| This dissertation describes an optical clock based on the 1S0→3P 0 transition of neutral ytterbium atoms trapped in a Stark shift-free optical lattice. The use of an optical lattice to tightly confine the Yb atoms eliminates the recoil and Doppler related shifts that have previously hindered the accuracy of neutral atom optical clocks. The theoretical background of an optical lattice clock based on Yb is discussed, including calculations of the AC Stark shifts, magic wavelength, the trapping potential of the lattice, and a novel magnetically induced spectroscopic method to interrogate the clock transition in the even isotopes. Then the experimental apparatus used to collect, cool, and trap Yb in an optical lattice is described. Next, spectroscopy of the clock transition of both the odd and even isotopes is described, including the demonstration of sub-10,Hz spectroscopic lines. Finally, measurements of the various systematic clock frequency shifts of a clock based on magnetically induced spectroscopy of the even isotopes is presented. The clock shifts that were measured include: lattice induced differential polarizability, hyperpolarizability, second order Zeeman, and probe light shifts. Finally, the prospects for a highly accurate Yb optical lattice clock based on either the even or odd isotopes are discussed. |
