GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 14 (UPI) -- Physicists at the U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute for Standards and Technology have developed what may be the world's most accurate clock.
An experimental mercury atomic clock is based on a single mercury atom and is said to be five times more accurate than the national standard clock. Scientists say the precision of the clock is based on a "fountain" of cesium atoms.
The clock measures the oscillations of a mercury ion held in an electromagnetic freezer trap, producing "ticks" at optical frequencies. The high frequencies allow scientists to divide time into smaller units, producing more accuracy.
Ultra-precise clocks are used by scientists to improve synchronization in navigation and positioning systems, as well as wireless and deep space communication.
The research is published in the July 14 issue of Physical Review Letters.
