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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. "

4 of 172 comments (clear)

  1. Great for GPS by DustMagnet · · Score: 5, Interesting

    With a atomic clock in a GPS you no longer need to solve for time, so you can get the same quality position with one less satellite. There are times where this could make a huge difference.

    --
    'SBEMAIL!' is better than a goat!!
    1. Re:Great for GPS by LiquidCoooled · · Score: 5, Insightful

      There will ALWAYS be a need for an outside reference time source.

      Whilst the device will keep track of time with an accuracy of 1 second in 300 years, what it can't do is keep time without power.

      The effect means a video recorder still shows 00:00, just a lot more accurately than before.

      --
      liqbase :: faster than paper
  2. 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.

    --
    The original generic sig.
  3. 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