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NIST Unveils Chip-scale Atomic Clock

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the and-it-fits-in-the-oh-never-mind dept.

grumling writes "The heart of a minuscule atomic clock, believed to be 100 times smaller than any other atomic clock has been demonstrated by scientists at the Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), opening the door to atomically precise timekeeping in portable, battery-powered devices for secure wireless communications, more precise navigation and other applications. "

15 of 172 comments (clear)

  1. timing is extremely important by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    especially when you're trying to get first psot

    1. Re:timing is extremely important by quantaman · · Score: 3, Funny

      Spelling however, is entirely optional.

      --
      I stole this Sig
  2. Useful by AKAImBatman · · Score: 3, Funny

    opening the door to atomically precise timekeeping in portable, battery-powered devices for secure wireless communications, more precise navigation and...

    Video games!

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    Javascript + Nintendo DSi = DSiCade
  3. Yeah... by dmayle · · Score: 4, Funny

    Yeah, so I can keep time 5 minutes early more precisely than ever before...

  4. Best chance ever to get your story posted by Udo+Schmitz · · Score: 2, Funny
    Today CmdrTaco will post any story he gets, just to make the iMac-fake-picture-hoax-debacle go as far down the page it can get :)

    And that doesn't mean that I don't find this atomic clock thingie absolutely fascinating ...

    [Looking at strange spot on the wall]

    What was I talking about?

  5. The untapped potential for customer products... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    ...has finally been unleashed! Home users will be able to measure the relativistic effects of using table saws and ice makers.

  6. Re:ARE YOU NUTS?! by physicsboy500 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Wouldn't it radioactivate you or something???

    Cesium is a stable isotope and is not radioactive. The only problem I see with a wrist watch containing Cesium is accidentally jumping in the pool with it or being caught in the rain.

    "hey man... watch my tripple sommersault dive"

    BOOM.

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    The original generic sig.
  7. Not only video games by Pan+T.+Hose · · Score: 4, Funny

    "opening the door to atomically precise timekeeping in portable, battery-powered devices for secure wireless communications, more precise navigation and..." Video games!

    Not only video games. I don't know when, I don't know how, but I am sure that eventually one day someone will somehow use is for pornography...

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    Pan Tarhei Hosé, PhD.
    "Homo sum et cogito ergo odi profanum vulgus et libido."
  8. Re:ARE YOU NUTS?! by kfg · · Score: 5, Funny

    I don't get it... Would it make a chain reaction???

    No. It would make a perfectly normal, everyday exothermic chemical reaction.

    Cesium FAQ

    Shoudn't it be illegal to wear???!!!

    If atoms are outlawed only outlaws will have atoms.

    KFG

  9. Checklist by UnknowingFool · · Score: 4, Funny

    Cell phone with web surfing: $150
    Unlimited web surfing option on cell plan: $10/month
    Cell phone with atomic clock and web surfing (future): $200
    The ability to snipe someone on eBay for that powder blue Elvis jumpsuit: priceless

    --
    Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
  10. *true* atomic wrist watches are available now by wayne · · Score: 4, Funny

    First Atomic Clock Wristwatch

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  11. My own nuclear powered watch! by Chemisor · · Score: 2, Funny

    Her: Hey, that's a cool watch!
    Him: No babe; it's not just cool. It is a nuclear powered watch; the most powerful watch in the business!
    Her: Uhh... So you're a mutant?

  12. Re:ARE YOU NUTS?! by SEWilco · · Score: 3, Funny

    Thanks to anti-nuke propaganda, "atomic clock" might cause marketing problems. Watch for some other phrase to appear.

  13. Re:ARE YOU NUTS?! by SEWilco · · Score: 2, Funny
    A pea sized ball of cesium thrown into a full bathtub has been described to me as able to produce a 6 foot fireball.

    Note to self: Get larger bathtub.
    Note to self: For process to do above, see above.

  14. After the Little War we'll all have one... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    ...A lifeclock flower implanted in the palm of our left hand.