Historic discovery by scientists: First working nuclear clock developed

Scientists have developed the first working nuclear clocks that could replace atomic clocks, which have been considered the standard in time measurement for over seventy years. Published in the journal Nature, the discovery uses light-nucleus interactions instead of electrons to measure time.

Working Principle and Difference

While current systems track the energy transitions of electrons, the new generation of nuclear clocks focuses on how light interacts directly with the atomic nucleus.

The fact that atomic nuclei are approximately 100,000 times smaller than standard atoms isolates the clocks from external electric fields and environmental factors.

Dark Matter and Universe Research

This newly developed technology will not only measure time more accurately, but it will also be used to detect the presence of dark matter, the mysterious structure of the universe.

Experts state that this system will play a key role in answering massive questions regarding the fundamental physical rules of the universe.

The Role of the Element Thorium-229

The foundations of this scientific leap were actually laid in 2003, when it was suggested that atomic nuclei could be a flawless method for timekeeping.

Due to its low energy state, it was proposed that specifically the element thorium-229 would be the ideal building block for this task.

Future Goals and Shortcomings

Tests showed that nuclear clocks have not yet fully reached the stability level of the most advanced atomic clocks.

Researchers state that these challenges will be overcome with powerful lasers to be integrated into the system and technological improvements to be made.