JOURNAL ARTICLE

The ultimate timepiece.

  • Published In: New Scientist, 2024, v. 263, n. 3508. P. 37 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Chiou, Lyndie 3 of 3

Abstract

Physicists have been working for decades to create the most accurate timepiece in the universe, and they may have finally succeeded with the development of a nuclear clock. Unlike atomic clocks, which use electrons on the edge of an atom and are susceptible to interference, a nuclear clock uses neutrons moving between energy levels inside an atom and is impervious to external forces. The development of a nuclear clock could have profound implications for our understanding of the universe, including the nature of dark matter and fundamental forces. However, the scarcity of the radioactive element thorium-229, which is needed for the clock, poses a challenge to its widespread use. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:New Scientist. 2024/09, Vol. 263, Issue 3508, p37
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Physics
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0262-4079
  • DOI:10.1016/s0262-4079(24)01654-3
  • Accession Number:179585392
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