The scientific community is working to redefine the second<\/a>, the international unit of time, through atomic clocks.<\/p>\nAn atomic clock is a highly precise timekeeping device that uses the vibrations of atoms to measure time.<\/p>\n
Specifically, it measures the oscillations of electrons in atoms, typically caesium or rubidium, as they change energy levels.<\/p>\n
These oscillations occur at extremely consistent frequencies, making atomic clocks incredibly accurate, often deviating by less than a second over millions of years.<\/p>\n
Atomic clocks are essential for applications requiring precise time measurements, such as global positioning systems (GPS), telecommunications, and scientific research.<\/p>\n
Their accuracy surpasses that of traditional mechanical or quartz clocks, setting the standard for timekeeping worldwide.<\/p>\n
With unprecedented timekeeping abilities, atomic clocks have a plethora of uses, from pinpoint navigation in space to identifying hidden mineral deposits and testing fundamental physics theories.<\/p>\n
Now, NIST researchers are working on the next generation of clocks, known as optical atomic clocks.<\/p>\n
Increased accuracy with optical atomic clocks<\/h3>\n Traditional atomic clocks use microwaves to measure the second, but newer optical clocks use visible light waves, which have a higher frequency, allowing for more precise timekeeping.<\/p>\n
Optical clocks can potentially lose only one second every 30 billion years, significantly improving accuracy over microwave clocks.<\/p>\n
Achieving such precision requires measuring extremely tiny fractions of a second. The new JILA clock uses an ‘optical lattice,’ a web of light, to trap and measure tens of thousands of atoms simultaneously, enhancing precision.<\/p>\n
JILA researchers improved performance by using a gentler laser light web, reducing errors from laser effects and atomic collisions.<\/p>\n
NIST and JILA physicist Jun Ye explained: “This clock is so precise that it can detect tiny effects predicted by theories such as general relativity, even at the microscopic scale.<\/p>\n
“It’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with timekeeping.”<\/p>\n
Advancing physics research<\/h3>\n General relativity<\/a>, Einstein’s theory, explains gravity as the warping of space and time. It predicts that time slows in stronger gravitational fields.<\/p>\nThe new atomic clock design can detect relativistic effects on timekeeping at the submillimetre scale, the thickness of a human hair. Adjusting the clock by this tiny distance reveals changes in time flow due to gravity.<\/p>\n
Observing these effects at a microscopic scale bridges the gap between quantum mechanics and general relativity.<\/p>\n
The techniques for trapping and controlling atoms also advance quantum computing by enabling precise manipulation of atomic properties for computations.<\/p>\n
Exploring where quantum mechanics and general relativity intersect deepens our understanding of reality, from the microcosmic effects of gravity on time to the vast mysteries of dark matter and energy.<\/p>\n
This clock’s precision promises new insights into the Universe’s secrets.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A team of scientists has pioneered the world’s most accurate atomic clock \u2013 more precise than any previously created.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":48878,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24615],"tags":[793,17008],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
NIST develops world's most accurate atomic clock<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n