NIST, in partnership with Octave Photonics and Vector Atomic, is developing a new optical clock technology that aims to set a standard for portable precision timing. This device uses strontium atoms to provide an extremely precise timing signal for laser light, aiming to replace bulky, million-dollar setups with a portable, chip-scale package. The prototype is currently undergoing performance testing to ensure it matches the accuracy of larger systems while being affordable enough for mass production.
If successful, this technology could standardize high-accuracy timekeeping for critical infrastructure like electrical grids and financial markets, removing reliance on less precise microwave clocks or GPS. Beyond timekeeping, the clock could serve as a quantum sensor to detect minute changes in Earth’s gravity, aiding in navigation and geological monitoring. While specific rollout dates are not yet set, the goal is to bridge the gap between lab precision and portable affordability for widespread deployment.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/noac/technology/time-and-frequency/optical-clock-integrated-photonics
Keywords: optical lattice clock, integrated photonics, metasurface optics
