AI Insight
The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science has remeasured a fundamental transition frequency of strontium atoms using a photonic grating chip, achieving a measurement uncertainty more than 50 times lower than the previous determination from 1938. This represents the first redetermination of this key atomic property in 88 years. The new absolute frequency value provides a significantly more precise reference standard for atomic physics and quantum applications.
Why it matters
The improved precision in strontium frequency measurements will enable more accurate calibration and control of quantum technologies, particularly atomic clocks and neutral-atom quantum computers. This advancement could facilitate the miniaturization of quantum devices and improve their performance for both scientific research and practical applications in timekeeping, navigation, and quantum computing.
Understand the Science
The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) has remeasured a key transition frequency of the strontium (Sr) atom for the first time in 88 years, since 1938, using a photonic grating chip. It has established a new absolute frequency value with a measurement uncertainty reduced by more than 50 times. By providing an accurate reference value for next-generation quantum technologies, this achievement is expected to contribute to the precise control and miniaturization of quantum devices, including atomic clocks and neutral-atom quantum computers. The work is published in the journal Metrologia.