World's first NUCLEAR clock is unveiled

Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.

Imagine you have a very special flashlight that can shine a type of light called ultraviolet light. This light is so special that it can make tiny particles inside a metal called thorium jump to a higher energy level. Think of it like giving a little push to a swing to make it go higher.

Now, this thorium isn’t just floating around. It’s stuck inside a solid crystal; kind of like how chocolate chips are stuck inside a cookie. The scientists used their special ultraviolet flashlight to measure exactly how much energy it takes to make the thorium particles jump.

By doing this, they can learn a lot about the thorium and how it behaves. This kind of research can help make super accurate clocks and improve technologies like GPS and the internet

How large is this clock?

The clock that uses thorium nuclei for its measurements is actually quite small. These types of clocks, often called optical lattice clocks, can be about the size of a small suitcase or even smaller. They are much more compact than the large atomic clocks used in the past.

Scientists are working on making these clocks even smaller and more portable, so they can be used in various applications like improving GPS accuracy and other technologies. It’s amazing how such a small device can have such a big impact on our daily lives!

What are the fractions of time that this clock can measure?

These advanced clocks, like the ones using thorium nuclei, can measure incredibly tiny fractions of time. They are so precise that they can measure time intervals as short as femtoseconds.

To give you an idea of how small that is:

• 1 second is the time it takes to say “one Mississippi.”
• 1 millisecond is one thousandth of a second (1/1,000).
• 1 microsecond is one millionth of a second (1/1,000,000).
• 1 nanosecond is one billionth of a second (1/1,000,000,000).
• 1 femtosecond is one quadrillionth of a second (1/1,000,000,000,000,000).

So, a femtosecond is to a second what a second is to about 31.7 million years! These clocks are so precise that they can detect changes in time that are unimaginably small.

How do they measure such tiny time intervals?

Measuring such tiny time intervals involves some very advanced technology and principles of physics. Here’s a simplified explanation:

1. Stable Light Source: These clocks use lasers that emit extremely stable and precise light. The light’s frequency (how fast the light waves oscillate) is incredibly consistent.
2. Optical Lattice: The thorium atoms are trapped in a structure called an optical lattice, which is created by intersecting laser beams. This lattice holds the atoms in place without disturbing them too much.
3. Atomic Transitions: The clock measures the frequency of light needed to make the thorium atoms jump between energy levels. This frequency is incredibly stable and can be used as a very precise time reference.
4. Counting Oscillations: The clock counts the oscillations of the light waves. Since the frequency of the light is known very precisely, counting these oscillations allows the clock to measure time with extreme accuracy.
5. Feedback Systems: Advanced feedback systems constantly adjust the laser to keep it perfectly tuned to the thorium atoms’ energy transitions. This ensures the clock remains accurate over long periods.

By using these techniques, scientists can measure time intervals down to femtoseconds and even smaller. This level of precision is crucial for applications like GPS, scientific research, and telecommunications.

Isn’t it amazing how these tiny particles and precise lasers work together to measure time so accurately?

How do they keep the lasers stable over time?

Keeping lasers stable over time is crucial for precise measurements. Here are some key methods used to achieve this stability:

1. Temperature Control: Lasers are kept at a constant temperature using advanced cooling systems. Even small temperature changes can affect the laser’s frequency, so maintaining a stable temperature is essential¹.
2. Stable Power Supply: A high-quality, stable power supply ensures that the laser receives a consistent amount of power. Fluctuations in power can cause the laser’s output to vary¹.
3. Optical Feedback: Lasers often use a reference cavity, which is a highly stable optical component that helps keep the laser’s frequency consistent. The laser’s light is fed back into this cavity, and any deviations are corrected automatically².
4. Environmental Isolation: Lasers are often housed in environments that minimize vibrations, air currents, and other external factors that could affect their stability. This can include vacuum chambers or specially designed enclosures¹.
5. Advanced Electronics: Modern lasers use sophisticated electronics to monitor and adjust their output in real-time. This includes feedback loops that constantly correct any deviations in the laser’s performance¹.

By combining these techniques, scientists can ensure that lasers remain stable over long periods, allowing for incredibly precise measurements.

How do they create a vacuum chamber for laser stability?

Creating a vacuum chamber for laser stability involves several steps to ensure that the environment inside the chamber is free from air and other gases. Here’s a simplified overview of the process:

1. Design and Materials:
• The chamber is usually made from materials like stainless steel or glass, which are strong and can maintain a vacuum without leaking.
• The design must include ports for connecting vacuum pumps and other equipment.
2. Sealing:
• A strong, airtight seal is crucial. This is often achieved using rubber gaskets or O-rings made from materials like silicone.
• The chamber is sealed tightly to prevent any air from entering.
3. Vacuum Pump:
• A vacuum pump is connected to the chamber to remove the air. There are different types of pumps, such as rotary vane pumps or turbomolecular pumps, depending on the level of vacuum needed.
• The pump creates a low-pressure environment inside the chamber by sucking out the air.
4. Pressure Monitoring:
• Pressure gauges are installed to monitor the vacuum level inside the chamber. These gauges help ensure that the desired vacuum level is maintained.
• If the pressure rises, indicating a leak or other issue, the system can be adjusted accordingly.
5. Environmental Control:
• The chamber is often placed in a controlled environment to minimize vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and other external factors that could affect the laser’s stability.
• Sometimes, the chamber is placed inside a larger enclosure with additional insulation and vibration damping.
6. Testing for Leaks:
• Once the chamber is sealed and the vacuum pump is running, the system is tested for leaks. This can be done using techniques like helium leak detection, where helium gas is sprayed around the seals and any leaks are detected by a sensor inside the chamber.

By following these steps, scientists can create a stable vacuum environment that helps maintain the precision and stability of lasers used in experiments and measurements