Scientists Unveil World’s First Ultraprecise Nuclear Clock
An international team of researchers has developed the world's first prototype of a nuclear clock, which utilizes signals from the nucleus of thorium-229 atoms to measure time with unprecedented precision. The device employs a specially designed ultraviolet laser to measure the frequency of an energy jump in thorium nuclei embedded in a solid crystal, coupled with an optical frequency comb to count the ultraviolet wave cycles. This development represents a significant advancement in timekeeping technology, potentially leading to more precise navigation systems, faster internet speeds, more reliable network connections, and enhanced digital communications security.
The nuclear clock prototype, while not yet fully developed, contains all the essential technology needed to construct a fully operational model. The researchers, from institutions including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado Boulder, have identified the precise frequency of light required to induce the energy jump in thorium nuclei with an uncertainty of just 2 kilohertz, which is millions of times more precise than previous measurements. This precision could have substantial implications for fundamental physics, such as testing theories about the universe and detecting dark matter.
Nuclear clocks offer a potential improvement over traditional atomic clocks, which rely on electron energy transitions and are subject to electromagnetic field disturbances. By focusing on nuclear energy transitions, nuclear clocks could provide greater stability and accuracy over long periods. The findings, published in the journal Nature, mark a milestone in the quest for ultra-precise timekeeping, paving the way for future innovations in various scientific and technological fields.
