A new atomic lattice clock has achieved a remarkable level of accuracy by missing just one second after 39.15 billion years, breaking records in timekeeping. Researchers have developed a clock with an error rate of about eight billionths of a billionth, which is an incredibly small margin of error. This level of precision translates to a clock that would take three times the age of the universe to miss one second.
The clock is a type of optical lattice clock that contains 40,000 strontium atoms trapped in a one-dimensional lattice. These atoms are kept at an extremely low temperature just above absolute zero. Each tick of the clock represents a transition between the energy levels of electrons in the atoms.
The team behind this groundbreaking clock has been working on optical atomic clocks for many years, aiming to surpass the precision of conventional atomic clocks that use cesium atoms. By reducing error and systematic effects, they have been able to greatly improve the device’s accuracy. Lead researcher Alexander Aeppli from the University of Colorado Boulder has expressed hopes of making time measurements even more precise, potentially up to 100 times more accurate than current levels.
Optical lattice clocks could revolutionize timekeeping by offering a new definition of seconds, leading to exciting new prospects for discoveries. These highly sensitive clocks are 1,000 times more sensitive than atomic clocks and could provide detailed measurements of gravity, serving as a test of general relativity. The team has published detailed information about their device on the Arxiv database, showcasing the immense potential of this advanced technology.
This remarkable achievement could lead to significant advancements in fields such as physics and astronomy where precise timing is crucial. With its ability to measure time with incredible accuracy and sensitivity, this new optical lattice clock opens up exciting possibilities for future discoveries and innovations in science and technology.
