Essential Insights
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Record Accuracy: NIST’s new atomic clock is 41% more accurate than its predecessor, measuring time with an unprecedented precision of 19 decimal places.
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Enhanced Stability: This clock is 2.6 times more stable than existing models, achieved through advanced design modifications and the pairing of aluminum and magnesium ions.
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Efficiency in Measurement: Data collection time for measuring a second has dramatically reduced from three weeks to just a day and a half.
- Broader Implications: The clock serves as a crucial reference for precise timekeeping, benefiting various scientific fields and paving the way for future advancements in quantum clock technologies.
New Record Set for Most Accurate Clock Ever Built
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A groundbreaking clock created by researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has established a new accuracy record. This clock surpasses the previous record holder by 41 percent. It measures time by capturing tiny vibrations of a trapped aluminum ion cooled to near absolute zero, achieving precision down to 19 decimal places.
Moreover, this new timepiece shows stability that is 2.6 times greater than any clock of its kind. "It’s exciting to work on the most accurate clock ever," says physicist Mason Marshall from NIST. His team has dedicated 20 years to developing this technology, which relies on intricate principles of quantum physics.
To enhance reliability, the design incorporates an aluminum-magnesium ion pair. This pairing allows researchers to control the aluminum ion more effectively using laser light. NIST’s neighboring lab contributed state-of-the-art lasers to this effort, located just over 2 miles away. This cooperation has sped up data collection significantly, reducing the time needed to measure a second from three weeks to just a day and a half.
NIST electrical engineer Daniel Rodriguez Castillo emphasizes the complexity of the clock’s design. Each component affects its performance. Unlike conventional watches that help us keep daily schedules, this clock serves as a reference point for calibrating other clocks and supports various scientific experiments. This accuracy plays a critical role in fields ranging from astrophysics to tests of Einstein’s theory of relativity.
Excitingly, researchers believe future advancements could further enhance the clock’s capabilities. Physicist Willa Arthur-Dworschack states, "With this platform, we’re poised to explore new clock architectures." The team aims to scale up the number of clock ions and even experiment with entangled ions.
This record-breaking clock not only represents a significant achievement in timekeeping technology but also promises to fuel advancements in scientific exploration and our understanding of the universe. The research findings have been published in Physical Review Letters.
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