Journey into Time: Alejandra Collopy’s Atomic Clock Innovations

Every few weeks, NIST obtains a report from the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, detailing the performance of our atomic clocks in comparison to those at various national measurement institutes globally.  

This information assists our specialists in ensuring our clocks function correctly, as they play a vital role in keeping time for the whole nation.  

NIST researcher Alejandra Collopy is engaged in introducing another layer of timely feedback to enhance the performance of our collection of clocks around the clock. She is developing an atomic clock utilizing an electrically charged atom identified as an ion, which is derived from the element strontium.

Once it is fully operational — anticipated to occur later this year — Alejandra’s clock will gauge the discrepancy between two energy states of the ion. Researchers will then be able to compare the frequency of the ion with the frequencies of the clocks in the collection. It will function like an unseen conductor of an orchestra — quietly and invisibly ensuring that all instruments remain in sync.  

Strontium and other atoms are also under consideration in a global initiative to redefine the scientific concept of the second, which is currently grounded in the cesium atom, to facilitate the development of even more precise atomic clocks for global timekeeping.  

We must consistently enhance our timekeeping methods due to the significant function atomic clocks serve in society and the economy, particularly for critical timekeeping requirements like the stock market.  

Find out more about how NIST’s atomic clocks keep time for you by visiting our atomic clock website.