Torun physicists will improve the operation of the optical atomic clock
– The equipment being built, as well as the equipment being purchased, will be used to develop an optical atomic clock, ktory we already have in Toruń. It will enable a significant expansion of the use of go – zarowno when it comes to basic science, i.e. fundamental research, as roAlso for the purposesoIn useful. In the first case, I mean m.in. search for dark matter, new physics using optical clocksoin atomic, ktowhich are currently the most sensitive measuring devices in the world – mowi Dr. Marcin Bober from the Institute of Physics of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń.
The scientist stressed that such modern and innovative optical equipment is available only in a few of the best research centers of this type in the world. Currently, in the footsteps of the Torun university follow, for example, the Spaniards, Russians and Croats, whooers are building their atomic clocks. The time to produce such equipment is at least several years.
– The new equipment will serve roAlso for application-scientific research, relevant to environmental protection. It will have application m.in. In molecular spectroscopy, thanks to which ktorej it is possible to study molecular transitions in gases, whichore present in our atmosphere, which in the future will be used to study, for example, concentrations of gasoin greenhouse gases or other harmful pollutants – explained Bober.
In addition, new technology will allow us to transmit a very precise time and frequency signal. This will be done using the existing fiber-optic network, and will benefit zaroboth state research institutions and commercial companies, for example in the field of telecommunications.
– This will allow us to lend the signal from our optical atomic clock to other institutesonot only in Poland, but also in Europe. Part of the subassemblyow will buy from American and German companies, and the rest will be created from purchased – completely basic – elementow. Such a solution is always the cheapest and most effective. We can assemble and build it ourselves at our institute. Many osob rubbed their eyes in amazement that in such a kroIn a short time we have created from scratch an optical atomic clock. Indeed, we had an express – supplemented by scientist.
A physicist from UMK told PAP that at his university they are already working on further solutions that are innovative on a global scale. – We already have an idea for a new generation of optical clocksoin atomic, ktora should be even better than what we have at the moment. Its power can be used for purely scientific research, such as. The study of dark matter, but rowill also allow the search for resourcesoin the natural – indicated Bober.
An expert in the field assessed that to go out with this equipment "to humans" need for approx. 5 to 8 years. – As real and possible as it may seem, the prospect of a new generation of OZA for laboratory use within approx. 3 years – concluded.
Sourceobackground: PAP – Science in Poland, fot. National Institute of Standards and Technology