The objectives of QuRIOUS
Objective 1: In a 48-month training and research programme, QuRIOUS will provide Europe with 15 well-trained quantum researchers with cross-sectoral experience, capable of both fundamental quantum research and making the step towards applications through applied and industrial research.
Objective 2: We will develop a training programme that will be of lasting impact, since we will improve and share our best practices. Its training elements will be available through all academic beneficiaries and associated partners.
Objective 3: We will provide Europe with bleeding edge quantum technology for robust and transportable optical atomic clocks and for very advanced optical clocks, in particular superradiant clocks, ready for transfer to the emerging European quantum industry.
Objective 4: We will strengthen (and expand) our collaborations with industry, for improved transfer of our results to industry, for fine tuning our research questions and for directing our research approaches towards applicability of our results.
Objective 2: We will develop a training programme that will be of lasting impact, since we will improve and share our best practices. Its training elements will be available through all academic beneficiaries and associated partners.
Objective 3: We will provide Europe with bleeding edge quantum technology for robust and transportable optical atomic clocks and for very advanced optical clocks, in particular superradiant clocks, ready for transfer to the emerging European quantum industry.
Objective 4: We will strengthen (and expand) our collaborations with industry, for improved transfer of our results to industry, for fine tuning our research questions and for directing our research approaches towards applicability of our results.
Optical Clocks: The Future of Precision Timekeeping
Optical atomic clocks represent the pinnacle of timekeeping technology, achieving unparalleled stability and accuracy. These clocks, with an accuracy at the level of 10-18, are so precise that they can be off by only one second over the entire age of the universe. Optical clocks are set to revolutionize timekeeping, offering unprecedented precision and stability for a wide range of scientific and practical applications.
Optical clocks operate by interrogating very narrow optical transitions of atoms, such as Strontium (Sr) and Ytterbium (Yb). These transitions serve as frequency references that tick at incredibly high frequencies in the range of 1014 Hz. Unlike classical clocks that use macroscopic objects like pendulums, optical clocks rely on the quantum mechanical states of atoms, making them highly resistant to environmental changes. In comparison to traditional microwave clocks, optical clocks are 100 times more precise due to their higher operational frequencies and inherent stability.
To create a usable frequency signal, a clock laser is stabilized onto the atomic transition. This involves cooling atoms in a vacuum chamber and using spectroscopy to ensure the laser's frequency is correct. Any frequency drift is detected and corrected, maintaining the clock's precision. A frequency comb then converts the laser's frequency to the desired application frequency.
Traditionally, optical clocks are large instruments filling an entire lab and requiring a team of scientists to operate. However, recent projects like iqClock, MoSaiQC, and AQuRA are working towards integrating these clocks into robust, transportable devices. This advancement is crucial for fully leveraging their potential in practical applications.
The QuRIOUS project aims to achieve high Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) for optical clocks. This includes developing robust, transportable components that can function reliably in various environments. Additionally, the project aims to demonstrate continuous operation of superradiant clocks, enabling them to reach ultimate precision much faster than traditional pulsed optical clocks.
Optical clocks operate by interrogating very narrow optical transitions of atoms, such as Strontium (Sr) and Ytterbium (Yb). These transitions serve as frequency references that tick at incredibly high frequencies in the range of 1014 Hz. Unlike classical clocks that use macroscopic objects like pendulums, optical clocks rely on the quantum mechanical states of atoms, making them highly resistant to environmental changes. In comparison to traditional microwave clocks, optical clocks are 100 times more precise due to their higher operational frequencies and inherent stability.
To create a usable frequency signal, a clock laser is stabilized onto the atomic transition. This involves cooling atoms in a vacuum chamber and using spectroscopy to ensure the laser's frequency is correct. Any frequency drift is detected and corrected, maintaining the clock's precision. A frequency comb then converts the laser's frequency to the desired application frequency.
Traditionally, optical clocks are large instruments filling an entire lab and requiring a team of scientists to operate. However, recent projects like iqClock, MoSaiQC, and AQuRA are working towards integrating these clocks into robust, transportable devices. This advancement is crucial for fully leveraging their potential in practical applications.
The QuRIOUS project aims to achieve high Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) for optical clocks. This includes developing robust, transportable components that can function reliably in various environments. Additionally, the project aims to demonstrate continuous operation of superradiant clocks, enabling them to reach ultimate precision much faster than traditional pulsed optical clocks.
