Lu+ optical frequency references with accuracy verified at the 19th digit

Live updates

1. 9d ago

   Optical Clock Comparisons Reach 2.2E-18 Uncertainty Over 1350-km Fiber

   Researchers continue pushing the boundaries of metrology and time frequency references through advanced optical clock systems. A recent study details an ytterbium and strontium optical clock comparison achieving an uncertainty level of 2.2E-18 across a 1350-kilometer fiber link. These precision timing networks rely on ultra-stable optical signals transferred over vast distances. Meanwhile, auxiliary technical frameworks in remote sensing data processing utilize defined levels ranging from raw instrument outputs to fully geo-referenced products, alongside distinct broadcast audio measurement tools such as VU meters, peak program meters, and loudness meters designed to prevent over-modulation.

   Why it matters

   Precision time and frequency references form the backbone of modern metrology, quantum technology, and global communication networks. High-accuracy comparisons across long-distance fiber links allow laboratories to synchronize atomic standards with unprecedented fidelity. These developments build on previous breakthroughs in optical atomic clocks and strontium atom transition measurements.

   What is confirmed

   • An Yb/Sr optical clock comparison achieved 2.2E-18 uncertainty over a 1350-kilometer fiber link.

   What to watch next

   • Further peer review and replication of the 2.2E-18 uncertainty Yb/Sr clock comparison over the 1350-kilometer fiber link.
   • Additional long-distance optical clock network integrations and comparisons.
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. digital-mixing.com — VU, PPM, peak or loudness: which audio meter to trust for ...
   2. arxiv.org — [2610.34250] Yb/Sr optical clock comparison at 2.2E-18 ...
   3. www.exail.com — Time & Frequency Reference | Definition & Applications
   4. classroom.eumetsat.int — Data processing and file formats - EUMETSAT
   confidence 95%
2. 18d ago

   Optical Clocks Push Precision Boundaries to the 19th Decimal Place

   Optical atomic clocks developed in Singapore achieve a precision level where they will lose just one second in 260 billion years. This temporal accuracy represents a span far exceeding the age of the Universe, which sits at less than 14 billion years. Meanwhile, researchers at the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science have re-measured a key strontium atom transition frequency for the first time since 1938, using a photonic grating chip to reduce measurement uncertainty by more than 50 times. These advancements strengthen foundational references for next-generation quantum technologies.

   Why it matters

   Precise time measurement serves as a cornerstone for modern navigation, telecommunications, and fundamental physics research. Atomic clocks function by monitoring the resonant frequency of atoms as they transition between quantized energy levels driven by specific electromagnetic radiation frequencies. Refining these measurements allows scientists to test physical constants over time and advance ultra-sensitive sensors.

   What is confirmed

   • Optical clocks from Singapore deviate by one second in 260 billion years.

   What to watch next

   • Adoption of revised international time and frequency standards based on optical transitions
   • Further deployments of photonic grating chips in atomic frequency measurements
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov — STAR GOES Calibration Validation - Instrument Status - GOES ...
   2. blog.chronoshop.cz — Sekunda za 260 miliard let. Jak přesně se dnes měří čas
   3. www.lecocondesmariees.com — Sydney Digit Frequency by Position | MariResult
   4. www.newswise.com — After 88 Years, KRISS Redetermines a Key Strontium Frequency ...
   confidence 80%
3. 21d ago

   Lutetium Atomic Clock Reaches 19-Digit Precision

   Researchers developed a lutetium-176 atomic clock with time precision to 19 decimal places, achieving a 41 percent improvement over previous record holders. This instrument loses just one second in 260 billion years, a timespan vastly exceeding the age of the Universe at less than 14 billion years. Led by Murray Barrett, the scientific team constructed two identical instruments and applied correlated spectroscopy across two hundred hours of data collection to confirm the accuracy level. Atomic clocks monitor the resonant frequency of atoms and transition between quantized energy levels driven by specific frequencies of electromagnetic radiation.

   Why it matters

   Atomic clocks serve as the basis for the SI definition of the second using the unperturbed ground-state hyperfine transition frequency of the caesium-133 atom. Precise time measurement instruments have advanced significantly beyond traditional mechanical gears by relying on quantum transitions. The newly verified lutetium-176 system pushes optical frequency references to the 19th digit of accuracy, establishing a benchmark for stability and chronological measurement.

   What is confirmed

   • Researchers at the National University of Singapore developed a lutetium-176 atomic clock with time precision to 19 decimal places.
   • The instrument achieves a 41 percent improvement over previous record holders and loses just one second in 260 billion years.
   • The Universe is less than 14 billion years old.
   • The scientific team led by Murray Barrett constructed two identical clocks and applied correlated spectroscopy across two hundred hours of data collection.
   • Atomic clocks measure time by monitoring the resonant frequency of atoms based on quantized energy levels.

   What to watch next

   • Further deployment of lutetium-176 optical frequency references in international timekeeping standards
   • Additional independent replication of the two hundred hours of correlated spectroscopy data
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. elib.dlr.de — electronic library - JOKARUS—An optical absolute frequency ...
   2. www.optica.org — New chip-scale gyroscope measures rotation with unprecedented ...
   3. www.techno-science.net — ⏱️ This clock is accurate to one second over more than 260 ...
   4. ly4a.com — MUF Maps and Ionosonde Data: Reading HF Conditions
   5. arxiv.org — [2610.22596] Ultra-stable laser with sub-Hz intrinsic ...
   6. en.wikipedia.org — Atomic clock - Wikipedia
   confidence 100%
4. 27d ago

   Lu+ optical frequency references verified at 19th digit

   Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed a lutetium-176 atomic clock with time precision to 19 decimal places, achieving a 41 percent improvement over previous record holders. This instrument loses just one second in 260 billion years. The scientific team, led by Murray Barrett, constructed two identical clocks and applied correlated spectroscopy across two hundred hours of data collection to confirm the accuracy level.

   Why it matters

   This advancement in atomic clock technology has significant implications for precision measurement and timekeeping. The development of more accurate clocks can impact various fields such as telecommunications, navigation, and scientific research. The achievement demonstrates the potential for further improvements in timekeeping accuracy.

   What is confirmed

   • The lutetium-176 atomic clock measures time precision to 19 decimal places.
   • The instrument achieves a 41 percent improvement over previous record holders.
   • The clock loses just one second in 260 billion years.

   What to watch next

   • Further verification of the clock's accuracy by other research teams
   • Potential applications of the technology in various fields
   • Any updates on the development of more accurate clocks
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.clipperton.com — Clipperton’s Strong 2025 Performance & Outlook for 2026
   2. www.clipperton.com — Clipperton: Forward Thinking Investment Banking
   3. cdxc.org — 2026 – Carcans – Clipperton DX Club
   4. racehub.com.au — Clipperton lands biggest win since comeback as… | RaceHub News
   5. www.dxzone.com — TM47CDXC France — Special Event Dates & Info | DXZone
   confidence 100%
5. 29d ago

   Singapore Physicists Build Most Accurate Atomic Clock

   Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed a lutetium-176 atomic clock that measures time precision to 19 decimal places. This instrument achieves a 41 percent improvement over previous record holders, translating to losing just one second in 260 billion years. Led by Murray Barrett at the Centre for Quantum Technologies, the scientific team constructed two identical clocks and applied correlated spectroscopy across two hundred hours of data collection to confirm the unprecedented accuracy level.

   Why it matters

   Atomic clocks serve as vital standards for global timekeeping and advanced scientific measurements. Pushing precision to the 19th decimal place enables tests of fundamental physics and enhances technological capabilities relying on exact time synchronization. Previous records held lower precision metrics before this lutetium ion breakthrough.

   What is confirmed

   • Researchers at the National University of Singapore built a lutetium-176 atomic clock accurate to 19 decimal places.
   • The new clock achieves a 41 percent improvement over the previous record.
   • The instrument loses just one second in 260 billion years.

   What to watch next

   • Peer-reviewed publication of the full data in academic journals
   • Independent replication of the lutetium-176 clock's 19-digit precision by another metrology laboratory
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. www.byteseu.com — Singapore physicists build the world's most accurate optical ...
   2. livequrious.com — Physicists Build the Most Accurate Atomic Clock Ever
   3. world-today-journal.com — Singapore Scientists Build World’s Most Accurate Lutetium ...
   4. www.nature.com — Physics | Nature
   5. www.radioreference.com — Statewide Michigan, Michigan (MI) Scanner Frequencies and ...
   6. www.radioreference.com — Statewide California, California (CA) Scanner Frequencies and ...
   7. www.nature.com — Optical Spectroscopy - Latest research and news | Nature
   8. bankzop.com — BSR Code Finder – TDS & Income Tax Challan Codes | BankZop
   9. pick3systems.com — Pick 3 Digit Frequency Analyzer - pick3systems.com
   confidence 100%
6. 35d ago

   Physicists Unveil Record-Accurate Lutetium Atomic Clock

   Physicists have developed an optical atomic clock using a single trapped radioactive lutetium-176 ion that achieves a fractional uncertainty of 1 in 10 to the 19th power, marking the lowest uncertainty ever recorded for such a device. Led by Murray Barrett at the Centre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore, the research team built two identical clocks and used correlated spectroscopy over two hundred hours of data collection to verify their accuracy. Live Science reports that this new instrument achieves a 41 percent accuracy gain over the previous record holder.

   Why it matters

   Optical atomic clocks use the frequency of light absorbed or emitted by electrons shifting energy levels as a pendulum, running at frequencies tens of thousands of times higher than cesium microwave clocks. According to general relativity, height differences as small as one centimeter produce gravitational time dilation at the 10 to the 18th level, requiring the research team to measure and correct for height differences of less than one millimeter between the two clocks. This precision arrives while global timekeeping bodies weigh a potential new definition of the second.

   What is confirmed

   • Physicists at the Centre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore built two optical atomic clocks using a single trapped lutetium-176 ion.
   • The research reports a systematic uncertainty of 1x10 to the -19, verified by direct comparison where the two clocks agreed at the 5.7x10 to the -19 level.
   • The study was published in Nature on September 23, 2026, under the title Lu+ optical frequency references with accuracy verified at the 19th digit.
   • The measurement utilized an 848-nanometer laser and correlated spectroscopy over 200 hours of data collection.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The new lutetium atomic clock could literally redefine the second.

   What to watch next

   • Decisions by international timekeeping bodies regarding a potential new definition of the second.
   • Further independent replication of lutetium-based optical clock benchmarks by external laboratories.
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.livescience.com — Physicists unveil the most accurate atomic clock ever — and it could literally redefine the second | Li....
   2. gameboy.kr — IT·AI·컴퓨팅 데일리 — 2026년 10월 3일 (토) | GAMEBOY.KR
   3. morningoverview.com — A Singapore clock is right to 19 decimal places and may ...
   4. igcpublishing.com — Ideas and Innovations Newsletter – 202610.03 – IGC Publishing
   5. www.nature.com — Optical interferometry - Latest research and news | Nature
   6. www.163.com — 世界最准的钟问世：19位小数分毫不差，连5毫米高度差都能测出来|重力|...
   confidence 100%
7. 39d ago

   Lutetium Atomic Clock Sets Precision Record

   Researchers at the Centre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore have developed an atomic clock built from the element lutetium. Published on September 23, 2026 in the journal Nature, the research details how scientists built two atomic clocks using lutetium to verify their unprecedented accuracy. This instrument reaches record comparison precision and measures time to the 19th decimal place. The device operates through Doppler cooling of ions, state preparation, and precise microwave and optical interrogation sequences, outperforming previous atomic clocks built from other chemical elements.

   Why it matters

   Modern daily life relies heavily on standardized units of time determined by atomic behaviors. The Centre for Quantum Technologies team constructed two separate lutetium clocks to cross-examine their outputs and confirm their exactness. This development positions lutetium ions as a strong candidate for future international time standards and the precise measurement of gravitational shifts.

   What is confirmed

   • Researchers at the Centre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore developed an atomic clock built from the element lutetium.
   • The research findings regarding the lutetium atomic clock were published on September 23, 2026, in Nature.

   What to watch next

   • Adoption discussions for international time standards
   • Further measurement applications concerning gravitational shifts
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. nazology.kusuguru.co.jp — 「レアアース」で作った「世界一正確な時計」
   2. www.weltraum-aktuell.de — Weltraum aktuell – Neuer Rekord: Die genaueste Uhr der Welt
   3. www.mid-day.com — Lutetium atomic clock sets new precision record, measures ...
   confidence 100%
8. 41d ago

   Lutetium Atomic Clock Reaches Record Accuracy Verified at 19th Digit

   Researchers at Singapore's Centre for Quantum Technologies have constructed an optical atomic clock using lutetium ions that reaches record comparison precision and accuracy verified at the 19th decimal place. This device operates by subjecting ions to Doppler cooling and preparing them in specific states before interrogation with precise microwave and optical sequences. Experts report that this instrument outperforms previous record holders built from other elements and stands as a promising candidate for future international time standards and the measurement of gravitational shifts.

   Why it matters

   Atomic clocks serve as the foundation for modern global positioning, telecommunications, and fundamental physics research by measuring electromagnetic transitions. Achieving precision at the 19th digit opens new pathways for detecting minute shifts in time caused by gravity, aligning with ongoing efforts to redefine the second. The development positions lutetium systems at the forefront of high-precision metrology.

   What is confirmed

   • Scientists at Singapore's Centre for Quantum Technologies built an atomic clock using the element lutetium that measures time to 19 decimal places.
   • Lutetium clocks have achieved record accuracy and comparison precision, establishing them as candidates for future time standards and gravity measurements.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The new atomic clock is precise enough to redefine the second.

   What to watch next

   • Adoption of lutetium-based frequency references into official international time standards
   • Further peer-reviewed publications detailing the systematic uncertainty evaluations of the lutetium clock
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. scitechdaily.com — Scientists Just Built the World’s Most Accurate Clock - SciTechDaily
   2. www.europesays.com — Lu+ optical frequency references with accuracy verified at ...
   3. liugroupcornell.github.io — CMP Journal 2026-09-23 - Condensed Matter Physics Daily Journal
   4. www.dailymail.com — Scientists create an atomic clock so precise it could ...
   confidence 100%
9. 43d ago

   Singapore scientists build world's most accurate atomic clock

   Researchers at Singapore's Centre for Quantum Technologies have created an optical atomic clock using lutetium ions, achieving accuracy verified at the 19th digit. This clock could operate for 300 billion years before deviating by a single second, making it the most precise timekeeping device ever created. It can detect how gravity influences time, providing a new tool for measuring gravitational shifts.

   Why it matters

   The clock's precision surpasses previous records, potentially leading to a redefinition of the SI second. Optical atomic frequency references have become crucial in advancing timekeeping technology. The device's stability and accuracy have significant implications for scientific research and applications.

   What is confirmed

   • The lutetium ion clock could operate for 300 billion years before deviating by a single second.
   • The clock's accuracy is verified at the 19th digit.
   • Optical atomic frequency references are being considered for a redefinition of the SI second.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The clock's precision may require a redefinition of what a second is.

   What to watch next

   • Decisions on the redefinition of the SI second
   • Further verification of the clock's accuracy and stability
   • Applications of the clock in scientific research and industries
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. quo.eldiario.es — Este reloj es tan preciso que tendremos que redefinir lo que es un segundo
   2. www.nature.com — Lu+ optical frequency references with accuracy verified at the 19th digit | Nature
   3. www.eurekalert.org — Singapore scientists build world’s most accurate atomic clock | EurekAlert!
   4. gameboy.kr — IT·AI·컴퓨팅 데일리 — 2026년 9월 25일 (금) | GAMEBOY.KR
   5. m.163.com — 重大突破！最精确原子钟问世，直接测到爱因斯坦时空弯曲，3000亿年误差不到1....
   confidence 95%
10. 45d ago

    Singapore Scientists Develop World's Most Accurate Lutetium Atomic Clock

    Researchers at the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) in Singapore have built a record-breaking atomic clock using lutetium ions. This optical frequency reference achieves accuracy verified at the 19th digit, making it the most precise timekeeping device ever created. The clock is so stable that it could potentially operate for 300 billion years before deviating by a single second. Its precision allows the device to detect how gravity influences the passage of time, providing a new tool for measuring gravitational shifts.

    Why it matters

    Atomic clocks provide the fundamental timing for global navigation and communication systems. By using lutetium, scientists can achieve higher stability and accuracy than previous atomic references. This level of precision enables the detection of relativistic effects on a microscopic scale.

    What is confirmed

    • Scientists in Singapore used lutetium to build the world's most accurate atomic clock.
    • The clock's accuracy is verified at the 19th digit.
    • The device was developed at the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT).
    • The clock can detect how gravity changes time.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The clock would deviate by only one second every 300 billion years.
    • Scientists intend to move the clock outside the laboratory to measure tiny gravitational shifts across Earth.

    What to watch next

    • Field tests of the clock outside the laboratory environment.
    • Peer review of the 19th-digit accuracy verification data.
    Sources used for this update (10)

    1. Nature — Lu+ optical frequency references with accuracy verified at the 19th digit
    2. Phys.org — Scientists build world's most accurate atomic clock
    3. New Atlas — New atomic clock breaks record for world’s most accurate
    4. Interesting Engineering — World-first: Scientists use lutetium to build world’s most accurate atomic clock
    5. Quantum Zeitgeist — Quantum Lutetium Clock At CQT Sets New World Record For Timekeeping
    6. rediff.com — New Lutetium Atomic Clock Achieves Unprecedented Stability
    7. The Economic Times — This atomic clock is so precise it can detect how gravity changes time. Scientists now want to take it outside the lab and measure tiny shifts across Earth
    8. The Economic Times — This atomic clock is so precise it can detect how gravity changes time. Scientists now want to take it out
    9. www.detik.com — Ilmuwan Singapura Bikin Jam Atom dari Lutetium, Diklaim Paling Akurat di Dunia
    10. www.forschung-und-wissen.de — Neue Atomuhr ginge in 300 Milliarden Jahren um keine Sekunde falsch
    confidence 90%