Scientists Unveil Mobile Atomic Clock That Keeps Time for 15 Billion Years

Scientists in Germany have introduced the world’s most precise mobile atomic clock, capable of losing only one second over the course of 15 billion years of continuous operation. Developed by researchers at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Germany’s national metrology institute, this innovative optical strontium lattice clock is designed to be transportable, allowing for unprecedented accuracy in timekeeping across various locations.

The clock utilizes laser-cooled strontium atoms, chilled to just a few millionths of a degree above absolute zero. This extreme cooling is essential for maintaining the clock’s remarkable stability. An ultrahigh-vacuum chamber within the device ensures that these atoms remain unaffected by external disturbances, which could otherwise compromise their precision.

Advancements in Timekeeping Technology

The strontium atoms serve as the clock’s “pendulum,” oscillating at a stable frequency that allows for time measurement with exceptional accuracy. The research team explained, “Within the system’s core, strontium atoms, excited by laser light, glow blue with fluorescence.” This fluorescence is a key indicator of the atoms’ activity, which is meticulously guided through a cooled copper radiation shield to protect against any thermal radiation that could interfere with measurements.

The clock was first put into operation in 2023 and has since undergone extensive testing. Recent studies have reported a relative uncertainty of just 2.1 × 10−18, positioning this transportable clock among the most accurate ever created. Remarkably, it achieves its full precision in less than a day of operation, setting a new record for mobile setups.

Researchers emphasize that this technology could revolutionize fields such as geodesy—the science of measuring Earth’s shape and gravitational field. The tick rate of a clock is affected by gravity and altitude, making it instrumental for precise height measurements and mapping.

Implications for Science and Technology

The transportable nature of this optical atomic clock marks a significant shift in metrology. Traditionally, comparing the world’s most accurate clocks required complex fiber-optic networks or satellite systems. Now, this mobile solution can be brought directly to remote laboratories or measurement sites, streamlining inter-comparison processes and enhancing flexibility.

The researchers stated, “Beyond its value for metrology, it also enables chronometric geodesy at a previously unattainable level of accuracy.” This capability opens new avenues for scientific exploration and technological advancement, demonstrating the practical applications of quantum technology in everyday settings.

As the clock continues to be utilized in measurement campaigns across Europe, its implications for accuracy in various scientific fields are vast. The findings of this research have been published in the journal Quantum Science and Technology, underscoring the significance of these advancements in timekeeping.

In conclusion, the development of this mobile atomic clock not only exemplifies cutting-edge technology but also paves the way for future innovations in precise measurement and timekeeping.