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Geopotential determination based on a direct clock comparison using two-way satellite time and frequency transfer

Authors :
Wen-Bin Shen
Xiao Sun
Chenghui Cai
Kuangchao Wu
Ziyu Shen
Source :
Terrestrial, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Vol 30, Iss 1, Pp 21-31 (2019)
Publication Year :
2019
Publisher :
Springer, 2019.

Abstract

According to Einstein’s general relativity theory, a precise (atomic) clock runs faster at a position with higher gravitational potential than a clock at a position with lower potential. Here, we provide a direct clock comparison using a fixed hydrogen clock and a portable hydrogen clock for geopotential determination based on the two-way satellite time and frequency transfer (TWSTFT) technique. After synchronizing the two hydrogen clocks at positions at the same height, the clocks were compared for a height difference of 22 m over a period of 14 days using the TWSTFT technique. Interpretation of the observed time elapse implies a height difference of 175 m +/- 59 m, which matches the frequency stability of our instruments. This study and relevant experiments provide a way of determining the geopotential using ultra-high precise clocks based on the TWSTFT technique in the near future.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
10170839 and 23117680
Volume :
30
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Terrestrial, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.fc14513438474707a8691316315faf75
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3319/TAO.2018.07.09.02