Optical frequency standards

The evolution of atomic frequency standards since Essen's atomic clock fifty years ago has been considerable both in respect of microwave and optical standards. In particular, the development of trapping and laser cooling techniques for both atoms and ions has played a major role. This paper reviews the status of the development of single cold trapped ion and cold trapped atom optical frequency standards. Recent results show comb measurements of trapped ion optical frequency standards with accuracies close to Cs fountain limited operation. The factors affecting future stability and reproducibility are discussed. The opportunities for future standards capable of approaching reproducibility at the 10(-18) level are outlined, together with the likely limitations arising.