Redefining Time: How Optical Clocks Could Revolutionize Precision by 2030

In the quest for ever-increasing precision, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder, Colorado, are working on groundbreaking advancements that could redefine the way we measure time. The current standard for measuring a second, based on caesium atomic clocks, may soon give way to optical clocks that utilize elements like ytterbium and strontium. This shift promises to deliver unparalleled accuracy, marking a significant leap in timekeeping technology.

Hardware in the Boulder laboratories of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (Nist), America’s official timekeeper

What Are Optical Clocks? Optical clocks operate on the principle of measuring the vibrations of light particles (photons) emitted by specific atoms. Ytterbium and strontium, for example, oscillate at incredibly high frequencies, enabling scientists to divide time into smaller and more precise units. This allows for measurements that are more accurate than the current caesium-based clocks, which have been the standard since 1967.

Why Redefine the Second? The drive to redefine the second stems from the need for ultra-precise timekeeping in cutting-edge technologies. From global navigation systems to financial markets and scientific research, the world increasingly relies on synchronization at nanosecond levels. The enhanced accuracy provided by optical clocks could improve GPS performance, enable breakthroughs in quantum computing, and refine measurements in fundamental physics.

Some of the hardware used by scientists at Nist to calculate UTC(Nist), the official US time © Jason Koxvold

The Road to 2030 A decision on the redefinition of the second is expected by 2030, following global scientific consensus. This transition will involve extensive testing, calibration, and standardization to ensure compatibility with existing systems. Researchers anticipate that the shift to optical clocks will not only enhance precision but also lay the groundwork for new technological advancements.

A vacuum system in Nist’s optical clock laboratory, where the scientists can now measure time to its quintillionth part

A New Era of Timekeeping The introduction of optical clocks represents a pivotal moment in the history of timekeeping. By offering accuracy levels previously thought impossible, this technology will enable humanity to explore new frontiers in science and innovation. As we approach the 2030 milestone, the redefinition of the second will likely have a ripple effect, influencing a broad range of industries and scientific disciplines.

Ref: Financial Times