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Preface. <p>1. Introduction.</p> <p>2. Basics of Frequency Standards.</p> <p>3. Characterization of Amplitude and Frequency Noise.</p> <p>4. Macroscopic Frequency References.</p> <p>5. Atomic and Molecular Frequency References.</p> <p>6. Preparation and Interrogation of Atoms and Molecules.</p> <p>7. Caesium Atomic Clocks.</p> <p>8. Microwave Frequency Standards.</p> <p>9. Laser Frequency Standards.</p> <p>10. Ion-trap Frequency Standards.</p> <p>11. Synthesis and Division of Optical Frequencies.</p> <p>12. Time Scales and Time Dissemination.</p> <p>13. Technical and Scientific Applications.</p> <p>14. To the Limits and Beyond.</p> <p>Bibliography.</p> <p>Index.</p>

"…excellent coverage and selection of the subjects and topics…excellent graphic representation for new concept[s] and physical phenomenon…excellent bibliography including 884 references…" (<i>IEEE Instrumentation & Measurement Magazine</i>, December 2005)

<b>Fritz Riehle</b> received the Ph.D. in physics in 1977 from the Technical University of Karlsruhe. In 1982 he joined the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), where he was involved in establishing an electron storage ring as a primary radiometric standard source. Since 1987, he has been engaged in the realisation of optical length and frequency standards, high resolution spectroscopy, laser cooling, and atom interferometry. Since 2000 he heads the Optics division of PTB.

Of all measurement quantities, the frequency represents the one that can be determined with the highest degree of accuracy. This also allows precise measurements of other physical and technical quantities, whenever they could be put down to a frequency measurement. <p>This volume covers the important methods and techniques developed in physics, electronics, quantum electronics, statistics, and communication theory. After a review of the basics principles of frequency standards, the realisation of commonly used components is monitored. The book continues with the description and characterisation of the most important frequency standards such as atomic clocks, frequency stabilised lasers, or pulsars. Finally topical applications in engineering, telecommunication, and metrology are discussed.</p> <p>The author, Fritz Riehle, is a leading scientist at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt in Braunschweig, Germany.</p>

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