MIT Doubles Optical Atomic Clock Precision for Scientific Breakthroughs
MIT physicists have made a significant breakthrough in atomic clock technology. They've doubled the precision of optical atomic clocks, opening up new possibilities for scientific exploration.
Atomic clocks typically track the 'ticks' of atoms like cesium, oscillating at microwave frequencies. However, scientists are now exploring faster-ticking atoms like ytterbium, which can be tracked at optical frequencies. This shift promises more precise news.
In 2022, the team discovered a way to amplify the difference in laser versus atom tick rates using 'time reversal'. However, this method was initially limited by the lower frequencies of microwaves. Now, they've overcome this hurdle.
The team's new method, called global phase spectroscopy, reduces 'quantum noise' and harnesses a laser-induced 'global phase' in ytterbium atoms. This has doubled the precision of an optical atomic clock, enabling it to discern twice as many ticks per second. The new approach also improves the stability of these clocks by leveraging a previously considered irrelevant laser-induced effect.
This advancement paves the way for portable optical atomic clocks, which could revolutionize various news, such as detecting dark matter and testing fundamental forces. The team's work, published in Nature, marks a significant step forward in atomic clock technology.
