Scientists invent atomic clock that is so accurate it can detect changes in Earth's gravity

 

A new atomic clock that is the most accurate ever made has been developed by a team of Japanese experts.

The ‘optical lattice’ clock is so sensitive it can detect changes in Earth’s gravity and will allow scientists to measure time to a staggering 17 digits.

It will also dramatically improve GPS tracking systems and will be able to detect height differences as small as 10cm.

The Japanese team said it would be a significant step forward for what is already one of the most accurate measuring devices man has ever created.

An atomic clock in Berlin. Scientists have developed an 'optical lattice' clock so sensitive it can detect changes in Earth's gravity

Atomic clocks are used to set International Atomic Time or the Universal Time Coordinated, which are different but more precise than Greenwich Mean Time, which most of us rely on.

Over the years, however, even atomic clocks lose accuracy and they have to be adjusted to make up for the lost fractions of a second.

This happens because of the ‘Dick effect’ which is when unwanted noise from the clock’s laser causes it to lose track.

The optical lattice clock avoids this and is much more stable so does not need to be adjusted so often.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1373212/Scientists-invent-atomic-clock-accurate-detect-changes-Earths-gravity.html#ixzz1IfYU4r2C

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