'These Clocks Just Changed Time Forever': Global Team Unites Ten Ultra-Precise Devices Across Six Countries to Radically Redefine the Second

Sustainability Times

12-07-2025

IN A NUTSHELL ⏰ Scientists from six countries linked ten optical clocks to redefine the precision of the second.
to redefine the precision of the second. 🔬 The project demonstrated unprecedented consistency in frequency ratio measurements, crucial for a new global timekeeping standard.
in frequency ratio measurements, crucial for a new global timekeeping standard. 🌐 Innovative technologies like ultra-stable optical fiber links were used to achieve precision 100 times greater than satellite methods.
were used to achieve precision 100 times greater than satellite methods. 📚 The findings, published in Optica, promise to transform scientific exploration and redefine the International System of Units by 2030.
In a groundbreaking effort to redefine how we measure time, scientists across six nations have embarked on an ambitious project to enhance the precision of the second. The traditional cesium-based atomic clocks, which have long been the standard for defining time, are being challenged by optical clocks that promise unparalleled accuracy. Over the course of 45 days, 69 scientists from Europe and Japan collaborated to link ten optical clocks via satellite signals and ultra-stable optical fiber connections. This monumental endeavor marks a significant step towards establishing a new global standard for timekeeping. Redefining Time with Optical Precision
The need to redefine the second stems from the inherent limitations of cesium clocks, which can deviate by a second every 100 million years. In contrast, today's optical clocks boast a precision so advanced that they wouldn't lose or gain a second in billions of years. Optical clocks operate by using lasers to induce precise energy shifts in atoms, creating ultra-stable 'ticks' that more accurately mark time.
During the experiment, researchers conducted 38 frequency ratio measurements, setting a new benchmark for consistency. Four of these comparisons were unprecedented, underscoring the feasibility of a future global optical time scale. This initiative not only opens the door to redefining the second but also paves the way for testing fundamental physics, including searches for dark matter and validating the laws of physics.
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As Thomas Lindvall from VTT MIKES remarked, 'Comparing multiple clocks simultaneously and using diverse link technologies provides more comprehensive data than previous pairwise comparisons.' This coordinated approach is crucial for identifying which optical clock will best serve in the new definition of the second. The Science Behind Synchronization
The success of this project relied heavily on innovative link technologies. While GPS satellite signals provided essential global connectivity, their precision was compromised by factors like signal noise and atmospheric interference. To counter these limitations, scientists employed custom optical fiber links, which allowed for measurements with up to 100 times greater precision.
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These ultra-stable connections were pivotal in linking clocks in France, Germany, and Italy. Additionally, short-range optical fibers facilitated in-country comparisons within the UK and Germany, where multiple clocks resided in single institutes. This approach minimized uncertainties and bolstered the stability of measurements.
The meticulous planning and execution of this experiment were not without challenges. As Rachel Godun from NPL noted, 'Some results diverged from expectations, highlighting the importance of using multiple linking techniques to identify sources of discrepancies.'
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With the anticipated redefinition of the second in the International System of Units expected by 2030, the findings from this experiment are both timely and revolutionary. The collaborative effort has not only demonstrated the feasibility of a new timekeeping standard but also highlighted the potential for optical clocks to transform our understanding of time.
The precision achieved in this study is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the scientists involved. By linking clocks across vast distances and employing cutting-edge technologies, they have laid the groundwork for a new era in timekeeping. This research, published in Optica, promises to influence future developments in international time standards and scientific exploration. Implications for Future Research and Exploration
The implications of redefining the second extend beyond precise timekeeping. Optical clocks could enable new tests of physical theories, offering insights into areas such as gravitational waves and the fundamental forces of nature. As scientists continue to push the boundaries of accuracy, the potential for groundbreaking discoveries grows exponentially.
This project also exemplifies the power of international collaboration in advancing scientific knowledge. By bringing together expertise from multiple countries, the consortium has achieved a level of precision and reliability that was previously unattainable. Such efforts underscore the importance of global cooperation in tackling complex scientific challenges.
As we move closer to establishing a new standard for the second, the question remains: How will these advancements shape the future of scientific inquiry and our understanding of the universe?
This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies.
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