'Nuclear clock' breakthrough paves the way for super-precise timekeeping
Physicists have advanced nuclear clock development by measuring thorium-229's energy transition with unprecedented accuracy. This technology promises enhanced precision over atomic clocks and insights into fundamental physics and dark matter.
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Physicists have made significant progress towards developing a nuclear clock, which would measure time based on energy shifts within atomic nuclei. Researchers successfully measured the frequency of light that causes the rare isotope thorium-229 to transition to a higher energy state, achieving an accuracy 100,000 times greater than previous attempts. This breakthrough was made possible by using a laser device known as a frequency comb, which allows for precise frequency measurements. The potential of nuclear clocks lies in their ability to provide enhanced precision and stability compared to current atomic clocks, as the particles in the nucleus are less affected by external disturbances. The research, led by Jun Ye at JILA, could also offer insights into fundamental physics, including the nature of dark matter. While the current results are promising, further work is needed to refine the technology and determine the best methods for creating a practical nuclear clock. The findings were published in Nature, highlighting the potential for nuclear clocks to surpass atomic clocks in accuracy and sensitivity.
- Researchers have demonstrated the feasibility of a nuclear clock using thorium-229.
- The accuracy of the frequency measurement is 100,000 times better than previous efforts.
- Nuclear clocks could provide greater precision and stability than current atomic clocks.
- The research may help in understanding fundamental physics and dark matter.
- Further development is needed to create a practical and portable nuclear clock.
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