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QTY 1 RUBIDIUM FREQUENCY STANDARD FE5650A Free Ship $99.40 Time Remaining: 24d 1h 47m Buy It Now for only: $99.40

Rubidium Frequency

How Does an Atomic Clock Help in Global Positioning System?

For over many centuries, sailors and explorers strove to find a system that would accurately tell them their position and also to avoid dangers and accidents while on voyages. In the year 1993, with the invention of GPS, a 24-satellite network, the most viable solution to this problem was reached. Today, GPS systems are affordable at just few hundred dollars and have proved to be of great help to mankind. The GPS technology in turn, derives its efficacy, power, and accuracy from the atomic clock. This clock is precise to one billionth of a second. The atomic clock was conceived on the assumption that the magnetic resonance of atomic beams can be used to calculate time. The precision that was achieved by calculating time thus went on to enhance the functionalities of the Global Positioning System. The makers of the atomic clock probably did not fathom that their creation would have such far-reaching effects.

Atomic clock uses an "atomic resonance frequency standard" for accurate time keeping. You must however, remember that the principles on which this clock works is not based on nuclear science, as the name suggests, but on precise microwave signals. The early atomic clock was powered by MASERs – Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation; the modern-day version is driven by absorption spectroscopy of cold atoms placed in atomic fountains.

Because of their accuracy, these clocks (made of ceasium or rubidium) are used onboard a space shuttle with GPS satellites. Time is calculated to within about 50 nanoseconds and then mathematically transformed into three absolute coordinates of space and one coordinate of time. These precision GPSs are also used in computer networks, scientific laboratories, and in many forms of communication systems. They are used by airliners to navigate while ships use this system to find their way safely across oceans. They are also used by emergency medical vehicles to find their way through the maze of streets in a big city. Today this system is used to detect abnormal rumblings inside the bowel of the earth and issue earthquake alerts.

An atomic clock can be bought from online stores at attractive rates. But you must be very careful when buying such a clock; do not fall for discounted prices only. A genuine atomic clock should be accurate to a nano-fraction of a second. So when buying, check that the clock is giving such precise times.

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Help with my lab? (Atomic Spectra)?

One of my problems says:

Your calculation is correct. The wavelength is 780.71 nm.

It is a somewhat unfair question, since the upper limit of the visible spectrum is different depending on the source. Some sources cite values as low as 700 nm, while others cite 780 nm (ICNIRP).

Being over 780 nm, I would certainly say it's invisible, it is the beginning of the NIR (Near InfraRed) part of the spectrum. Besides, for any practical needs and purposes, this is invisible.

LPRO 101