Scientists from NIST and the Joint Quantum Institute (JQI) have developed a new technique called “Magic Zero” that significantly improves the accuracy of atomic clock measurements. The technique, which is 10 times more accurate than previous methods, involves canceling out the effects of electromagnetic radiation on atomic transitions.
Atomic clocks rely on detecting the precise frequency of atomic transitions between quantum states. However, these transitions are affected by various forms of radiation, including blackbody radiation. The “Magic Zero” method takes advantage of a quantum phenomenon where the light shifts in atoms irradiated with specific wavelengths cancel each other out, effectively making the atoms “invisible” to the light.
This breakthrough could have important implications for other atomic clock elements, such as mercury, strontium, and ytterbium. The technique could help improve the accuracy of atomic clocks used in GPS systems, telecommunications, and other precision measurements.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2012/12/magic-zero-technique-reduces-atomic-clock-uncertainty
Keywords: atomic, precision, frequencies, transitions, shifts
