Atomic clocks, which measure time by tracking the transitions of electrons between energy states, have been used for more than seventy years.
These clocks enabled important developments such as experiments with GPS technology that proved that time behaves differently in different regions of space.
According to the Independent’s report; Newly developed nuclear clocks work by monitoring how light interacts with atomic nuclei.
Since atomic nuclei are approximately 100 thousand times smaller than atoms, they are much less affected by external electric fields.
This makes nuclear clocks more reliable by eliminating the disadvantages of external factors that can negatively affect the operation of atomic clocks.
DARK MATTER CAN BE TRACED
These new clocks can be used to detect the presence of dark matter, the mysterious and invisible substance that makes up most of the universe.
Researchers state that this technology can play an important role in answering fundamental questions about the physical rules of the universe.
The basis of the study is based on a proposal in 2003 that suggested that atomic nuclei could be a highly accurate method of making clocks and that the element thorium-229 could be used because it is in a low energy state that makes it easier to follow their transitions.
CHALLENGES TO SOLVE
Although they manage to keep time, nuclear clocks are not yet as stable as the best atomic clocks.
However, researchers state that these problems can be overcome with future studies such as the use of much more powerful lasers.
The research in question was announced in two separate articles published in Nature magazine.
