Abstract: A remote sensing system including a control module coupled to a remote device module via an optical fiber is disclosed. The device module includes circuitry for detecting changes in physical parameters and for transmitting data relating thereto back to the control module in serial form via the optical fiber. Power for the circuitry within the device module is obtained from a photodiode which receives light from the control module via the optical fiber and no power multiplication is utilized except which the remote module is transmitting serial data back to the control module. Data signals are also provided from which monitoring of the integrity of the device module and connections thereto can be obtained.

Abstract: An ovenized oscillator having a temperature sensitive section of an oscillator and a heater supported in a chamber within an enclosure having an insulating gas surrounding the oscillator section and heater. Insulating walls may be added within the chamber to reduce convective heat loss through the gas. These walls form cavities around the oscillator section and are separated from each other except for small vent holes to equilibrate the pressure between cavities.

Abstract: An optical-physics package used in an atomic frequency standard is miniaturized and the performance thereof improved. The optical-physics package includes a microwave cavity in which is positioned a filter cell and an absorption cell, preferably located in close physical proximity to one another. The microwave cavity may double as an oven, and is preferably designed to operate in the TE111 mode with "E" probe microwave coupling. Dielectric loading is provided by the filter cell and absorption cell to reduce the internal dimensions of the microwave cavity.

Abstract: A miniaturized vapor discharge lamp assembly that includes a light transmissive bulb containing a buffer gas and a vaporizable light radiating substance such as rubidium. Lamp excitation is provided by the use of a capacitor in the lamp assembly in conjunction with an RF oscillator. The capacitor establishes a substantially longitudinal electric field which ionizes the rubidium vapor to cause emission of light. The need for an RF excitation coil is eliminated.