Theoretical analysis of the operation of an optically pumped rubidium atomic beam clock

The principle of operation of an optically pumped rubidium atomic beam clock is presented. Theoretical evaluation of the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of the detection of the atomic transition and the lineQfactor of the device are performed. The medium-term frequency stability of the standard is determined. We finally conclude with a brief survey of the metrological potentialities of this atomic frequency clock.