Science & Technology
Scientists to build clock that lasts forever
By
T.K. RandallSeptember 25, 2012 ·
10 comments
Image Credit: sxc.hu
Theoretical scientists have come up with a way to build a four-dimensional space-time crystal clock.
The idea behind such a device is that it will literally last indefinitely, outlasting even the heat death of the universe. Scientists have long speculated over the concept of a space-time clock based on a four-dimensional crystal that has periodic structure in both time as well as in space, but the idea of creating one has been refined for the most part to the realm of science fiction. Now however an international science team believes they may have come up with a way to actually build one based on an electric-field ion trap.
"The electric field of the ion trap holds charged particles in place and Coulomb repulsion causes them to spontaneously form a spatial ring crystal," said scientist Xiang Zhang.
Imagine a clock that will keep perfect time forever, even after the heat-death of the universe. This is the "wow" factor behind a device known as a "space-time crystal. "
Source:
Science Daily |
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