Tinier and Less Power-Hungry Quantum Atomic Clock Designed by Tokyo Tech & Ricoh

(PRNewswire) Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech), together with Ricoh Co. Ltd. and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), have recently designed a fully functional atomic clock that surpasses the current industry benchmarks. In terms of power consumption, the phase-locked loop of their device, which is an essential component in quantum atomic clocks, consumes an order of magnitude less power than that of previously reported devices.
The ultra-low-power atomic clock (ULPAC) for small satellites will enable future communication systems beyond 5G. The proposed device outperforms the current industry standards in various benchmarks, such as size, stability, and power consumption.