Quantum clock

Ting Rei Tan talks quantum clocks — and why atomic ones are so much more precise than the pendulums in a grandfather clock (or even the crystal in a quartz watch).

Ting Rei is an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney working at the intersection of atomic physics and quantum computing. He explains how atomic clocks work, why GPS depends on them being extraordinarily precise, and how the whole global timekeeping system quietly outsources itself to a network of atomic clocks most of us never think about. Along the way: the case for lutetium over cesium, and what it would mean to measure quantum gravity itself.

Ever wondered why your GPS watch sometimes loses you mid-run? Subscribe and share with your friends!