The Science of the Perfect Second (2023)
5 days ago
- #metrology
- #atomic clocks
- #timekeeping
- The author recalls childhood fascination with time, including calling the 'time lady' for the exact time and visiting time-related exhibits.
- Visits the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA) in Boulder, Colorado, to explore how official U.S. time is maintained.
- Discusses the role of NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) in timekeeping and measurement standards.
- Explains the concept of UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) and how it aggregates data from atomic clocks worldwide.
- Highlights the challenges of maintaining precise time, including clock drift and the need for retrospective adjustments.
- Describes NIST's work in metrology, including maintaining the International System of Units (SI) and developing Standard Reference Materials (SRMs).
- Explores the history of the second's definition, from astronomical to atomic standards, and the current cesium-based atomic clock (NIST-F1).
- Discusses the limitations of current timekeeping and the potential of optical clocks for even greater precision.
- Examines the implications of ultra-precise timekeeping, including relativity and the philosophical nature of time.
- Concludes with the idea that perfect timekeeping is impossible due to fundamental quantum mechanical limitations.