Scientists say they have found the 'key ingredients' to create the first nuclear clock which could advance understanding of time and fundamental physics.
A nuclear clock is a theoretical timekeeping device that measures signals from the nucleus of an atom to provide its 'ticks'.
Although its potential excites scientists, until now it has not been replicated owing to the difficulty of measuring the energy jumps within a nucleus using current technology.
Researchers at JILA, a joint institute of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado Boulder, were able to utilise a ultraviolet laser to precisely measure the frequency of an energy jump in thorium nuclei embedded in a solid crystal.
While this laboratory demonstration is not a fully developed nuclear clock, it contains all the core technology for one, the scientists say.
“We used a laser referenced to the most precise atomic clock to excite the nucleus of thorium atoms and measure the absolute frequency of the nuclear transition”, researchers told The National.
They added that the measurement was “a million times more precise than previous experiments”.
The research has already yielded unprecedented results, including the ability to observe details in the thorium nucleus's shape that no one had ever observed before. Researchers liken this to seeing individual blades of grass from an aircraft.
Atomic clocks are used to configure international time and play major roles in technologies such as GPS, internet synchronisation, and financial transactions.
Nuclear clocks are generally thought to be more precise than atomic clocks, which measure time by tuning laser light to frequencies that cause electrons to jump between energy levels.
The development of nuclear clocks could mean even more precise navigation systems, faster internet speeds, more reliable network connections and more secure digital communications.
“Imagine a wristwatch that wouldn't lose a second even if you left it running for billions of years,” said NIST and JILA physicist Jun Ye. “While we're not quite there yet, this research brings us closer to that level of precision.”
Scientists focused on thorium-229, an atom whose nucleus has a smaller energy jump than any other known atom, requiring ultraviolet light, which is lower in energy than X-rays.
“Since a nuclear clock is based on a nuclear transition within an atom's nucleus as opposed to an electron transition occurring in the atom's electron shell, nuclear clocks can be less sensitive to issues such as electric magnetic fields”, the researchers added.
“Another simple reason is that the frequency of the thorium nuclear transition is higher than most atomic clock frequencies – in general, a clock that ticks faster is able to measure time with more precision.”
Nuclear clocks could further improve tests of fundamental theories for how the universe works, potentially leading to new discoveries in physics.
For example, they could help detect dark matter or verify if the constants of nature are truly constant, allowing for verification of theories in particle physics without the need for large-scale particle accelerator facilities.
Despite the exciting breakthrough, researchers believe that it would take some time for a nuclear clock to surpass the world's best atomic clocks, adding that both were complimentary to each other, especially when it comes to studying fundamental physics.
Tomorrow 2021
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Day 2 at the Gabba
Australia 312-1
Warner 151 not out, Burns 97, Labuschagne 55 not out
Pakistan 240
Shafiq 76, Starc 4-52
A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
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- November 2021: First 17 volumes launched
- November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
- October 2023: Another 31 volumes released
- November 2024: All 127 volumes completed
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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It Was Just an Accident
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2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
Company profile: buybackbazaar.com
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Started: January 2018
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Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Tomorrow 2021
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Europe’s rearming plan
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PROVISIONAL FIXTURE LIST
Premier League
Wednesday, June 17 (Kick-offs uae times) Aston Villa v Sheffield United 9pm; Manchester City v Arsenal 11pm
Friday, June 19 Norwich v Southampton 9pm; Tottenham v Manchester United 11pm
Saturday, June 20 Watford v Leicester 3.30pm; Brighton v Arsenal 6pm; West Ham v Wolves 8.30pm; Bournemouth v Crystal Palace 10.45pm
Sunday, June 21 Newcastle v Sheffield United 2pm; Aston Villa v Chelsea 7.30pm; Everton v Liverpool 10pm
Monday, June 22 Manchester City v Burnley 11pm (Sky)
Tuesday, June 23 Southampton v Arsenal 9pm; Tottenham v West Ham 11.15pm
Wednesday, June 24 Manchester United v Sheffield United 9pm; Newcastle v Aston Villa 9pm; Norwich v Everton 9pm; Liverpool v Crystal Palace 11.15pm
Thursday, June 25 Burnley v Watford 9pm; Leicester v Brighton 9pm; Chelsea v Manchester City 11.15pm; Wolves v Bournemouth 11.15pm
Sunday June 28 Aston Villa vs Wolves 3pm; Watford vs Southampton 7.30pm
Monday June 29 Crystal Palace vs Burnley 11pm
Tuesday June 30 Brighton vs Manchester United 9pm; Sheffield United vs Tottenham 11.15pm
Wednesday July 1 Bournemouth vs Newcastle 9pm; Everton vs Leicester 9pm; West Ham vs Chelsea 11.15pm
Thursday July 2 Arsenal vs Norwich 9pm; Manchester City vs Liverpool 11.15pm
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group F
Manchester City v Hoffenheim, midnight (Wednesday, UAE)
