Compact diode-laser based rubidium frequency reference

The performance of a simple microwave frequency reference based on Raman scattering in an atomic vapor is examined. This reference has the potential to be compact, low-power, and insensitive to acceleration. Several design architectures have been evaluated with a table-top experiment in order to guide the future development of a compact system. Fractional frequency deviations of /spl les/5/spl times/10/sup -11/ appear to be feasible.