Atomic clocks of the rare element on Earth

Currently Australian scientists are developing one of the most precise atomic clocks ever made, for an experiment to measure one of the fundamental constants of the universe. The clock, which uses atoms of the rare earth element ytterbium, is being built by researchers led by Associate Professor John McFerran at the University of Western Australia.

Australia's most accurate time piece,
a ytterbium atomic clock being built by 
Professor John McFerran (pictured) will
help science understand the cosmos.
 (Picture from: http://www.abc.net.au/)

"Rather than clocks, I like to think of them as humankind's ultimate accuracy machines," says McFerran.

He explained, unlike the standard atomic clocks that use the microwave, ytterbium clock will operate at optical frequencies are much higher. This allows the time to be divided into shorter intervals of approximately one hundred thousand times smaller for more precise measurements.

"To establish this, we need a collection of lasers, optics, electronics, iron stainsless steel, and ultra-high vacuum system to isolate atoms," McFerran said as quoted by ABC. He said the laser cooling system slows ytterbium atoms and allows the combination of a magnetic field.

When the machine is finished, the device will reportedly be placed in the southern hemisphere on an international project called Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES). ACES program is scheduled for launch to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2016 to help determine whether any of the laws of physics have not changed. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ABC | SEPTI | PIKIRAN RAKYAT 05122013]

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