Researchers have developed a new atomic clock method using superradiant atoms, which promises unprecedented precision in time measurement. This advancement, detailed in, could improve GPS accuracy, aid in space navigation, and enhance volcanic and earthquake monitoring. Credit: SciTechDaily.com
The luminous ball in the middle called a “magneto-optical trap” , consists of approximately 300 million strontium atoms suspended in a vacuum chamber cooled to just above absolute zero. This trap was used by researchers to develop new techniques for measuring time. Credit: Eliot Bohr “When the atoms land in the vacuum chamber, they lie completely still because it is so cold, which makes it possible to register their oscillations with the two mirrors at opposing ends of the chamber,” explains Bohr.
“The mirrors cause the atoms to behave as a single unit. Collectively, they emit a powerful light signal that we can use to read out the atomic state, a crucial step for measuring time. This method heats up the atoms minimally, so It all happens without replacing the atoms, and this has the potential to make it a more precise measurement method,” explains Bohr.According to Bohr, the new research result may be beneficial for developing a more accurate GPS system.
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