Highly Accurate Atomic Clock Developed
Scientists have developed an atomic clock that can keep time about 1,000 times more precisely than clocks found on most ships today.
Precision Timekeeping on the High Seas
The new atomic clock, detailed in a study published in the journal Nature, was developed by physicists and engineers at Vector Atomic, a U.S.-based manufacturer of positioning and communications equipment. It was designed to be highly accurate and rugged enough to withstand the rigors of shipboard operation.
Technical Advancements
The new clock operates using oscillating iodine molecules and weighs just 57 pounds (26 kilograms), with a size roughly equivalent to three shoeboxes, making it small enough to fit aboard most vessels. The researchers claim that it is about 1,000 times more accurate than most clocks currently used on ships.
Real-World Testing
To put their clock to the test, the team partnered with the Royal New Zealand Navy to deploy it aboard the HMNZS Aotearoa during the ship's regular 20-day Pacific Ocean operations. The data collected during the trial showed that the clock performed nearly as well as it did in the laboratory, accumulating less than 300 picoseconds, or 300 trillionths of a second, of timing error per day.
Ongoing Development
The researchers are continuing to refine their clock, with the goal of eventually making it small enough to fit on navigation satellites.
Summary
Scientists have developed a new atomic clock with exceptional precision and ruggedness. The clock has been tested on a ship in the Pacific Ocean and has shown promise for improving the accuracy of navigation systems. The team is continuing to work on making the clock even more compact in size for potential use on navigation satellites.