Atomic Clocks
Coverage of Atomic Clocks in the Nexus archive.
- The first ticking ‘nuclear clocks’ are here
The first nuclear clocks, which use fluctuations in an atom's nucleus energy states to keep time, have been developed. They differ from traditional atomic clocks that rely on electron energy states to define a second.
- After 20 years, scientists finally shrink a powerful laser onto a chip
Researchers at EPFL have developed a chip-scale ultrafast laser that matches the performance of traditional tabletop femtosecond lasers. The innovation could enable smaller, cheaper, and more accessible laser technologies for applications like medical diagnostics and atomic clocks.
- Schrödinger’s clock: Time could tick faster and slower at the same time
Physicists are exploring the possibility of a single clock existing in a quantum superposition, ticking both faster and slower at the same time. Researchers believe they may soon be able to test this prediction in the lab using precise atomic clocks and cutting-edge quantum technologies. This concept is related to Schrödinger's cat, a thought experiment that illustrates the paradox of quantum mechanics.
- How the Heck Does GPS Work?
The article explains how GPS technology works, detailing the use of satellites, trilateration, and atomic clocks to provide precise location data. It highlights the system's applications in navigation and location tracking.
- The Physics of GPS
The article explains how GPS technology relies on physics principles like relativity to function. It discusses the role of satellites and atomic clocks in providing accurate location data.