Embodiments for the invention include a process for the production of hydrogen comprising a protic solution, a photocatalyst capable of a two-electron reduction of hydrogen ions; and a coproduct trap. The first firing event time following an idle period is then compensated according to the identified relationship to control the timing error within the identified acceptable range. The refresh unit checks bit-by-bit whether or not there are errors in the bit values due to the external noise. Alternatively, two beams with orthogonal polarization are injected into the Fizeau cavity at different angles, such that after reflection from the reference and test optics they are substantially collinear.