July 30th, 2024

Cosmic time synchronizer (CTS) for wireless and precise time synchronization

The Cosmic Time Synchronizer (CTS) offers precise wireless time synchronization using muons from cosmic rays, achieving under 100 nanoseconds accuracy, suitable for environments where GPS is unreliable, enhancing various applications.

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Cosmic time synchronizer (CTS) for wireless and precise time synchronization

The Cosmic Time Synchronizer (CTS) is a novel technique for achieving precise wireless time synchronization using the muon component of extended air showers (EAS). This method addresses the limitations of GPS-based synchronization, which can be unreliable in environments such as indoors, underground, or underwater. The CTS combines data from previous EAS experiments with measurements from oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXO) to achieve synchronization levels of less than 100 nanoseconds, making it suitable for applications in consumer smartphone networks and dense underwater sensor networks.

The technique leverages the predictable arrival times of muons generated by cosmic rays, which travel close to the speed of light and arrive at the Earth's surface almost simultaneously. The CTS modules, which include muon detectors, time-to-digital converters, and OCXOs, can be deployed in various environments. The muon detectors, made from inexpensive materials like plastic scintillators, detect muons and send signals to the TDC, which measures the time difference between the OCXO and the muon arrival.

This approach offers a cost-effective solution for maintaining accurate time synchronization in scenarios where GPS signals are unavailable or unreliable, thus enhancing the reliability of systems that depend on precise timing, such as industrial automation and environmental monitoring. The research indicates that the CTS could significantly improve time synchronization capabilities in challenging environments, providing a robust alternative to existing technologies.

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By @DemocracyFTW2 - 3 months
(2022)