= How does an atomic clock work?
In: Technology
[deleted]
Atomic clocks take a very pure substance, typically cesium or rubidium, and energize it with microwaves. These microwaves raise electrons in the cesium atom to a higher energy level. When the electrons return to their preferred energy level, they emit a radio frequency photon. The frequency of this photon is extremely precisely known. By measuring the radio signal, you can have an extremely precise signal at this specific frequency, thenyou just count up the oscillations to get the time.
Latest Answers