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Frequency corresponding to the energy difference between designated levels of an atom provides precise reference for making a universally accurate clock. Since the middle of the 20th century till now, there have been tremendous efforts in the field of atomic clocks making time the most accurately measured physical quantity. National Physical Laboratory India (NPLI) is the nation's timekeeper and is developing an atomic fountain clock which will be a primary frequency standard. The fountain is currently operational and is at the stage of complete frequency evaluation. In this paper, a brief review on atomic time along with some of the recent results from the fountain clock will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

National Physical Laboratory India has developed a cesium atomic fountain frequency standard. The fountain has now become operational and is ready for complete frequency evaluation. In this paper, we report for the first time, the preliminary results obtained with this fountain, which include Ramsey fringes, frequency stability analysis, with an H-maser, and magnetic field mapping in the atomic flight region. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We discuss the design and development of the cesium fountain frequency standard at the National Physical Laboratory, India. The optical set-up of the fountain needed to capture, cool, launch and detect the cesium atoms is discussed in detail. The concept and design of physical structure of the fountain is also described. In addition, some of our recent results on cooling and trapping of cesium atoms are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]