Optical time and frequency standard based on single indium ion

Abstract

We feel that continuing advancement of the state of the art of single ion trapping and laser technology will make a single laser-cooled ion a viable candidate for a time or frequency standard in the very near future. The recent achievements in flywheel laser technology and the use of femtosecond "comb" lasers to bridge the optical-microwave gap are very important steps in this direction. These advances together with the well-known advantages of,an optical frequency and small systematics should make the prospects for a single-ion optical standard very favorable indeed.