High-accuracy Capabilities of an OsO4Molecular-beam Frequency Standard

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Abstract
The absorptions of OsO4 in coincidence with CO2 laser emissions have very attractive metrological characteristics, as has been demonstrated by several high-resolution frequency measurements. We evaluate in this work the possibilities of realizing a frequency standard at 30 THz based on an OsO4 molecular beam with a Ramsey-type interaction technique which could allow an accuracy level of 10-14 or better with a high short-term stability. The possible interaction and detection techniques are discussed in order to evaluate the observed line-width and the signal-to-noise ratio, taking into account the molecular flux achievable with a multichannel source. The main uncertainty sources are also discussed.