Description
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking information from potential sources for the repair and refurbishment of hydrogen maser atomic clocks. The clocks are part of NIST's timescale, which is an ensemble of atomic clocks that realizes UTC(NIST). The hydrogen masers are reaching the end of their life and are experiencing degradation of performance. NIST is looking for companies that can provide repair and refurbishment services for the clocks, including inspection, recoating, and replacement of components. The services required include:
• Inspect hydrogen bulb, recoat if needed
• Check and adjust RF alignment
• Inspect thermal control board and components, repair if needed
• Test AC/DC power module, replace if malfunctioning or too old
• Inspect quartz oscillator, replace if not operating at spec
• Replace ion pumps
• Inspect physics package, replace and test if needed
NIST is also considering upgrading the clocks to the MHM-2020 level, which would improve performance and extend the lifetime of the units.