JILA scientists develop next-generation atomic clock
Jun Ye has developed a next-generation atomic clock that is twice as accurate as the national standard.
Along with a team of researchers, Ye, a scientist at CU’s JILA laboratories, has spent the last six years developing an atomic clock in an effort to calibrate an international standard time, a process which involves the participation of scientists around the world.
Ye, who spends very little time away from the labyrinth of tubes and high voltage warning signs that have made this breakthrough development possible, said at least seven countries are building strontium clocks for the coordinated effort to come.
“It’s something down the road,” he said.
Instead of using microwave frequencies like many other atomic clocks, Ye’s clock employs optical frequencies which divide time into more precise units. Accurate to within one second over 200 million years, it’s considered to be one of the most accurate atomic clocks of its kind.
An atomic clock performs just as its name entails. The behavior of atoms is monitored and precise “ticks,” much like those of a regular clock, are counted. These ticks are produced by the oscillation of electrons within the atom. Once counted, the periods produced by the atom can be used to define a periodic motion.
A number of different elements have been used for atomic clocks throughout the years. Cesium was used in the atomic clock’s inception in 1949, followed by other elements like strontium, which is used in JILA’s atomic clock.
If it is used to define an international standard, the clock will have lasting effects on international commerce, thus impacting job markets and the economy.
“It’ll make everything more efficient,” said Brian Gillaspie, a sophomore economics major.
The development of precise clocks is also crucial for telecommunications networks and satellite communications.
Despite impressive-sounding numbers and potential for real-world application, the atomic clock is also used as a means of teaching students and helping scientists understand “the most fundamental laws of nature” and “how physics works,” Ye said.
Ye said he is proud of the development.
“It’s reached different milestones,” he said. “We’re always moving forward.”
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Spencer Everett at spencer.everett@colorado.edu.
