[time-nuts] Corby Dawson Super 5065a work can I use a miniature Rubidium

[cdelect at juno.com]

Anton,

To answer both questions:
 
You can use a Laser in place of the Rubidium lamp, however assuming the
problem is the lamp it would be cheaper to buy several LPRO units to
scavenge for a replacement lamp.
 
How did you determine it's the lamp that is dead?
 
Using a Laser is more complicated than it sounds. The Laser frequency has
to be stabilized at the proper wavelength. This usually requires a
combination of selecting the proper diode current as well as the proper
temperature. Even then the diode ages and drifts away from the proper
spot. Sometimes a separate Rubidium vapor cell is used to stabilize the
frequency of the diode.
 
The equipment to run the diode would take up MUCH more room than the
LPRO!
 
This is why you don't find commercial Rubidiums using Laser diodes! (YET)
 
The Super modification will not work on the miniature Rubidiums.
(although some do filter the lamp to get a better SN, however performance
is not anywhere near a Super.)
 
The 5065A has a large cell and runs at a low temperature, this offers the
ideal stability and the chance to Super it.
 
Even so not all 5065A can be Supered!
 
Cheers,
 
Corby Dawson