Micro Mercury Ion Clock (MMIC) Project

Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)

Description

Demonstrate micro clock based on trapped Hg ions with more than 10x size reduction and power; Fractional frequency stability at parts per 1014 level, adequate for all deep space 1-way navigation.

Benefits

Maintain NASA's competence and leading role in frequency standard and clock development.

Details

Technology area	Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems > Network-Provided Position, Navigation, and Timing > Timekeeping and Time Distribution
Program	Center Innovation Fund: JPL CIF (JPL CIF)
Lead organization	Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA
Start date	2012-10-01
End date	2013-09-03

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Nan Yu — nan.yu@jpl.nasa.gov
John D Prestage — john.d.prestage@jpl.nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.