An atomic clock is a time measuring device said to be the most accurate clock in the world today. It measures the vibrations of the atoms, which shoot out electromagnetic rays at a standard frequency, at regular intervals in nanoseconds (a billionth of a second). It uses a stable and continuous time scale—the International Atomic Time (TAI). While a standard crystal quartz clock is a dependable time measuring device, it can still be affected by environmental elements that can influence its accuracy unlike an atomic clock.
An atomic clock is mostly used for generating standard frequencies. It is used in medium-wave and long-wave broadcasting stations to achieve precise carrier frequency, and for radioastronomy in long-baseline interferometry.
Accuracy: If you want the best, choose a cesium atomic clock. It is said to be the most accurate atomic clock available today. Transitions: Look for an atomic clock based on optical transitions and not on microwave transitions. Optical transitions have higher frequencies and highly stabilized laser systems that allows for greater frequency stability.
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