atomic physics

Philip Ball's new book, The Man Who Broke Reality: Niels Bohr and the Making of Modern Physics, is drawing attention for crediting Bohr as the physicist who first explained the nuclear atom. The book argues that Bohr's model of the atom's dense nucleus laid the foundations of modern physics, spotlighting his role over better-known contemporaries.

Scientists in Vienna and Beijing have built the first nuclear clocks based on thorium-229, according to a New York Times report. Unlike existing atomic clocks, which use electron transitions, nuclear clocks rely on energy transitions inside the atomic nucleus, promising far greater stability and precision. Researchers say the development could improve tests of fundamental physics, navigation and the definition of time itself.

Physicists have reported the first working nuclear clocks, a new class of timekeeper that uses an energy transition inside an atomic nucleus rather than the electron transitions used in today's atomic clocks. The advance, highlighted by the American Physical Society, could eventually outperform existing clocks in accuracy and stability. Researchers say a competitive race is now underway to refine the technology, with potential applications in fundamental physics tests, navigation and precision measurement.

Physicists report progress towards nuclear clocks, a new type of timekeeper based on energy transitions in atomic nuclei rather than electron shells. Nuclear clocks could be more stable and precise than today's best atomic clocks, probing fundamental physics and potentially redefining timekeeping. The development is being discussed as a milestone in precision measurement.

Scientists have announced the arrival of nuclear clocks, a new class of timekeeping device based on energy transitions in atomic nuclei rather than electron shells. Reporting suggests these clocks could be far more stable than existing atomic clocks and may serve as instruments to test fundamental laws of physics, potentially probing whether constants of nature change over time.

Researchers in Vienna and Beijing have created the world's first nuclear clocks, a breakthrough in precision timekeeping. Unlike existing atomic clocks, nuclear clocks use energy transitions in an atomic nucleus, promising greater stability and potential tests of fundamental physics. The twin achievements mark a milestone long pursued by physicists and could eventually improve navigation and sensing technologies.