Quantum

Technology Used by Optical Atomic Clocks May Jump From Lab to Consumer

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 09/10/2026, 10:34:30 UTC.

Briefings

University of Auckland and U.S. researchers developed a chip-based optical frequency comb using two lasers an octave apart, enabling portable atomic clocks and navigation systems. The breakthrough, reported in Nature, overcomes previous control challenges by filling light frequencies between two laser boundaries. This work, led by Professor Miro Erkintalo, represents a culmination of international collaboration since 2021, with a 2024 proof-of-concept and subsequent miniaturization enabling commercial deployment.

Key points

• The new chip-based optical frequency comb uses two lasers an octave apart to generate evenly spaced light frequencies, solving control and stabilization issues in existing systems.
• Professor Miro Erkintalo led the research at the University of Auckland, collaborating with Gregory Moille and Kartik Srinivasan from the University of Maryland to achieve the demonstration.

Context and limitations

The evidence covers the 2024 laboratory demonstration and subsequent miniaturization efforts. It does not provide data on current commercial deployment status, specific performance metrics for consumer-grade units, or long-term reliability data.

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