×

Radioactive decay based stable time or frequency reference signal source

  • US 7,476,865 B2
  • Filed: 05/11/2006
  • Issued: 01/13/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/12/2005
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A signal source generating a stable periodic signal, for use as a frequency source or time keeping signal source, comprising:

  • a radioactive emission source generating a first signal corresponding to a selected radioactive material'"'"'s disintegration rate;

    a detector responsive to said first signal, generating a radioactive emission detection signal in response to said first signal; and

    a dead time controlling attenuator responsive to said radioactive emission detection signal, attenuating said radioactive emission detection signal for a selected dead time interval in response to a periodic radioactive emission detection signal component;

    wherein said dead time controlling attenuator output comprises a stable radioactive emission periodic signal.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×