Timekeeping theory combines quantum clocks and Einstein's relativity

Phys.org ^ | 10/23/2020 | Dartmouth College

[BenLurkin]

A phenomenon of quantum mechanics known as superposition can impact timekeeping in high-precision clocks, according to a theoretical study from Dartmouth College, Saint Anselm College and Santa Clara University.

Research describing the effect shows that superposition—the ability of an atom to exist in more than one state at the same time—leads to a correction in atomic clocks known as "quantum time dilation."

The research, published in the journal Nature Communications, takes into account quantum effects beyond Albert Einstein's theory of relativity to make a new prediction about the nature of time.

In the early 1900s, Albert Einstein presented a revolutionary picture of space and time by showing that the time experienced by a clock depends on how fast it is moving—as the speed of a clock increases, the rate at which it ticks decreases. This was a radical departure from Sir Isaac Newton's absolute notion of time.

Quantum mechanics, the theory of motion governing the atomic realm, allows for a clock to move as if it were simultaneously traveling at two different speeds: a quantum "superposition" of speeds. The research paper takes this possibility into account and provides a probabilistic theory of timekeeping, which led to the prediction of quantum time dilation.

To develop the new theory, the team combined modern techniques from quantum information science with a theory developed in the 1980s that explains how time might emerge out of a quantum theory of gravity.

[null and void]

Perhaps, but...

Time has come today
Young hearts can go their way
Can’t put it off another day
I don’t care what others say
They say we don’t listen anyway

[Leaning Right]

> allows for a clock to move as if it were simultaneously traveling at two different speeds <

Meh. This theory has already been disproven. It fails when time is put in a bottle.

[Sirius Lee]

Why are musical geniuses so weird?

Becausr we, I mean they, have to strike a balance between mathematical exactitude and poetic emotionalism.

Also, my sister has a brilliant observation: God often gives people gifts, but then balances it with certain weaknesses. < p> I don’t know why.

[DannyTN]

Does anybody really know what time it is?

[mmichaels1970]

Does anybody really know what time it is?

Anytime somebody tells you what time it is, they are either wrong when they start to tell you or they're wrong when they're done telling you.

Anytime you look at a clock, by the time your brain tells you what time it says it is wrong.

Perhaps ever knowing the exact time is impossible.

[null and void]

Does anybody really care?

[null and void]

GPS systems ‘know’ what time it is, within the limits of how much silicon can know...

[M Kehoe]

Does anybody really care?

Only if I can find a low mileage Delorian.

5.56mm

[coaster123]

Emerge.

[DannyTN]

If so, I can’t imagine why (Oh no, no)
We’ve all got time enough to cry

[DannyTN]

If I could save time in a bottle...

[Hootowl99]

It’s all relative..:

[MortMan]

Does that mean I can strike out with 2 women at the same time in different parts of the same bar?

Is this a hypothetical, or are you trying to rationalize a particularly bad night that ended with simultaneous beer and vodka showers? LOL

[dp0622]

It’s all a blur!!!

It could have been whiskey!!

And yeah I was hoping the quantum thing meant there could have been 2 of me.

I wanted to think one of me couldn’t do that twice in one night :)

[dearolddad]

So if a clock can move as if it was simultaneously travelling at two different speeds...

Does that mean I can strike out with 2 women at the same time in different parts of the same bar?

And if I make rude come ons, can I simultaneously have vodka AND beer thrown in my face in two different places at 2 different times by 2 different women in the same bar?

I had that same thing happen to me just last night.