Statistical time-domain characterization of non-periodic optical clocks

TL;DR

This paper develops a statistical framework to analyze non-periodic optical clocks based on stochastic processes, exemplified by a driven two-level atom, expanding the understanding of quantum timekeeping devices.

Contribution

It introduces a rigorous statistical approach for non-periodic clocks and applies it to quantum systems, providing new insights into their performance and behavior.

Findings

Framework successfully characterizes non-periodic clock performance

Quantum jump simulations validate theoretical results

Photon waiting time distributions support the analysis

Abstract

Measuring time means counting the occurrence of periodic phenomena. Over the past centuries a major effort was put to make stable and precise oscillators to be used as clock regulators. Here we consider a different class of clocks based on stochastic clicking processes. We provide a rigorous statistical framework to study the performances of such devices and apply our results to a single coherently driven two-level atom under photodetection as an extreme example of non-periodic clock. Quantum Jump MonteCarlo simulations and photon counting waiting time distribution will provide independent checks on the main results.