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On the way to a “new” second

A newly developed ion crystal clock has demonstrated record accuracy, reaching an uncertainty close to the 18th decimal place. This achievement marks a significant step towards redefining the second in the International System of Units (SI), as optical clocks are now 100 times more accurate than current caesium clocks.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025

Australia weighs in to make the perfect kilogram

Australian scientists and optical engineers are working with the International Bureau of Weights and Measures to create a perfect sphere from a single crystal of exceptionally pure silicon. The goal is to redefine the kilogram, currently defined by a physical object in France, using a fundamental constant of nature.