In recent months, a long-awaited breakthrough has been achieved in the scientific world, and by measuring the difference between the quantum energy states of the thorium nucleus, the first nuclear-powered watch has been produced. Physicist at the Vienna University of Technology Thorsten Strumm and his team laid the foundation for this clock by combining a strontium atomic clock with a crystal containing thorium nuclei.

This important step involves measuring time make it ultra sensitive will provide. In his statement on the subject, Strumm said: “With this prototype, we have proven that thorium can be used in time measurements. “Now only the technical development phase remains, there are no major obstacles left,” he said.

More stable and sensitive

Atomic clocks are used as atoms transition between their energy states. depending on the radiation it emits they measure time. Although nuclear clocks actually work with a similar logic, the nuclei in these devices require much more energy to change their energy state. On the other hand, nuclear clocks also have the potential to be much more stable and accurate. Scientists will thus be able to make much more precise measurements as they try to unravel the structure of the universe.

In recent months, energy transitions in the thorium core have been measured. This paved the way for determining the amount of energy needed for the nuclear clock. Strumm and his team used this energy to create the watch “their taps” managed to create.

Researchers say the clock is different from atomic clocks for now. not more sensitive While he stated that he was making consistent measurements, he also stressed that nuclear clocks could go beyond the best atomic clocks within two to three years.

Research NatureIt was published in .