In a groundbreaking development in time measurement, a research group from the University of Copenhagen, led by Eliot Bohr, descendant of the famous physicist Niels Bohr, has made a breakthrough that could revolutionize the precision of GPS systems on Earth and in space. The research focuses on improving atomic clocks, which are crucial for synchronizing time in high-tech devices such as computers, smartphones, and navigation systems. Atomic clocks, which traditionally use lasers to measure the vibrations of atoms to determine time, face a challenge as the heat from the laser causes the atoms to disappear. This necessitates a constant replacement of atoms, resulting in time loss. However, Eliot Bohr and his team have developed a method that allows for the reuse of atoms, minimizing the need for replacement and thus increasing the clocks’ precision. “By reusing the atoms, we reduce the time lost in replacement, and this can have a significant impact on the precision of GPS systems,” explains Eliot Bohr. He points out that even microseconds of difference in the atomic clock’s precision can lead to significant deviations in position measurements on Earth – up to 100 meters for every millisecond the clock is inaccurate.
The improvement also has the potential to revolutionize time measurements in space, where precision is even more critical for navigation and mission safety. “In space, where distances and speeds are so extreme, our new method can truly make a difference,” adds Bohr. In addition to its applications in navigation systems and space exploration, the enhanced atomic clocks can also function as advanced sensors that can contribute to early warning and prediction of natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions. This new research not only emphasizes the importance of accurate time measurement in modern technology but also opens up new possibilities for research and the use of atomic clocks in various scientific and technological fields.