The Mysteries of Atomic Clocks

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    Atomic Clocks
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the functioning of atomic clocks, specifically focusing on the mechanisms of excitation of cesium atoms by microwaves and the tuning of frequencies involved in this process. Participants explore concepts related to energy levels, oscillation, and the challenges of precise measurements in atomic clock technology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the process of using microwaves to excite cesium atoms and questions whether the frequency of the microwave laser is tuned based on the energy required for electron transitions.
  • Another participant acknowledges the concern about tuning frequencies and suggests that if the desired reaction is achieved, the tuning is likely effective.
  • There is a discussion about the difficulty of achieving precise tuning, with one participant asserting that there is no absolute precision in measurements, only an illusion if instruments are not sufficiently accurate.
  • A participant expresses confusion regarding the specific oscillation used to keep time in atomic clocks.
  • Another participant introduces the concepts of feedback and phase-locked loops, suggesting that the questions posed involve advanced topics that build on foundational knowledge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing levels of understanding regarding the tuning of frequencies and the precision of measurements in atomic clocks. There is no consensus on the clarity of the oscillation mechanism used for timekeeping.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the complexity of the topics discussed, indicating that advanced concepts may depend on a solid understanding of basic principles. There are unresolved questions about the specifics of oscillation and measurement precision.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in atomic physics, timekeeping technology, and the principles of measurement in advanced scientific contexts may find this discussion relevant.

cragar
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So I am reading about how an atomic clock works , So they shoot microwaves at cesium atoms
and the right microwaves will cause an electron to jump up to the next energy level , are they using this to tune the microwave laser so they know what the frequency of the laser is .
and when they shoot a photon at the atom , let's say it took x amount of joules to excite the electron to the next energy level wouldn't x+.001 excite the electron to the next orbital , are they using the maser to keep time ?
 
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There are some run-on sentences and misused words in there so it is pretty tough to read, but...
...lets say it took x amount of joules to excite the electron to the next energy level wouldn't x+.001 excite the electron to the next orbital...
Sure. I guess you're suggesting that would create a difficulty in tuning the frequency? I don't see why it would: if you're getting the reaction you are looking for, you know you are high and if you aren't, you know you are low.
 
so they tune it just barely to where it is exciting the atoms , it seems like it would be tough to know that you are dead on
 
cragar said:
so they tune it just barely to where it is exciting the atoms , it seems like it would be tough to know that you are dead on
There is no such thing as "dead on" with any measurement, only the illusion of it if your measuring instruments aren't sensitive/accurate/precise enough to measure the deviation.
 
ok , but i am still not clear on what oscillation is used to keep time in the atomic clock .
 
Do you know what feedback is? Or how a phase-locked loop works?

I see that a lot of your questions involve very advanced topics - there's a reason that the standard physics curriculum teaches blocks on inclined planes before gluons, black holes and atomic clocks: advanced topics build on the basics.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
I see that a lot of your questions involve very advanced topics - there's a reason that the standard physics curriculum teaches blocks on inclined planes before gluons, black holes and atomic clocks: advanced topics build on the basics.
Maybe i should wait until i get further into my degree
 

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