Adelaide Uni’s breakthrough portable atomic clock passes sea trial off Australia

Atomic clocks are the most precise timekeeping devices in existence, underpinning technologies such as global positioning system (GPS) navigation, telecommunications networks and radio astronomy. However, the most accurate systems typically operate in highly controlled laboratory environments, limiting their practical use in the field.

The Adelaide team’s breakthrough lies in overcoming that limitation.

Using laser-cooled atoms of the element ytterbium, the researchers built a portable optical atomic clock capable of maintaining extreme precision outside the lab. By cooling atoms with lasers and measuring a specific atomic transition, the system can track time far more accurately than conventional approaches.

Project lead Professor André Luiten said the goal was to bring cutting-edge laboratory performance into real-world environments.

“Atomic clocks are fundamental to many of the systems we rely on daily, from satellite navigation to global communications,” he said.

“Until now, the most precise clocks have largely been confined to specialised labs. This work shows that level of performance can be achieved in a portable system operating beyond the laboratory.”

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The clock was transported from the lab and installed on a naval vessel, where it ran continuously for several days at sea. Despite exposure to motion, vibration and changing temperatures, the device maintained the same level of accuracy recorded under laboratory conditions.

According to the research team, this is the first time a laser-cooled optical atomic clock has been successfully demonstrated in a maritime environment.

“Testing at sea was a critical milestone. A ship introduces constant movement, vibration and environmental variation. Demonstrating stable performance in those conditions shows the technology is robust and ready for broader application,” Luiten said.

Portable atomic clocks are attracting growing global interest due to their wide-ranging potential uses.

In navigation, they could enable highly accurate positioning systems that continue to function even when satellite signals such as those used by GPS are degraded or denied.

In telecommunications, they offer the potential to significantly improve synchronisation across high-capacity data networks. Meanwhile, scientists could deploy them in areas such as radio astronomy, where ultra-precise timing is essential to link observations from telescopes around the world.

The research was supported by the Defence Science and Technology Group and funded through the Australian government’s Next Generation Technology Fund, now managed by the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator.

Luiten said the project highlights the importance of collaboration between universities and government in developing critical technologies.

“Delivering practical quantum technologies like portable atomic clocks requires deep science, engineering and real-world testing working together,” he said.

“This trial shows Australia has the capability to develop world-leading precision timing systems with applications across science, industry and defence.”

The research team is now refining the technology and planning further field trials, with the aim of deploying portable ultra-precise clocks across a range of commercial, scientific and national security applications in the coming years.

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.