Project: International timescales with optical clocks
Accurate time underpins many everyday technologies, particularly in the areas of communications and navigation. A redefinition of the second in terms of an optical frequency will help improve accuracy further, but a number of challenges remain before this can be achieved. Improved methods for comparing the frequencies of optical clocks constructed in different laboratories are needed to help build confidence. Scientists will also need to improve evaluations of the effects of Einstein’s theory of general relativity, and in particular the local effects that gravity has on each clock due to the very high levels of stability and accuracy demonstrated by the clocks. This project will help prepare for a future redefinition of the second, by addressing these challenges, and provide the scientific community with a basis for tests of fundamental physical theories. By demonstrating the performance of optical clocks, it will also benefit fundamental science in space such as the ACES (Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space) mission, due for launch in 2015.
| Acronym | SIB55 ITOC (Reference Number: SIB55) |
| Duration | 01/05/2013 - 30/04/2016 |
| Project Topic | Metrology |
|
Project Results (after finalisation) |
See Website |
| Website | visit project website |
| Network | EMRP |
| Call | EMRP Call 2012 - Industry, SI Broader Scope and Open Excellence |
Project partner
| Number | Name | Role | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NPL Management Limited | Coordinator | United Kingdom |
| 2 | Cesky Metrologicky Institut | Partner | Czech Republic |
| 3 | Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica | Partner | Italy |
| 4 | Laboratoire national de métrologie et d'essais | Partner | France |
| 5 | Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT Oy | Partner | Finland |
| 6 | Observatoire de Paris | Partner | France |
| 7 | Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt | Partner | Germany |
| 8 | Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover | Germany |