Atomic oscillator

A method for controlling an atomic oscillator, the atomic oscillator including:

• an alkali metal cell;
• a light source configured to emit excitation light to the alkali metal cell;
• and a photodetector configured to detect transmission light passed through the alkali metal cell,
• the method comprising:
• emitting light to a light absorber placed in contact with the alkali metal cell and configured to raise a temperature thereof in accordance with absorption light to heat the alkali metal cell, from a second light source that is different from the light source;
• and
• detecting light radiated from a light radiator placed in contact with the alkali metal cell and configured to radiate light corresponding to heat of the alkali metal cell in contact therewith, by a second photodetector that is different from the photodetector.

A control apparatus controlling an operation of an atomic oscillator, the atomic oscillator including:

• an alkali metal cell;
• a light source configured to emit excitation light to the alkali metal cell;
• and a photodetector configured to detect transmission light passed through the alkali metal cell, the control apparatus being configured to:
• emit light to a light absorber placed in contact with the alkali metal cell and configured to raise a temperature thereof in accordance with absorption light to heat the alkali metal cell, from a second light source that is different from the light source;
• and
• detect light radiated from a light radiator placed in contact with the alkali metal cell and configured to radiate light corresponding to heat of the alkali metal cell in contact therewith, by a second photodetector that is different from the photodetector.