Universal formalism for data sharing and processing in clock comparison networks

TL;DR

This paper introduces a universal mathematical framework for comparing atomic clocks across complex networks, enabling practical large-scale clock comparisons and proposing a standardized data exchange protocol for collaborative clock analysis.

Contribution

It provides a novel, adaptable formalism for clock comparison that simplifies data processing and supports decentralized collaboration in clock networks.

Findings

Framework applicable to various clock architectures

Enables large-scale clock comparisons

Proposes a standardized data exchange protocol

Abstract

We present a mathematical framework adapted to the comparison of atomic clocks remotely connected by a complex network of optical or microwave links. This framework facilitates the computation of frequency ratios using a generic set of equations that are valid for a wide variety of clock architectures, making the comparison of a large number of clocks practical. This formalism suggests a generic data exchange protocol that can be used in clock comparison collaborations, for which data logging and decision taking are completely local procedures, independently implemented by the participants.