In the Space-Time Standards Laboratory, technologies for the generation, comparison, and dissemination of precision time and frequency as the basis for communication technology and metrology have been developed.

First, as a fundamental technology to support life and industry, we are continuously generating and providing Japan Standard Time with high stability. Atomic clocks are the source of accurate frequency to maintain such stable standard time. We develop Cs primary frequency standards, which realize the definition of the second. We also develop optical clocks that can detect even minute relativistic effects. To utilize optical clocks, it is essential to measure and transfer accurate signals of time and frequency standards. We are developing such transfer techniques on a global scale by utilizing satellites and also on an intracity scale by optical-fiber or wireless communications. Moreover, we explore new research fields in time and frequency metrology in, for example, the THz domain.

Driven by our research mission, we will contribute to the development of national standards for infrastructure and advanced measurement technology.

Director: IDO Tetsuya

Space-Time Standards Laboratory Website