Redefining the second: Optical atomic clock achieves record accuracy in comparison measurement
The next generation of atomic clocks “ticks” with the frequency of a laser. This is about 100,000 times faster than the microwave frequencies of the cesium clocks which are generating the second at present. These optical clocks are still being assessed, but already now, some are 100 times more accurate than cesium clocks. They will
Quantum engineers ‘squeeze’ laser frequency combs to make more sensitive gas sensors
For the first time ever, scientists have used a technique called “quantum squeezing” to improve the gas sensing performance of devices known as optical frequency comb lasers. These ultra-precise sensors are like fingerprint scanners for molecules of gas. Scientists have used them to spot methane leaks in the air above oil and gas operations and