A photo from open sources
Atomic clocks that work thanks to tiny vibrations strontium atoms turned out to be so accurate and stable that even after 15 billion they will not “lose” a single second time.
This watch works about three times more accurately than the previous ones. champions, therefore, have the right to record micro shifts in time predicted by Einstein’s theory of relativity (it says that time goes faster at different heights of the Earth). The new watch is so accurate that it can detect relativity in action on an incredibly small scale. In a concept known as gravitational time dilation, time passes faster in more weak gravitational fields, therefore, the higher the altitude on Earth, the lower gravity and faster passage of time.
Atomic clock accuracy, as well as 50% improved stability their metrics can help scientists create ultra detailed maps the shape of our planet. Researchers say they can now measure gravitational displacements even at a distance of 2 centimeters from the surface of the earth. Previously, this task was carried out using such instruments like tidal and gravimeters.
Usually atomic clocks work by measuring the frequency of vibrations. atoms such as strontium or cesium. As atoms move between different energy levels, each of them fluctuates at very high frequencies at a speed of billions or trillions once per second. Counting these regular hits provides high time measurement accuracy. Currently cesium clock by accuracy take the second place, and the vibration frequency of their atoms is 9192631770 times per second.
In the new atomic clock, thousands of strontium atoms were subjected exposure to intense laser radiation at extreme low temperatures. And to measure their accuracy, they calculated vibrations of atoms that were only affected red laser radiation. Previous version of the watch also used a similar technique.
By eliminating external measurement errors source of electromagnetic radiation (known as radiation black body, which can affect the energy level of an atom, affecting the frequency of his strikes), the researchers were able to improve watch accuracy. Researchers placed around the device radiation protection, and to more fully account for additional heat they equipped the watch’s vacuum tube with special platinum thermometers. Thus, scientists not only improved their calculations, but also created the most accurate watches in the world. Unlike previous versions, new atomic clocks can work not only with cryogenic, but also at room temperature. The frequency of their hits atoms is 430 trillion times per second. In addition, more one of the strengths of this watch is that it can function in the usual configuration, while preserving everything their qualities.
Is there a discrepancy between the earth and space time now? It turns out – yes
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