Miniature Atomic Clock - Isis Project No 3162

University of Oxford researchers have developed a new atomic clock based on nanotechnology for use in portable, GPS independent networked devices.

Marketing Opportunity

The NIST-F1 Caesium Clock, serving as the time and frequency standard in America

Caesium atomic clocks achieve an accuracy of about 1 part in 10¹⁴, equivalent to a loss of less than 1/3,000,000 of a second every year. Networked devices such as internet servers, mobile phones and GPS receivers synchronize their local clocks to atomic clocks in GPS satellites to ensure that time-ordered events, such as the steps in a multi-party transaction, are properly sequenced regardless of location. The smallest Caesium clocks are about the size of a small suitcase. Rubidium clocks the size of a cigarette packet may be used in network servers, but are impractical for use in mobile phones or GPS receivers.

A problem arises when a networked device loses contact with a GPS satellite and must rely on its local clock; after a short time, time sensitive functions must be suspended. The more accurate the local clock, the longer the device can continue to operate in the absence of synchronization with a satellite. Better clocks can also enable faster data rates in communications. Oxford’s miniature atomic clock is expected to find application in the growing range of hand-held devices for both commercial and military applications.

The Oxford Invention

Oxford researchers working in the field of nanotechnology have discovered a new time standard based on the energy levels in atoms contained within fullerene cages (“buckyballs”). The fullerene cage isolates the atom and provides an environment for very stable nuclear spin resonance. While these clocks are not intended to provide the same accuracy as Caesium clocks, experiments with ¹⁵N@¹²C₆₀ show significant advantages in size and power consumption, and would provide a significant stability improvement over the current technology used in hand-held devices.

Patent Status

The Oxford invention is the subject of an international patent application. Isis would like to talk to companies interested in developing the commercial opportunity. Please contact the Isis Project Manager.

Request Further Information: Project Number 3162 - Miniature Atomic Clock