 340.

By fixing the atomic cell 310 to the first atomic cell container 340 with the screw 331, the atomic cell 310 is pressed against the first atomic cell container 340 toward the heating element 381. In the illustrated example, the first holding member 330 is fixed to the first atomic cell container 340 by the screw 331, so that the first holding member 330 is pressed against the first atomic cell container 340 toward the heating element 381.

Specifically, the first atomic cell container 340 and the first holding member 330 are attached by screwing and tightening the screw 331 through the through hole of the first atomic cell container 340 into the screw hole of the first holding member 330. A fastening force (fastening force) acts to fasten the first atomic cell container 340 and the first holding member 330. By this fastening force, the first holding member 330, that is, the atomic cell 310 is pressed against the first atomic cell container 340 toward the heating element 381.

The heating element 381 is pressed against the first atomic cell container 340 toward the atomic cell 310 (see arrow F2 in FIG. 13). In the illustrated example, the heating element 381 is pressed against the wall portion 345 of the first atomic cell container 340 in the + Y axis direction. The heating element 381 is held in the heater container 382, and the heater container 382 is pressed against the first atomic cell container 340 toward the atomic cell 310. As described above, in the illustrated example, the heating element 381 is pressed by pressing the heater container 382 holding the heating element 381.

The heating element 381 is fixed to the second atomic cell container 370 accommodating the first atomic cell container 340 by a screw 389. In the illustrated example, the heater container 382 holding the heating element 381 is fixed to the second atomic cell container 370 by a screw 389. As a result, the heating element 381 is fixed to the second atomic cell container 370.

By fixing the heating element 381 to the second atomic cell container 370 with the screw 389, the heating element 381 is pressed against the first atomic cell container 340 toward the atomic cell 310. In the illustrated example, the heater container 382 is fixed to the second atomic cell container 370 by the screw 389, so that the heater container 382 is pressed against the first atomic cell container 340 toward the atomic cell 310.

Specifically, the heater container 382 and the second atomic cell container 370 are fastened by screwing and tightening the screw 389 through the through holes 383a and 384a of the heater container 382 into the screw hole of the second atomic cell container 370. The force (fastening force) is exerted to fasten the heater container 382 and the second atomic cell container 370. By this fastening force, the heater container 382, that is, the heating element 381 is pressed against the first atomic cell container 340 toward the atomic cell 310.

The first atomic cell container 340 is pressed against the first positioning member 350 by the heating element 381 being pressed against the first atomic cell container 340 toward the atomic cell 310.
In the illustrated example, the first atomic cell container 340 has an outer surface 34f on which the heating element 381 is arranged and an outer surface 34c located on the opposite side of the outer surface 34f with respect to the atomic cell 310. The outer surface 34c is pressed against the block wall portions 352c and 354c (see FIGS. 5 and 7) of the first positioning member 350. When the first atomic cell container 340 is pressed against the first positioning member 350, the first holding member 330, that is, the atomic cell 310 is formed with the surface on which the outer surface 34c of the block wall portions 352c and 354c is pressed as a reference surface. Positioned. Therefore, the atomic cell 310 can be arranged with high positional accuracy with respect to the support member 400.

Further, as described above, the atomic cell 310 is pressed against the first atomic cell container 340 toward the heating element 381 (see arrow F1 in FIG. 13), and the heating element 381 is pressed toward the atomic cell 310 toward the first atomic cell container. It is pressed by 340 (see arrow F2 in FIG. 13). Therefore, the atomic cell 310 can be efficiently heated.

The atomic oscillator 10 has, for example, the following features.

In the atomic oscillator 10, the light source unit 100 and the first outer container surface 612 are connected, and there is a gap 4 between the light source unit 100 and the second outer container surface 622, and the atomic cell unit 300 and the second outer container surface 622. It is connected to the container surface 622, and there is a gap 6 between the atomic cell unit 300 and the first outer container surface 612. Therefore, in the atomic oscillator 10, the heat of the light source unit 100 (specifically, Pelche) through the outer container 600 is compared with the case where the light source unit 100 and the atomic cell unit 300 are connected to the same surface of the outer container 600. It is possible to prevent the heat of the element 110 from being transferred to the atomic cell 310 and the heat of the atomic cell unit 300 (specifically, the heat of the heater unit 380) from being transferred to the light source 120. In this way, the atomic oscillator 10 can suppress heat interference between the light source unit 100 and the atomic cell unit 300. Therefore, in the atomic oscillator 10, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the light source 120 and the temperature of the atomic cell 310 from becoming unstable, and for example, the light source 120 and the atomic cell 310 can be set to desired temperatures. As a result, the atomic oscillator 10 can have high frequency stability. Further, the light source 120, the atomic cell 310, and the temperature control can be facilitated.

In the atomic oscillator 10, the first outer container surface 612 and the second outer container surface 622 face each other. Therefore, in the atomic oscillator 10, the heat of the light source unit 100 and the heat of the atomic cell unit 300 can be transferred in opposite directions to each other, and the heat of the light source unit 100 is transferred to the atomic cell 310 or the heat of the atomic cell unit 300 is transferred. It is possible to more reliably suppress transmission to the light source 120.

In the atomic oscillator 10, the outer container 600 has an outer base portion 610 having a first outer container surface 612 and an outer lid portion 620 having a second outer container surface 622 and separate from the outer base portion 610. There is. Therefore, in the atomic oscillator 10, for example, the first outer container surface 612 and the second outer container surface 622 are different from each other as compared with the case where one member has the first outer container surface 612 and the second outer container surface 622. It is possible to make it difficult for heat to be transmitted between them. As a result, in the atomic oscillator 10, it is possible to more reliably suppress the heat of the light source unit 100 from being transferred to the atomic cell 310 and the heat of the atomic cell unit 300 from being transferred to the light source 120 through the outer container 600. can.

In the atomic oscillator 10, the first thermal resistance of the path between the light source unit 100 and the atomic cell unit 300 via the support member 400 is the second thermal resistance between the light source unit 100 and the first outer container surface 612. And higher than the third thermal resistance between the atomic cell unit 300 and the second outer container surface 622. Therefore, in the atomic oscillator 10, the heat of the light source unit 100 is transferred to the atomic cell 310 through the support member 400, as compared with the case where the first thermal resistance is lower than, for example, the second thermal resistance and the third thermal resistance. It is possible to prevent the heat of the atomic cell unit 300 from being transferred to the light source 120.

In the atomic oscillator 10, a heat transfer member 614 is arranged between the support member 400 and the first outer container surface 612. Therefore, in the atomic oscillator 10, heat can be easily transferred between the support member 400 and the outer container 600 having the first outer container surface 612.

In the atomic oscillator 10, the second atomic cell container 370 accommodates the atomic cell 310, and a heat insulating member 376 is arranged between the second atomic cell container 370 and the support member 400. Therefore, in the atomic oscillator 10, it is possible to make it difficult to transfer heat between the second atomic cell container 370 and the support member 400. As a result, in the atomic oscillator 10, it is possible to more reliably suppress the heat of the light source unit 100 from being transferred to the atomic cell 310 and the heat of the atomic cell unit 300 from being transferred to the light source 120 through the outer container 600. can.

In the atomic oscillator 10, the light source unit 100 and the outer container 600 are connected only by the first outer container surface 612, and the atomic cell unit 300 and the outer container 600 are connected only by the second outer container surface 622. Therefore, in the atomic oscillator 10, the heat of the light source unit 100 is transferred to the atomic cell 310 through the outer container 600 as compared with the case where the light source unit 100 or the atomic cell unit 300 and the outer container 600 are also connected to each other. It is possible to more reliably suppress the transfer of heat from the atomic cell unit 300 to the light source 120.

2. 2. Modification example of atomic oscillator 2.1. First Modification Example Next, the atomic oscillator according to the first modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the atomic oscillator 11 according to the first modification of the present embodiment. For convenience, in FIG. 14, members other than the outer container 600 and the low thermal conductivity member 630 are not shown.

Hereinafter, the atomic oscillator 11 according to the first modification of the present embodiment will be described with respect to the points different from the above-mentioned example of the atomic oscillator 10 according to the present embodiment, and the same points will be omitted. This is the same in the atomic oscillator according to the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh modifications of the present embodiment, which will be described later.

In the atomic oscillator 11, as shown in FIG. 14, the thermal conductivity between the outer base portion 610 and the outer lid portion 620 of the outer container 600 is higher than the thermal conductivity of the outer base portion 610 and the thermal conductivity of the outer lid portion 620. It differs from the above-mentioned atomic oscillator 10 in that it includes a low thermal conductivity member (third member) 630.

The outer base portion 610 and the outer lid portion 620 may be joined by a low thermal conductivity member 630. Examples of the low thermal conductivity member 630 include a resin film, a resin-based adhesive in which a resin is dissolved in a solvent, and solder.

In the atomic oscillator 11, as described above, the low thermal conductivity member has a lower thermal conductivity than the thermal conductivity of the outer base portion 610 and the thermal conductivity of the outer lid portion 620 between the outer base portion 610 and the outer lid portion 620. Includes 630. Therefore, in the atomic oscillator 11, it is possible to make it difficult for heat to be transferred between the outer base portion 610 and the outer lid portion 620. As a result, in the atomic oscillator 11, it is possible to more reliably suppress the heat of the light source unit 100 from being transferred to the atomic cell 310 and the heat of the atomic cell unit 300 from being transferred to the light source 120 through the outer container 600. can.

2.2. Second Modification Example Next, the atomic oscillator according to the second modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the atomic oscillator 12 according to the second modification of the present embodiment. For convenience, in FIG. 15, members other than the support member 400, the protrusion 440, the screw 442, and the outer base portion 610 are not shown.

In the atomic oscillator 12, as shown in FIG. 15, the material of the facing portion 616 facing at least the protrusion 440 of the outer base portion 610 is a heat insulating material. Specifically, the material of the facing portion 616 is the same as that of the positioning members 350 and 360.

In the atomic oscillator 12, since the material of the facing portion 616 facing at least the protrusion 440 of the outer base portion 610 is a heat insulating material, even if the protrusion 440 comes into contact with the outer base portion 610, for example, the heat of the heater unit 380 is generated by the protrusion. It is possible to more reliably suppress transmission to the outer base 610 via 440. Although not shown, the material of the facing portion 616 and the material of the portion other than the facing portion 616 of the outer base portion 610 may be a heat insulating material. Further, the material of the facing portion 444 of the protrusion 440 and the material of the facing portion 616 of the outer base portion 610 may be a heat insulating material, or only one of them may be a heat insulating material.

2.3. Third Modified Example Next, the atomic oscillator according to the third modified example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the atomic oscillator 13 according to the third modification of the present embodiment. For convenience, in FIG. 16, the members other than the light source unit 100, the atomic cell unit 300, the support member 400, the protrusion 440, and the outer container 600 are omitted, and each member is shown in a simplified manner.

In the above-mentioned atomic oscillator 10, as shown in FIG. 2, the light source unit 100 is arranged on the fixed end 402 side of the fixed end 402 side and the free end 404 side of the support member 400, and the fixed end 402 side of the support member 400. The atomic cell unit 300 was arranged on the free end 404 side of the free end 404 side.

On the other hand, in the atomic oscillator 13, as shown in FIG. 16, the atomic cell unit 300 is arranged on the fixed end 402 side of the fixed end 402 side and the free end 404 side of the support member 400, and the support member 400 is fixed. Of the end 402 side and the free end 404 side, the light source unit 100 is arranged on the free end 404 side. That is, in the atomic oscillator 13, the atomic cell 310 is arranged on the fixed end 402 side of the fixed end 402 side and the free end 404 side of the support member 400, and among the fixed end 402 side and the free end 404 side of the support member 400. , The light source 120 is arranged on the free end 404 side. Further, the atomic cell unit 300 is connected to the first outer container surface 612 via the pedestal portion 611, and the light source unit 100 is connected to the second outer container surface 622 directly or via a heat transfer member. At least one of the heat transfer member and the Pelche element may be arranged in the vicinity of the pedestal portion 611 or the pedestal portion 611.

In the atomic oscillator 13, as described above, the atomic cell 310 is arranged on the fixed end 402 side of the fixed end 402 side and the free end 404 side of the support member 400, and the fixed end 402 side and the free end 404 of the support member 400 are arranged. Of the sides, the light source 120 is arranged on the free end 404 side. Therefore, in the atomic oscillator 13, the protrusion 440 can prevent the light source 120 from shifting with respect to the atomic cell 310.

Further, although not shown, the support member 400 may have only one portion fixed to the outer base portion 610, and the position of the fixed end 402 (fixed portion) does not have to be the end portion of the support member 400. For example, the fixed portion may be near the center of the support member and both ends of the support member may be free ends. In this case, the atomic cell 310 may be arranged on one free end side with respect to the fixed portion, and the light source 120 may be arranged on the other free end side with respect to the fixed portion. Further, the protrusion 440 may be arranged on both of the two free ends, or the protrusion 440 may be arranged on the free end having a relatively long length from the fixed portion to the end.

2.4. Fourth Modified Example Next, the atomic oscillator according to the fourth modified example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the atomic oscillator 14 according to the fourth modification of the present embodiment. For convenience, in FIG. 17, the members other than the light source unit 100, the atomic cell unit 300, and the outer container 600 are not shown, and each member is shown in a simplified manner.

In the above-mentioned atomic oscillator 10, as shown in FIG. 2, the light source unit 100 and the atomic cell unit 300 are arranged on a common support member 400. Further, the light source unit 100 was connected to the first outer container surface 612 via the support member 400, and the atomic cell unit 300 was connected to the second outer container surface 622 via the heat transfer member 392.

On the other hand, the atomic oscillator 14 does not include the support member 400 as shown in FIG. For example, the light source unit 100 may be directly connected to the first outer container surface 612, and the atomic cell unit 300 may be directly connected to the second outer container surface 622. Although not shown, the light source unit 100 is connected to the first outer container surface 612 by a support member arranged on the first outer container surface 612, and the atomic cell unit 300 is arranged on the second outer container surface 622. It may be connected to the second outer container surface 622 by another support member. In either case, the light source unit 100 and the atomic cell 310 are arranged so that the light emitted from the light source unit 100 passes through the first space 312 of the atomic cell 310. The configuration of this modification also suppresses the transfer of heat between the light source unit 100 and the atomic cell unit 300.

2.5. Fifth Modification Example Next, the atomic oscillator according to the fifth modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the atomic oscillator 15 according to the fifth modification of the present embodiment. For convenience, in FIG. 18, the members other than the light source unit 100, the atomic cell unit 300, the support members 400a and 400b, and the outer container 600 are not shown, and each member is shown in a simplified manner.

As shown in FIG. 18, the atomic oscillator 15 differs from the above-mentioned atomic oscillator 10 in that the light source unit 100 and the atomic cell unit 300 are laminated. In the illustrated example, the support member 400a, the light source unit 100, the support member 400b, and the atomic cell unit 300 are laminated in this order. The support member 400a is arranged on the third outer container surface 632 that connects the first outer container surface 612 and the second outer container surface 622. In the illustrated example, the light source unit 100 is directly connected to the first outer container surface 612, and the atomic cell unit 300 is directly connected to the second outer container surface 622. In this modification, the support member 400b is a heat insulating material. Specifically, the material of the support member 400b is the same as that of the positioning members 350 and 360 of the first embodiment. The light source unit 100 may be connected to the first outer container surface 612 via another member, for example, a heat transfer member. The atomic cell unit 300 may be connected to the second outer container surface 622 via another member, for example, a heat transfer member. In either case, the light source unit 100 and the atomic cell 310 are arranged so that the light emitted from the light source unit 100 passes through the first space 312 of the atomic cell 310. The configuration of this modification also suppresses the transfer of heat between the light source unit 100 and the atomic cell unit 300.

2.6. Sixth Modification Example Next, the atomic oscillator according to the sixth modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the atomic oscillator 16 according to the sixth modification of the present embodiment. For convenience, FIG. 19 illustrates a part of the atomic cell unit 300.

In the above-mentioned atomic oscillator 10, as shown in FIG. 4, the heater container 382 is fixed to the second atomic cell container 370 by the screw 389, and the first holding member 330 is fixed to the first atomic cell container 340 by the screw 331. rice field.

On the other hand, in the atomic oscillator 16, as shown in FIG. 19, the screw 389 that fixes the heater container 382 to the second atomic cell container 370 and the first holding member 330 to the first atomic cell container 340. including. That is, in the atomic oscillator 16, the first holding member 330, the first atomic cell container 340, the heater container 382, and the second atomic cell container 370 are co-tightened with screws 389.

The heater container 382 is fixed to the second atomic cell container 370 with the screw 389, and the first holding member 330 is fixed to the first atomic cell container 340, so that the heating element 381 is first directed toward the atomic cell 310. It is pressed against the atomic cell container 340, and the atomic cell 310 is pressed against the first atomic cell container 340 toward the heating element 381. As a result, similarly to the above-mentioned atomic oscillator 10, the atomic cell 310 can be efficiently heated, and the atomic cell 310 can be arranged with high positional accuracy.

Since the atomic oscillator 16 includes a screw 389 for fixing the heater container 382 to the second atomic cell container 370 and fixing the first holding member 330 to the first atomic cell container 340, for example, as shown in FIG. The size of the device can be reduced as compared with the case where the screw 389 for fixing the heater container 382 to the second atomic cell container 370 and the screw 331 for fixing the first holding member 330 to the first atomic cell container 340 are included.

2.7. Seventh Modification Example Next, the atomic oscillator according to the seventh modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the atomic oscillator 17 according to the seventh modification of the present embodiment. For convenience, in FIG. 20, members other than the atomic cell 310, the light receiving element 320, the heat transfer member 346, the first atomic cell container 340, the first positioning member 350, and the heater unit 380 are not shown.

In the above-mentioned atomic oscillator 10, as shown in FIG. 13, the first atomic cell container 340 is pressed by the heating element 381 against the first atomic cell container 340 in the + Y-axis direction (arrow F2 in FIG. 13). (See), was pressed against the first positioning member 350. As a result, the atomic cell 310 was positioned in the Y-axis direction.

On the other hand, in the atomic oscillator 17, as shown in FIG. 20, in the first atomic cell container 340, the heating element 381 is tilted from the Y-axis, that is, in both the + X-axis direction and the + Y-axis direction (FIG. (See arrow F3 of 20) By being pressed against the first atomic cell container 340, it is pressed against the first positioning member 350. As a result, the atomic cell 310 can be positioned in both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

In the illustrated example, the first atomic cell container 340 has an outer surface of 34 g. The outer surface 34g is a surface connecting the outer surface 34b and the outer surface 34f, and is a surface whose perpendicular lines are inclined with respect to the X-axis and the Y-axis. The outer surface 34g is, for example, a surface formed by notching a corner portion including the outer surface 34b and the outer surface 34f. The vertical line of the outer surface 34 g is inclined with respect to the Y axis, and in the illustrated example, the vertical line of the outer surface 34 g passes between the X axis and the Y axis.

In the atomic oscillator 17, the heater container 382 is arranged on the outer surface 34 g of the first atomic cell container 340. Therefore, when the heating element 381 (heater container 382) is pressed, the outer surface 34c of the first atomic cell container 340 facing the + Y axis direction is not only pressed against the block wall portions 354c and 352c, but also the + X axis. The directional outer surface 34d is pressed against the block wall portion 354b. Therefore, the atomic cell 310 can be positioned with respect to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Therefore, in the atomic oscillator 17, the atomic cell 310 can be arranged with higher positional accuracy with respect to the support member 400.

3. 3. Frequency signal generation system Next, the frequency signal generation system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The following clock transmission system (timing server) is an example of a frequency signal generation system. FIG. 21 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a clock transmission system 90.

The clock transmission system according to the present invention includes an atomic oscillator according to the present invention. In the following, as an example, a clock transmission system 90 including an atomic oscillator 10 will be described.

The clock transmission system 90 matches the clocks of each device in the time division multiplexing network, and is a system having a redundant configuration of N (Normal) system and E (Emergency) system.

As shown in FIG. 21, the clock transmission system 90 supplies the clocks of the A station (upper (N system)) clock supply device 901 and SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) device 902, and the B station (upper (E system)). The device 903 and the SDH device 904, and the clock supply device 905 and the SDH device 906, 907 of the C station (lower) are provided. The clock supply device 901 has an atomic oscillator 10 and generates an N-system clock signal. The atomic oscillator 10 in the clock supply device 901 generates a clock signal in synchronization with a more accurate clock signal from the master clocks 908 and 909 including the atomic oscillator using cesium.

The SDH device 902 transmits and receives a main signal based on the clock signal from the clock supply device 901, superimposes the N system clock signal on the main signal, and transmits the N system clock signal to the lower clock supply device 905. The clock supply device 903 has an atomic oscillator 10 and generates an E-system clock signal. The atomic oscillator 10 in the clock supply device 903 generates a clock signal in synchronization with a more accurate clock signal from the master clocks 908 and 909 including the atomic oscillator using cesium.

The SDH device 904 transmits and receives a main signal based on the clock signal from the clock supply device 903, superimposes the E system clock signal on the main signal, and transmits the clock signal to the lower clock supply device 905. The clock supply device 905 receives the clock signals from the clock supply devices 901 and 903, and generates a clock signal in synchronization with the received clock signal.

The clock supply device 905 usually generates a clock signal in synchronization with the N-system clock signal from the clock supply device 901. Then, when an abnormality occurs in the N system, the clock supply device 905 generates a clock signal in synchronization with the clock signal of the E system from the clock supply device 903. By switching from the N system to the E system in this way, stable clock supply can be ensured and the reliability of the clock path network can be improved. The SDH device 906 transmits and receives a main signal based on the clock signal from the clock supply device 905. Similarly, the SDH device 907 transmits and receives a main signal based on the clock signal from the clock supply device 905. As a result, the device of station C can be synchronized with the device of station A or station B.

The frequency signal generation system according to the present embodiment is not limited to the clock transmission system. The frequency signal generation system includes a system in which an atomic oscillator is mounted and is composed of various devices and a plurality of devices that utilize the frequency signal of the atomic oscillator.

The frequency signal generation system according to the present embodiment is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a clock, a mobile phone, a digital still camera, a liquid ejection device (for example, an inkjet printer), a personal computer, a television, a video camera, a video tape recorder, and a car navigation system. Devices, pagers, electronic notebooks, electronic dictionaries, calculators, electronic game devices, word processors, workstations, videophones, security TV monitors, electronic binoculars, POS (point of sales) terminals, medical equipment (eg electronic thermometers, blood pressure monitors, etc.) Blood glucose meter, electrocardiogram measuring device, ultrasonic diagnostic device, electronic endoscope, electrocardiograph), fish finder, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) frequency standard, various measuring devices, instruments (for example, automobiles, aircraft, ships) Instruments), flight simulators, terrestrial digital broadcasting systems, mobile phone base stations, mobile objects (automobiles, aircraft, ships, etc.).

In the present invention, some configurations may be omitted, or each embodiment or modification may be combined within the range having the features and effects described in the present application.

The present invention includes substantially the same configurations as those described in the embodiments (eg, configurations with the same function, method and result, or configurations with the same purpose and effect). The present invention also includes a configuration in which a non-essential part of the configuration described in the embodiment is replaced. Further, the present invention includes a configuration having the same action and effect as the configuration described in the embodiment or a configuration capable of achieving the same object. Further, the present invention includes a configuration in which a known technique is added to the configuration described in the embodiment.

2,4,6 ... voids, 10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17 ... atomic oscillators, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e, 34f, 34g ... outer surface, 90 ... clock transfer system, 100 ... light source unit, 110 ... Pelche element, 120 ... light source, 130 ... temperature sensor, 140 ... light source container, 150 ... light source substrate, 200 ... optical system unit, 210 ... dimming filter, 220 ... lens, 230 ... 1/4 Wave plate, 240 ... holder, 250 ... through hole, 300 ... atomic cell unit, 310 ... atomic cell, 312 ... first space, 314 ... second space, 316 ... communication hole, 320 ... light receiving element, 322 ... temperature sensor, 324 ... Coil, 330 ... First holding member, 330a, 330b ... Through hole, 331 ... Screw, 332 ... Second holding member, 333 ... Screw, 340 ... First atomic cell container, 341 ... First corner, 342 ... 2nd corner part, 343 ... 3rd corner part, 344 ... 4th corner part, 345 ... wall part, 346 ... heat transfer member, 350 ... 1st positioning member, 352 ... 1st block, 352a ... block base, 352b, 352c ... block wall part, 354 ... second block, 354a ... block base, 354b, 354c ... block wall part, 356 ... connection part, 357 ... first fixed structure part, 357a ... screw hole, 357b ... screw, 358 ... 2 Fixed structure part, 358a ... screw hole, 358b ... screw, 360 ... second positioning member, 362 ... third block, 362a ... block base, 362b, 362c ... block wall part, 364 ... fourth block, 364a ... block base , 364b, 364c ... block wall part, 366 ... connection part, 369 ... spacer, 370 ... second atomic cell container, 370a ... through hole, 372 ... fixing part, 374 ... screw, 376 ... heat insulating member, 380 ... heater unit, 381 ... heating element, 382 ... heater container, 383 ... heater lid, 383a ... through hole, 384 ... heater base, 384a ... through hole, 385,386,387 ... heat insulating member, 388a ... first part, 388b ... second Part, 389 ... screw, 390 ... Pelche element, 392 ... heat transfer member, 400, 400a, 400b ... support member, 402 ... fixed end, 404 ... free end, 410 ... atomic cell support part, 412 ... through hole, 420 ... Light source support, 422 ... Through hole,
440 ... protrusion, 442 ... screw, 444 ... facing part, 500 ... control unit, 502 ... circuit board, 503 ... through hole, 504 ... lead pin, 510 ... temperature control unit, 520 ... light source control unit, 530 ... magnetic field control unit, 540 ... Temperature control unit, 600 ... Outer container, 602 ... Screw, 610 ... Outer base part, 611 ... Pedestal part, 612 ... First outer container surface, 612a ... First region, 612b ... Second region, 612c ... Third region , 614 ... Heat transfer member, 616 ... Opposing part, 620 ... Outer lid, 622 ... Second outer container surface, 630 ... Low thermal conductivity member, 632 ... Third outer container surface, 901 ... Clock supply device, 902 ... SDH Device, 903 ... Clock supply device, 904 ... SDH device, 905 ... Clock supply device, 906,907 ... SDH device, 908,909 ... Master clock

Claims (8)

A light source unit having a light source that emits light and a first temperature control element that controls the light source to a first temperature.
An atom containing an alkali metal atom and having an atomic cell to which light emitted from the light source is incident, and a second temperature control element for controlling the atomic cell to a second temperature different from the first temperature. With the cell unit,
A container that houses the light source unit and the atomic cell unit and has a first surface and a second surface different from the first surface.
A substrate on which the light source unit and the atomic cell unit are arranged,
Including
The light source unit and the first surface are connected to each other.
There is a gap between the light source unit and the second surface.
The atomic cell unit and the second surface are connected to each other.
There is a gap between the atomic cell unit and the first surface .
The thermal resistance of the path between the light source unit and the atomic cell unit via the substrate is the thermal resistance between the light source unit and the first surface, and the atomic cell unit and the second surface. Atomic oscillator , higher than the thermal resistance between . In claim 1,
An atomic oscillator in which the first surface and the second surface face each other. In claim 1 or 2,
The container is
The first member having the first surface and
A second member having the second surface and separate from the first member,
Including atomic oscillators. In claim 3,
An atomic oscillator comprising a third member between the first member and the second member, which has a thermal conductivity lower than the thermal conductivity of the first member and the thermal conductivity of the second member. In any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The substrate is arranged on the first surface and
An atomic oscillator in which a heat transfer member is arranged between the substrate and the first surface. In any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The atomic cell unit has an atomic cell container for accommodating the atomic cell.
An atomic oscillator in which a heat insulating member is arranged between the atomic cell container and the substrate. In any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The light source unit and the container are connected only by the first surface.
An atomic oscillator in which the atomic cell unit and the container are connected only by the second surface. A frequency signal generation system that includes an atomic oscillator.
The atomic oscillator
A light source unit having a light source that emits light and a first temperature control element that controls the light source to a first temperature.
An atom containing an alkali metal atom and having an atomic cell to which light emitted from the light source is incident, and a second temperature control element for controlling the atomic cell to a second temperature different from the first temperature. With the cell unit,
A container that houses the light source unit and the atomic cell unit and has a first surface and a second surface different from the first surface.
A substrate on which the light source unit and the atomic cell unit are arranged,
Including
The light source unit and the first surface are connected to each other.
There is a gap between the light source unit and the second surface.
The atomic cell unit and the second surface are connected to each other.
There is a gap between the atomic cell unit and the first surface .
The thermal resistance of the path between the light source unit and the atomic cell unit via the substrate is the thermal resistance between the light source unit and the first surface, and the atomic cell unit and the second surface. A frequency signal generation system that is higher than the thermal resistance between them .

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