Chinese scientists at Tsinghua University developed an ultra-precise nuclear optical clock that uses energy-level transitions inside the atomic nucleus of thorium-229 instead of standard electron transitions.
BEIJING: Chinese scientists have developed a new nuclear clock capable of stable operation, marking a significant breakthrough in ultra-precise timekeeping that could improve satellite navigation, space exploration and advanced scientific research.
The achievement, led by researchers at Tsinghua University, introduces a different approach to measuring time by using energy changes within atomic nuclei instead of the electrons used in conventional atomic clocks.
The research was published in the scientific journal Nature on October 7, 2026, and highlighted in a fresh report by the Emirates News Agency on October 12.
How does China’s new nuclear clock work?
Traditional atomic clocks measure time using highly consistent energy transitions involving electrons within atoms.
The new technology instead relies on thorium-229, a radioactive isotope whose nucleus can undergo precisely measurable energy changes when stimulated by specialised laser light.
Researchers developed a continuous-wave vacuum ultraviolet laser operating at approximately 148 nanometres and combined it with a calcium fluoride crystal containing thorium-229.
By synchronising the laser frequency with these nuclear transitions, scientists created a functioning timekeeping system.
Why could nuclear clocks be more accurate?
Atomic clocks already provide extraordinarily accurate time measurements, supporting technologies ranging from satellite navigation to telecommunications.
However, atomic nuclei are less sensitive to certain environmental disturbances than electrons, potentially allowing future nuclear clocks to deliver greater stability and precision.
Scientists also believe solid-state designs could make advanced clocks smaller and more practical.
The experimental devices have not yet surpassed the best existing atomic clocks, but their successful operation represents an important technological milestone.
What could this breakthrough mean for GPS and space exploration?
Precise timing is essential for satellite navigation because even extremely small measurement errors can affect positioning accuracy.
More advanced clocks could eventually improve navigation systems, telecommunications networks and the synchronisation of complex digital infrastructure.
For deep-space missions, improved timing technology could support more reliable navigation and scientific measurements across enormous distances.
Researchers also see potential applications in quantum sensing and experiments exploring fundamental physical laws.
What happens next?
Scientists must improve the performance, reliability and practicality of nuclear timekeeping systems before they can be widely deployed.
The Chinese team has demonstrated that laser-controlled nuclear transitions can provide a working reference for measuring time.
Further advances could help establish a future generation of international time and frequency standards.
Impact to expect
The nuclear clock breakthrough could improve satellite navigation, telecommunications and space research across the UAE, Middle East and Asia. However, further testing is needed before the technology becomes widely available.
