High School How trapped ions can be used to make Atomic clocks?

[Muthumanimaran]

Can someone explain me conceptually how one can use trapped ions to make atomic clocks? My basic understanding of trapped ions is, we can think of an ionized atom which is controlled by electric and magnetic fields. But i am wondering how can one build an atomic clock using trapped ions.

 

[Vanadium 50]

I presume you already did some research on this, such as looking at the Wikipedia article. What didn't you understand?

 

[Henryk]

Trapping atoms reduces their velocity, and that in turns reduces thermal broadening of their absorption/emission lines. You end up with more accurate clock.