Atmospheric transfer of optical and radio frequency clock signals

The phase instability induced during the transfer of radio frequency and optical clock signals through the turbulent atmosphere was measured in a rooftop experiment. Radio frequency intensity modulation of a laser to transmit signals over 100 m results in an Allan deviation of 1.31 x 10(-10) at 1 s. Optical transfer is more accurate at 1.68 x 10(-13) at 1 s. As a consequence, fiber links are more suitable for the transfer of optical frequencies over very long distances while free space transmission might find applications in short distances of less than 1 km. (C) 2009 Optical Society of Americ