Quantum mechanics explains why the electrons can keep spinning indefinitely. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. An atom is best ...

From satellite navigation to GPS, the world runs on ultraprecise timekeeping, usually based on atomic clocks. These devices use energy sources, such as lasers tuned to specific frequencies, to excite ...

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. An illustration of X-rays scattering off the valence electrons surrounding ammonia molecules ...

Meet the “nuclear” clock: a device that marks the passage of time via minute signals from the nucleus of an atom. A team of researchers led by scientists at JILA, a joint institute of the National ...

Super-sized rubidium atoms have been used as a receiver to stream live colour video and video games. This atomic system could be employed to make small and versatile communications devices that don’t ...