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Summary

Scientists and engineers are developing new optical atomic clocks to measure time more precisely than ever before and use them as ultra-sensitive quantum sensors to search for dark matter. A joint project between the U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Defense is working to miniaturize the equipment to the size of a shoebox to make it easier to launch them into space. MIT LL researchers are developing tiny ion traps and photonics for the clock, while Fermilab researchers are designing compact electronics to control the device. Beyond searching for dark matter, the clock could be used in space defense, predicting tsunamis and earthquakes, and in future quantum computers.

Q&As

What is dark matter?
Dark matter is a mysterious, invisible substance that makes up more than 80% of matter in our universe.

What is an optical atomic clock and how is it used to search for dark matter?
An optical atomic clock is a device that measures time by using an ultra-stable laser to monitor the resonant frequency of atoms. It can act as an extremely sensitive quantum sensor that could be deployed into space to search for dark matter.

What is the challenge of deploying optical atomic clocks to space?
The challenge of deploying optical atomic clocks to space is that the equipment required to operate such ultra-precise clocks — including lasers, electronics and coolers — can fill a large table or even a room, making launching them into space very expensive if not impossible.

How are Fermilab and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory (MIT LL) collaborating to miniaturize elements for the ultra-precise clocks?
Fermilab researchers are designing and developing the compact electronics needed to control the voltages within the device, while MIT LL researchers are developing the tiny ion traps and corresponding photonics needed to build the clock.

What are potential applications of optical atomic clocks beyond dark matter research?
Potential applications of optical atomic clocks beyond dark matter research include space defense, predicting tsunamis or earthquakes, and forming the basis for future quantum computers.

AI Comments

👍 This article is an excellent example of how emerging technologies can be used to search for dark matter and beyond. The collaboration between the Fermilab and MIT LL is inspiring and will have far-reaching implications for quantum computing and other applications.

👎 This article is overly technical and fails to provide any real insight into the practical applications of this project. The reader is left with more questions than answers regarding the implications of the new atomic clock.

AI Discussion

Me: It discusses how new atomic clocks could help in the search for dark matter. The challenge is that the equipment required to operate these clocks can fill a large table or even a room, which would make launching them into space very expensive, if not impossible. Scientists have been working on a joint project to miniaturize the elements to the size of a shoebox.

Friend: Interesting. It would be great if they are able to succeed in miniaturizing the elements. Do you think this research could lead to more discoveries?

Me: Absolutely! These atomic clocks could be used beyond high-energy physics research, including in space defense or even as extremely sensitive sensors that could predict tsunamis or earthquakes. They could also form the basis for future quantum computers. So it seems that there is a lot of potential for further research in this field.

Action items

Research more about atomic clocks and their potential applications.
Explore other emerging technologies that could be used to detect dark matter.
Connect with experts in the field to learn more about the potential applications of quantum sensors.

Technical terms

Atomic Clock: A clock that measures time by using an ultra-stable laser to monitor the resonant frequency of atoms.
Dark Matter: A mysterious, invisible substance that makes up more than 80% of matter in our universe.
Quantum Sensor: A device that is extremely sensitive and can be deployed into space to search for dark matter.
Emerging Technologies: Technologies that are being developed and are not yet widely available.