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Physics

Two atomic clocks have been quantum entangled for the first time

Researchers have quantum entangled atomic clocks, allowing them to be synchronised more accurately. Such entangled clocks could be used to study dark matter and gravity more precisely

By Karmela Padavic-Callaghan

7 September 2022

Atomic clock

Atomic clocks use lasers and atoms to record time extremely accurately

Andrew Brookes/National Physical Laboratory/Science Photo Library

Two atomic clocks have been connected using quantum entanglement – a property that intrinsically links them so that changes in one instantaneously affect the other. The connection makes it easier to synchronise the clocks, which could be used to make more accurate measurements of dark matter and gravity.

Atomic clocks consist of atoms that are very precisely controlled by lasers. Each “tick” corresponds to a frequent and measurable change in energy that occurs in the atoms’ electrons. The result is …

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