Scientists create a clock so precise it could REDEFINE the second

"The strontium optical lattice clock is one of the most accurate timepieces ever made, capable of measuring seconds to 19 decimal places. To put that into context, if the clock ran for 30 billion years - more than twice the current age of the universe - it would only be off by around a second."

"This degree of precision has been possible thanks to significant advances in technology, and represents a major breakthrough in optical clock technology. What's more, it signifies a major step towards the goal of changing the official definition of a second within the next decade or so."

"Strontium, however, oscillates at a significantly quicker rate of 700 quadrillion 'ticks' per second, making it a much more accurate measurement. 'This performance meets the 2 x 10^-18 single-clock accuracy requirement for redefining the SI second,' the researchers wrote."

"Beyond redefining the second, the clock could play a crucial role in various fields, according to the researchers. For example, it could aid the search for dark matter and even for specific measurements of Earth's gravitational field, the scientists explained."

A strontium optical lattice clock represents a major breakthrough in timekeeping precision, capable of measuring seconds to 19 decimal places. If operated for 30 billion years, it would lose only about one second. This advancement results from significant technological progress and meets the accuracy standards required for redefining the official second. Currently, the second is defined by cesium-133 atoms oscillating 9.2 billion times per second since 1967. Strontium oscillates at 700 quadrillion ticks per second, providing superior accuracy. Beyond timekeeping, this clock could advance dark matter research and gravitational field measurements. The redefinition aims to replace the cesium standard with a more precise measurement.

Read at Mail Online