Science XXI reports that a novel device, leveraging transitions within the thorium-229 atomic nucleus, has already surpassed the accuracy of the finest optical atomic clocks, heralding a new era in timekeeping.
Unlike atomic clocks that depend on electron transitions, nuclear clocks operate based on shifts within the nucleus itself. This fundamental difference imparts substantially greater stability, as the atomic nucleus is far less susceptible to external electromagnetic fields and other environmental influences.
The breakthrough was achieved by embedding thorium-229 nuclei within a calcium fluoride crystal. This substance exhibits transparency to ultraviolet radiation and immobilizes the atoms within the crystal lattice, thereby eliminating thermal disturbances. The clock’s signal is generated by the synchronized oscillations of numerous nuclei, which amplifies measurement precision by orders of magnitude.
Researchers estimate that the current prototype represents only an initial advancement. Looking ahead, nuclear clocks hold the potential to be hundreds of times more precise than their atomic counterparts, paving the way for enhanced investigations into dark matter and the verification of fundamental physical laws.
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