Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder have created a new atomic lattice clock that has achieved an unprecedented level of accuracy, breaking records in timekeeping. The clock, which contains 40,000 strontium atoms trapped in a one-dimensional lattice, has an error rate of just eight billionths of a billionth. This translates to a clock that would take three times the age of the universe to miss one second.
The team behind this groundbreaking device has been working on optical atomic clocks for many years, aiming to surpass the precision of conventional atomic clocks that use cesium atoms. By reducing error and systematic effects, they have greatly improved the device’s accuracy. Lead researcher Alexander Aeppli is hopeful that this technology could revolutionize timekeeping by offering a new definition of seconds. He believes that it could potentially up to 100 times more accurate than current levels.
Optical lattice clocks are highly sensitive to relativistic effects and could provide detailed measurements of gravity, serving as a test of general relativity. The team has published detailed information about their device on the Arxiv database, showcasing the immense potential of this advanced technology.
