An active standard uses as a reference the electromagnetic radiation emitted by atoms as they decay from a higher energy state to a lower energy state. See also: Atomic structure and spectra Earth rotation and orbital motion Electromagnetic radiation Energy level (quantum mechanics) Pendulum Photon Planck's constant Quantum mechanicsĪn atomic frequency standard can be either active or passive. In order for the two clocks to agree on the time, they must be synchronized at some earlier time. Thus, atomic clocks constructed and operated independently will measure the same time interval, that is, the length of time between two events. A basic advantage of atomic clocks is that the frequency-determining elements, atoms of a particular isotope, are the same everywhere. See also: Atom Digital counter Frequency counter Molecule A frequency standard can be made into a clock by the addition of an electronic counter, which records the number of pulses. A frequency standard generates pulses at regular intervals. The terms "atomic clock" and "atomic frequency standard" are often used interchangeably. 1) are relied on internationally as the most accurate time and frequency standards with myriad uses in commerce, industry, and science. An atomic clock is a device that uses an internal resonance frequency of atoms or molecules to measure the passage of time.Īs the most accurate time and frequency standards in use, atomic clocks have myriad applications in commerce, industry, and science.Īn atomic clock employing an active standard uses as a reference the electromagnetic radiation emitted by atoms as they decay from a higher energy state to a lower energy state.Īn atomic clock employing a passive standard attempts to match the frequency of an electronic oscillator or laser to the resonant frequency of the atoms by means of a feedback circuit.Ī device that uses an internal resonance frequency of atoms (or molecules) to measure the passage of time.
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