The article discusses various aspects of time and frequency measurement, focusing on the quality factor (Q) and its importance in determining oscillator stability. Quartz oscillators, which are widely used in timekeeping devices, are described as the most common source of time and frequency signals. The article explains how quartz oscillators work, mentioning the piezoelectric effect and the role of the crystal’s cut and size in determining the resonance frequency. It also discusses different types of quartz oscillators, such as TCXO, MCXO, and OCXO, which are designed to reduce the effects of environmental factors on the resonance frequency. The article mentions that the maximum Q for a high stability quartz oscillator can be estimated as Q = 1.6 × 10^7 / f, where f is the resonance frequency in megahertz. The article also discusses the limitations of quartz oscillators, such as aging and environmental factors, and mentions alternative timekeeping methods, such as radio controlled clocks and GPS time signals. Finally, the article describes the Ramsey cavity, which is used in atomic frequency standards to subject atoms to radiation near their resonance frequency.
Keywords: Quartz Oscillator, Quality Factor, Oscillation
