Submillisecond Precision: JILA’s Atomic Clock Measures the Unseen World and Redefines the Basis of Time

A clock that is incredibly precise and only loses one second every 30 billion years has been developed by scientists at the US research institute JILA. This level of precision allows the clock to measure the smallest impacts predicted by Einstein’s general theory of relativity, potentially leading to important discoveries such as new underground mineral deposits, as reported by Interesting Engineering on July 2nd.

The JILA team used a network of lights called 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 the lasers used to measure the atoms and atoms colliding with each other, the researchers were able to make precise measurements in a different way than previous uses of optical lattice methods.

The JILA clock’s precision is essential for quantum computers, which 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 clock’s precision could also be beneficial for timekeeping across vast distances in space, such as accurately landing a spacecraft on Mars.

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 level of accuracy is unmatched by most atomic clocks that use microwaves to measure the length of a second but can be achieved using visible light due to its higher frequency. Optical atomic clocks are much more precise than their microwave counterparts because they can maintain precision over much longer periods.