In the postwar years, NIST made significant advancements in time standards through atomic clock research. The first atomic clock, developed by NIST in 1949, represented a major improvement in accuracy compared to pendulum and quartz clocks. NIST’s atomic clocks contributed to technologies such as high data rate telecommunications, the Global Positioning System, and synchronization needs in various industries.
NIST maintained the nation’s primary time standards and played a crucial role in transitioning from pendulum and quartz clocks to atomic timekeeping. The performance improvements enabled by cesium clocks offered accuracy to within a second in 20 million years, supporting developments in telecommunications and navigation systems.
In addition to atomic clock research, NIST’s work in spectroscopy and atomic energy levels provided foundational data for laser development. The Atomic Energy Levels volumes, compiled by Charlotte Moore under William Meggers’ direction, offered highly reliable energy level data crucial for laser research. These volumes continue to be cited widely in scientific literature.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/pao/nist-100-foundations-progress/postwar-years-highlights
Keywords: Atomic clock, NIST, Accurate timekeeping
