Scientists from the California Technological Institute have proposed a new approach to increasing the accuracy of atomic clocks using quantum calculations. Their research, published in the journal Nature Physics,revealsthe possibility of simultaneously using several atomic clocks for a more accurate measurement of time.
Atomic clocks, which use the resonant frequencies of atoms to count time, are constantly being improved to become more accurate. However, a new study suggests that the use of quantum calculation methods can significantly enhance their performance.
The scientists’ idea is to use multiple clocks, each of which counts time at different speeds, similar to the presence of hour and minute hands on conventional watches, but at the atomic level. To achieve this, they demonstrate a new method of monitoring the electronic state of individual atoms with high precision by changing their position in the laser beam.
Through their experiments, the scientists have shown that individual manipulation of atoms allows each atom to experience the passage of time slower or faster depending on their dynamic position relative to the laser beam. This discovery paves the way for the development of a new generation of atomic clocks that will operate with even greater accuracy, thanks to the utilization of principles of quantum calculations.
The study’s findings highlight the potential for using quantum computing techniques in the field of metrology and may inspire the development of other programmable quantum-optic clocks that deliver even better results.
A few months after the preliminary publication of the study, another group of scientists led by Shimon Kolkovits from Berkeley presented their work, in which a similar concept of multi-stroke clocks was implemented using a different technique. This further underscores the benefits of employing multiple atomic clocks to measure time.
Currently, the researchers are seeking to leverage quantum entanglement between individual atoms in each clock, aiming to make each “hand” on their atomic clock even more accurate. This advancement is expected to enhance clock performance and bring about a true fusion of a quantum computer and atomic clocks.