Atomic clocks are the most well-known timekeepers, and the best of them can last within one second for 15 billion years.
However, one group of researchers from MIT concluded that this small change over 15 billion years is not good enough: in a new paper published in Nature, they showed an even more accurate atomic clock connected to quantum.
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Advanced timing retention accuracy of atomic clocks
Atomic clocks use lasers to measure oscillations in atoms – and the incredible reliability of these vibrations makes atomic clocks very accurate.
Quantum clocks typically monitor gas made up of thousands of the same type of atom – usually cesium. These atoms are almost zero cooled and suspended in place by a laser. Another laser is then used to measure the small oscillations of the atoms. Taking the average reading of many atoms, the atomic clock can achieve an even more accurate reading.
Unfortunately, an effect called the Quantum normal limit – due operational limit random quantum variables – it can disturb atomic clock measurement.
Scientists may reduce this effect, but not completely, New atlas reports. The team of physicists from MIT designed a new type of atomic clock to effectively reduce the impact of the Standard Quantum limit more than ever before.
The new clock takes advantage of the phenomenon known as quantum engagement to make it, arguably, the most accurate timekeeper ever invented.
Testing the connected atomic clock
To illustrate the idea, the researchers captured 350 atoms of ytterbium-171 – which oscillates faster than cesium – in an optical cavity between two mirrors. They would then train a laser into the cavity to engage a quantum mass between the atoms.
“It’s as if light serves as a communication link between atoms,” Chi Shu, co-author of the study, explains in a blog post shared on the MIT website. “The first atom that sees this light changes the light slightly, and that light also changes the second atom, and the third atom, and through many circles, the atoms together experience it. each other and start the same behavior. “
Once the atoms are engaged, a second laser is trained on them to measure the average frequency. The research team found out how this method reaches specific precision four times faster than its equivalent to unrelated atoms.
Quantum engagement changes as we measure our own time
The MIT team also explained how, if modern atomic clocks were modified to use their new method, their accuracy would drop out of synch by just 100 milliseconds – over the entire life of the universe.
Such powerful atomic clocks also open doors for new opportunities in scientific research: “as the universe ages, does the speed of light change? ”Vladan Vuletic, co-author of the study, said in an MIT blog post. “Is the cost of the electron changing? That’s what you can determine with more accurate atomic clocks.”
As the years go by, advances in quantum physics will continue to find new and revolutionary applications in modern technology – and although we usually think of computers and highly theoretical experiments as most appropriate for change with the times, we are baffled to learn how the way we measure our own time can change for the better.