What is an atomic clock? Working principle of atomic clock

With so many improvements over time, today’s wristwatches don’t just stop at the square, round,… Atomic clock, this very sublime-sounding name is real. What is the substance, is this watch model “forgiving”. Find out the answer right in the article below!

What is an atomic clock?

An atomic clock is a clock that adjusts the time according to the oscillation state of an atom. The frequency of an atom’s oscillation is constant and can be measured, so it can be converted into a unit of time.

In 1949, the first atomic clock that operated according to the motion of the Ammonia molecule was made by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, formerly NBS).

In 1955 , physicist Louis Essen successfully built an atomic clock operating according to the motion of cesium atoms (133Cs) at the UK’s National Physics Laboratory (NPL).

In 1967 , the “Cesium-133 atomic clock” became the standard for determining a second in the International System of Units.

Atomic clocks are used to accurately measure time, determine and coordinate time zones and time systems. In addition, atomic clocks are also used in rockets, unmanned aircraft, and especially in measuring time to determine distances on satellites in navigation systems such as GPS, GLONASS or Galileo.

Are atomic clocks accurate?

Based on the oscillation frequency of the atom is constant and can be measured, so the atomic clock is the most accurate type of clock to date.

A most accurate mechanical watch has an error of -4 to +6 seconds/day , and the best battery watch has an accuracy of +-2 seconds after 10 days , while atomic clocks have an accuracy of . absolute precision.

With the advent of atomic clocks, scientists were able to come up with a standard level for units of one second (atomic clock accuracy is usually about 10 − 14 (1 second difference after 3 seconds). million years) .

The incredible level of time accuracy is vitally important for scientific research.

Working principle of atomic clock

Atomic clocks adjust the time according to the active state of the atom. The type of atom used in atomic clocks has changed continuously over time since the invention of this type of clock: In turn, the molecule Ammonia, now Cesium, Rubidium, Hydrogen, Strontium, .. the future may be light.

Currently, the “Cesium-133 atomic clock” becomes the standard for determining a second in the International System of Units.

An atom consists of an atomic nucleus and electrons circulating around it. Different types of atoms make up our physical environment, each with their own energy determined by the number of electrons orbiting and the electromagnetic attraction.

The atom absorbs and then emits light and electric waves at a specific frequency as it changes into another energy state. Based on this factor, atomic clocks use electromagnetic waves and light frequencies of all kinds of atoms to make high-precision time measurement standards for atoms such as hydrogen, cesium, and rubidium. the least amount of variation.

Should you buy an atomic clock?

There is no denying that the invention of the atomic clock is a marvel of human ingenuity.

Without this initiative underpinning science, global positioning systems and other technologies that depend on precise time accuracy would not be as effective as they are today.

However, for the rest of the world, an atomic clock probably doesn’t affect life much because few people care about millisecond accuracy.

However, for true watch enthusiasts, owning this watch is normal, coming from personal preference.

If you are a lover and aspire to own the latest and most advanced timekeeping technology on watches, atomic watches are the first choice, but the price of this watch on the market also varies. can make you dizzy.

Above is an article that introduces the most general information about atomic clocks. Hope this article provides you with useful information!