In search of the best clock

The authors show that significant gains in clock performance have been and can be obtained through the algorithms which optimize the clock readings and through international comparisons now available via satellite. Algorithms for processing are more important than the proportionate attention generally given them. In fact, to date, one of the main ways the authors have been able to investigate some of the long-term performance aspects of the millisecond pulsar, PSR 1937+21, is by using such optimization algorithms. The authors assert that since there are indications in the pulsar data of variations which could be explained as arising from the influence of gravitational waves, these long-term stability studies take on a new importance. Improved long-term stability of earth-bound clock systems will significantly assist the study of the incredibly stable spin rates of these neutron stars