Swiss and French team develops hyper-precise atomic clock

A team of Swiss and French researchers has discovered new laser technology for use in atomic clocks, resulting in super-accurate timekeeping mechanisms that lose just one second every six million years.  The scientists, including representatives from the University of Neuchatel’s Time and Frequency Laboratory, developed a new class of thermal cesium jet clocks that are ten times more precise than existing atomic clocks. The technology will allow for better-synchronised telecommunications networks as well as improved communication among satellite navigation systems, according to the University of Neuchatel’s announcement of the research.  Laser diodes are the centerpieces of atomic clocks, producing light of a very precise frequency to interface with atoms that create the reference of passing time.  The manufacture of laser diodes requires a significant infrastructure involving large rooms, a controlled atmosphere and the ability to store layers of semi-conductors. The LAMA ...