After a short introduction on the basic principle of atomic clocks and the main trends in this domain, we will present our current investigations on vapor-cell frequency standards. In this type of precision instruments, an alkali atoms vapor is employed as a quantum sensor to detect and suppress the unavoidable frequency fluctuations of a quartz oscillator. Advanced spectroscopic and metrological techniques are required in order to satisfy the demands of a wide range of applications such as networks synchronization and satellite navigation systems.

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Bio

Gaetano Mileti received his diploma degree in physics from EPFL in 1990 and his Ph.D. degree in physics from the University of Neuchâtel in 1995. From 1991 to 1995 and from 1997 to 2006, he was a research scientist at Observatoire Cantonal de Neuchâtel, where he became group leader in 2001. From 1995 to 1997, he was guest scientist at NIST, Boulder (CO, USA). He took part to the development of industrial and space qualified lamp-pumped Rb clocks as well as of the Swiss primary Cs fountain. In 2007, he co-founded the Laboratoire Temps-Fréquence (LTF) at the University of Neuchâtel, where he is deputy director and associate Professor. His current research interests include atomic spectroscopy, stabilized lasers, and frequency standards.