Performance optimization of the optical clock “SOC2”, installation and operation at Wettzell for geodesy and fundamental physics studies

• Applicant: Professor Stephan Schiller, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas ; Geodesy, Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics, Cartography
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 490990195

This project introduces the accurate optical clock “SOC2” to the Geodätisches Observatorium Wettzell (GOW). This is a clock based on lattice-trapped 88Sr atoms. The clock performance, reliability, and robustness will be improved during the first two years of the project. Then, the clock will be transferred to GOW, where it will be integrated with the SLR system for optical time transfer to ACES via the ELT link. It will also be integrated with the GOW timing system and the ACES microwave link. The goal is to operate the clock with high accuracy (1×10^−17) for intervals of approximately 1 week duration, in a number of measurement campaigns from 2025 onwards. Goals are the first demonstration of the use of precise time transfer in geodesy and relativistic geodesy via optical link, by repeated comparisons with the optical clocks at PTB. Another goal is a test the universality of gravitational time dilation (GTD).

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 5456: Clock Metrology: A Novel Approach to TIME in Geodesy