Atomic Clocks
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Guide to Radio-Controlled, Atomic Clocks
Atomic clocks used today are based on physics technology that involves
cold atoms and atomic fountains. A real atomic clock contains an
atomic oscillator and uses its frequency to measure the passage of
time. Some so-called atomic clocks are actually radio controlled
clocks that contain miniature radio receivers and use a quartz crystal
to keep time. These clocks rely on an atomic clock located elsewhere
to maintain their timekeeping precision.
Early atomic clocks were actually masers with equipment attached. The first accurate atomic clock was built in London in 1955, by a man named Louis Essen. Following the building of this clock, it was internationally agreed that the definition of the second was based on atomic time.
So, how exactly does an atomic clock work? The atomic clock's core
is comprised of a microwave cavity. Inside this cavity is ionized
gas, a radio oscillator, and a feedback loop. The feedback loop is
used to adjust the oscillator. The oscillator must be adjusted to
the frequency of the absorption characteristic defined by the individual
atoms' behavior.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology, based in Boulder, Colorado, operates an atomic clock and broadcasts the standard time on radio station WWVB, at a frequency of 60 kHz. Radio controlled clocks periodically receive this 60 kHz radio signal to synchronize their time with the NIST atomic clock.
If you wish to access the atomic clock on your personal computer, via the
Internet, Atom Time
offers a desktop Windows application that connects to the Atomic Clock
time server computer and fetches the current time value. It compares
your PC time to this value and displays the difference.
Whether you wish to purchase a radio controlled, atomic clock or are simply looking for more information on atomic clocks, the resources on AtomicClocks.us will have the answers you are looking for. Take some time to peruse the suppliers and information sources listed below.
Shop for Atomic Clocks
- Atomic Clocks Online
Offers a broad selection of radio controlled clocks and watches.
www.Atomic-Clocks.com
Atomic Clock Manufacturers
- Atomic Time
Offers radio-controlled atomic clocks and atomic watches.
www.RadioControlledClock.com - Chaney Instrument
Find time and temperature instruments for your lifestyle.
www.AtomixTime.com - Franklin Clock
Manufacturer of radio controlled atomic clocks and time systems.
www.FranklinClock.com - Junghans USA
German supplier of atomic watches, clocks, and timing products.
www.JunghansUSA.com - La Crosse Technology
Digital thermometers, wireless weather stations, and radio controlled clocks.
www.LaCrosseTechnology.com - Oregon Scientific
Self-setting atomic clocks automatically set themselves with radio signals broadcast by the U.S. Atomic Clock.
www.OregonScientific.com
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This NIST web clock shows the time of day in 12-hr or 24-hr format. |
Atomic Time Resources
- WWVB Radio-Controlled Clocks
Introduction to radio-controlled clocks and atomic clocks. By the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
TF.NIST.gov - History of Atomic Clocks
Read a brief history of atomic clocks at the NIST.
TF.NIST.gov
