A Multi-Frequency Approach to the Definition of a Frequency Standard Using 176Lu+

A definition of a frequency standard that utilizes multiple clock transitions within a single atom is considered. Under experimentally achievable conditions, it is shown that the operating conditions of the system can be constrained by the definition of all available clock frequencies. Systems calibrated to the standard would then provide identical levels of performance, with the exclusion of relativistic effects as these do not influence frequency ratios. This would provide a globally certifiable optical frequency reference. An implementation using three clock transitions in
¹⁷⁶
Lu
⁺
is considered.