The JILA atomic clock, developed by scientists at the US research institute JILA, is incredibly precise and can measure even the smallest impacts predicted by Einstein’s general theory of relativity. This level of precision allows the clock to potentially lead to important discoveries such as new underground mineral deposits, as reported by Interesting Engineering on July 2nd.
Unlike most atomic clocks that use microwaves to measure the length of a second, JILA uses visible light, which has a higher frequency and can increase accuracy. Optical atomic clocks like this one are capable of maintaining precision over much longer periods than their microwave counterparts. To achieve this level of accuracy, the clock must measure tiny fractions of a second.
The JILA team used an optical lattice to measure tens of thousands of atoms simultaneously, giving the atomic clock more data for accurate timekeeping. By reducing sources of error such as lasers used to measure the atoms and atoms colliding with each other, researchers were able to make precise measurements in a different way than previous uses of optical lattice methods.
Einstein’s general theory of relativity states that gravity affects time, with strong gravitational fields slowing down the passage of time. The JILA clock is sensitive enough to measure these effects at submillimeter levels. This precision is essential for quantum computers that rely on atomic and molecular properties for complex calculations and will allow researchers to explore the intersection of general relativity and quantum mechanics in the microscopic realm.
The JILA clock’s precision could also be beneficial for timekeeping across vast distances in space, such as accurately landing a spacecraft on Mars. Jun Ye, a physicist at JILA highlights the importance of a clock that is much more precise than the GPS system for such tasks. JILA is a joint institute of the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado Boulder; they will publish their findings in the journal Physical Review Letters soon.