MIT physicists improve the precision of atomic clocks
8 days ago
- #atomic clocks
- #quantum mechanics
- #precision measurement
- Atomic clocks rely on the precise oscillations of atoms, such as cesium, which tick over 10 billion times per second.
- Next-generation optical atomic clocks use faster-ticking atoms like ytterbium, tracked at optical frequencies, potentially up to 100 trillion ticks per second.
- MIT researchers improved optical atomic clock stability by reducing 'quantum noise' and utilizing a laser-induced 'global phase' in ytterbium atoms.
- The new method, called global phase spectroscopy, doubles the precision of optical atomic clocks by amplifying the difference in laser versus atom tick rates.
- Quantum entanglement of atoms helps redistribute noise, revealing clearer atomic oscillations and improving clock precision.
- The technique could enable portable optical atomic clocks for detecting dark matter, testing fundamental forces, and predicting earthquakes.
- The research was supported by various U.S. agencies, including the Office of Naval Research and the National Science Foundation.