Generation of Standard Time and Frequency

This project is dedicated to creating an accurate and reliable time scale that is available throughout Japan and in precise agreement with time scales around the world.

Modern society and state-of-the-art technology demand more and more accurately defined time intervals. Clocks based on the universal properties of atoms provide this accuracy. Satellite and fiber links provide the precision to compare them. To maintain Japan Standard Time without interruptions, the signals of multiple clocks need to be combined to improve redundancy and stability.

Business tasks of the Standard Time Generation Project

Japan Standard Time

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NICT generates and distributes Japan Standard Time.

JJY - Standard radio signals

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Long-wave broadcasts make Japan Standard Time available everywhere.

Decentralization of Japan Standard Time

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Atomic clocks distributed over four locations are integrated to generate a synthesized timescale.

Research tasks of the Standard Time Generation Project

Cesium primary frequency standards

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Primary standards implement the second as defined in the SI system.

Optical lattice clock

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Next-generation frequency standards will be several orders of magnitude more accurate.

Optical time scale

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A next generation time scale is needed to take full advantage of new clocks.

Greater Tokyo fiber link

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Optical fibers will help compare clocks at multiple institutes.

Multi-GNSS time comparison

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Multiple constellations of navigation satellites provide better performance.

Contact

If you have questions about the Generation of Standard Time and Frequency, please contact us through

Email	: horonet
Phone	: 042-327-6985

Access - Directions to NICT's Koganei Headquarters