World’s 1st thorium-powered nuclear clock unveiled for ultraprecise timekeeping

Keeping time with atomic precision

NIST's new thorium-powered nuclear clock is the most precise in the world, losing less than one second every 300 million years. This makes it 10 times more accurate than the current international standard, the cesium atomic clock.

The new clock could be used to improve navigation systems, such as GPS, and to develop new scientific instruments. It could also help to solve some of the mysteries of the universe, such as the nature of dark matter and dark energy.

How does the thorium-powered nuclear clock work?

The thorium-powered nuclear clock uses the radioactive decay of thorium-229 to create a stream of charged particles. These particles are then used to excite atoms of ytterbium, which emit light at a very precise frequency.

The frequency of the light is determined by the energy levels of the ytterbium atoms. These energy levels are very stable, which makes the clock very precise.

Benefits of the thorium-powered nuclear clock

The thorium-powered nuclear clock has several benefits over the current international standard, the cesium atomic clock.

• It is 10 times more accurate.
• It is smaller and more portable.
• It has a longer lifespan.
• It is more resistant to environmental factors.

Applications of the thorium-powered nuclear clock

The thorium-powered nuclear clock could be used in a variety of applications, including:

• Navigation systems
• Scientific instruments
• Fundamental physics research

Conclusion

The thorium-powered nuclear clock is a major breakthrough in timekeeping technology. It is the most precise clock in the world and has a wide range of applications.

This new clock could help to improve our understanding of the universe and lead to new technologies that benefit society.