Author: Théo Brisset

Since 21 April, the CESQ¹ has been connected to the REFIMEVE research infrastructure network, managed by the Laboratory of Laser Physics² and the Time and Space Laboratory (LTE)³, which distributes the most accurate time and frequency references available via fibre optics from the LTE’s atomic clocks. This distribution is carried out without any degradation in the performance of the signals generated at the LTE, unlike what might be achieved by GPS or GALILEO, which are 10,000 times less accurate than the transfer via REFIMEVE.

This connection, made possible via the RENATER and OSIRIS fibre networks, strengthens CESQ’s research capabilities in quantum science and technology. It directly benefits:

• Quantum sensors, which require an absolute, accurate and traceable reference
• Quantum computers, whose lasers gain in stability thanks to reduced time drift
• Quantum communications, which rely on shared time synchronisation between laboratories.

The connection to the LTE’s atomic clocks also opens up research opportunities in fundamental physics, and in other fields such as atmospheric sciences and astrophysics.

Ultimately, REFIMEVE will facilitate the comparison of measurements from the CESQ with those from other European laboratories thanks to its connection to networks in Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, and soon to around twenty European countries through the European research infrastructure project FOREST.

1. Isis, Unistra, CNRS ↩︎
2. CNRS, Sorbonne University Paris-Nord ↩︎
3. Paris Observatory-PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne University, University of Lille, and the National Metrology and Testing Laboratory ↩︎