The typical high-power ion laser of five years ago had a mean time-to-failure of about 2,000 hours. “If you think about a 24–7 operation, that's almost impractical,” says Schulze.

(a) Schematic diagram of the ion implantation and laser direct writing processes; (b) typical LSPR effect of gold nanoparticle; (c) Color ribbons fabricated on the surface of lithium niobate ...

This was accomplished by comparing the new ion crystal clock to other optical clocks and setting a new accuracy record. Atoms in an optical atomic clock are exposed to laser light. The atoms alter ...