Atomic Clocks | UPSC

Atomic clocks typically work by measuring the vibrational frequency of atoms, such as strontium or cesium, as the atoms jump between different energy levels.

Not even the most precise atomic clocks are immune to the quantum phenomenon known as superposition.

Superposition describes the ability of an atom to simultaneously exist in multiple states. In a new study, published Friday in the journal Nature, scientists theorize that superposition leads to a correction in atomic clocks called "quantum time dilation."

Atomic clocks are primarily used for precise timekeeping, such as in global positioning systems (GPS)and telecommunications.

With the successful launch and deployment of its NVS-1 NavIC satellite, India's ISRO joined an elite club of space agencies which use a very complex and technical device, a Rubidium atomic clock in their GPS satellites.

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