Atomic clock styled by microcomb
Researchers from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have demonstrated a new design for an atomic clock based on a chip-scale frequency comb.

The so-called microcomb clock is claimed to be the first demonstration of all-optical control of the microcomb, and its accurate conversion of optical frequencies to lower microwave frequencies.
According to NIST, the new clock architecture might eventually be used to make portable tools for calibrating frequencies of advanced telecommunications systems or provide microwave signals to boost stability and resolution in radar, navigation and scientific instruments. The technology also has potential to combine good timekeeping precision with very small size. Furthermore, the comb clock might be a component of future ‘NIST on a chip’ technologies offering multiple measurement methods and standards in a portable form.
‘The microcomb clock is one way we might get precision frequency metrology tools out of the lab and into real-world settings,’ NIST physicist Scott Diddams said in a statement.
Frequency combs produce precisely defined colours, or frequencies, of light that are evenly spaced throughout the comb’s range. The original combs required relatively large lasers that produced rapid, extremely short pulses of light, but more recently NIST and other laboratories have developed much smaller microcombs.
Register now to continue reading
Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.
Benefits of registering
-
In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends
-
Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year
-
Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox
Water Sector Talent Exodus Could Cripple The Sector
My local water company is Severn Trent which has a market capitalisation of £8.2 billion, made a pre-tax profit of £200 million in 2024 and is paying...