IEN-CsF1 primary frequency standard at INRIM: accuracy evaluation and TAI calibrations

In this paper we present an accuracy evaluation of the primary frequency standard IEN-CsF1 of the Italian 'Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica'. In particular, we discuss the major improvements applied to the frequency standard that have allowed us to reach a total uncertainty of 8 × 10−16 in a measurement period of 20 days to 25 days. The full metrological chain that links the IEN-CsF1 fountain to the International Atomic Time scale is described and characterized, with respect to its noise and performances.

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