Einstein’s Concept of Clock Synchronization Conflicts with the Second Relativity Postulate

Einstein defined clock synchronization whenever photon pulses with timetags traverse a fixed distance between two clocks with equal time spans ineither direction. Using the second relativity postulate, he found clocksmounted on a rod uniformly moving parallel with the rod’s length cannot besynchronized, but clocks attached to a stationary rod can. He dismissed thisdiscrepancy by claiming simultaneity and clock synchronization were not commonbetween inertial frames, but this paper proves with both Galilean and Lorentztransformations that simultaneity and clock synchronization are preservedbetween inertial frames. His derivation means moving clocks can never besynchronized in a “resting” inertial frame. Ultraprecise atomic clocks intimekeeping labs daily contradict his results. No algebraic error occurred inEinstein’s derivations. The two cases of clocksattached to a rod reveal three major conflicts with the currentsecond postulate. The net velocity between a photon source and detector plusthe “universal” velocity c is mathematically equivalent toEinstein’s clock synchronization method. As the ultraprecise timekeepingcommunity daily synchronizes atomic clocks on the moving Earth withultraprecise time uncertainty well below Einstein’s lowest limit ofsynchronization, the theoretical resolution of the apparent conflict isaccomplished by expanding the second relativity postulate to incorporate thenet velocity between the photon source and detector with the emitted velocity c as components of the total velocity c. This means the magnitudeof the total photon velocity can exceed the speed limit (299792458 m/s) set by the standard velocity c. .

Clock synchronization design and evaluation for trigger-less data acquisition system

For modern particle physics experiments,trigger-less data acquisition(DAQ) system has been put into practice because of the need of reaction multiplicity and trigger flexibility.In such new DAQ systems,global synchronized clock plays an important role because it affects the granularity of time slice and precision of reference clock.In this paper,a novel synchronized clock distribution method is proposed.With the help of modulation technique,master clock module distributes system clock to each slave module.To synchronize slave clocks,the propagation delay is adjusted and the clock phase is aligned by an FPGA chip automatically.Furthermore,an ADCbased method is proposed to evaluate the performance of multi-module clock synchronization simultaneously.The experiments of a prototype system show that slave clocks can be synchronized less than 100 ps over 150 m range.The proposed method is simple and flexible,and it can be used in trigger-less DAQ system and other applications of clock distribution preciously.

Hypothalamic circuits and aging:keeping the circadian clock updated

Over the past century,age-related diseases,such as cancer,type-2 diabetes,obesity,and mental illness,have shown a significant increase,negatively impacting overall quality of life.Studies on aged animal models have unveiled a progressive discoordination at multiple regulatory levels,including transcriptional,translational,and post-translational processes,resulting from cellular stress and circadian derangements.The circadian clock emerges as a key regulator,sustaining physiological homeostasis and promoting healthy aging through timely molecular coordination of pivotal cellular processes,such as stem-cell function,cellular stress responses,and inter-tissue communication,which become disrupted during aging.Given the crucial role of hypothalamic circuits in regulating organismal physiology,metabolic control,sleep homeostasis,and circadian rhythms,and their dependence on these processes,strategies aimed at enhancing hypothalamic and circadian function,including pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches,offer systemic benefits for healthy aging.Intranasal brain-directed drug administration represents a promising avenue for effectively targeting specific brain regions,like the hypothalamus,while reducing side effects associated with systemic drug delivery,thereby presenting new therapeutic possibilities for diverse age-related conditions.

Heuristics Scheduling Algorithm on the Links Scheduling of Satellite-Ground Clock Synchronization and Ephemeris Uploading in COMPASS System

The execution process of satellite-ground clock synchronization and ephemeris uploading in the system is analyzed,as well as their characterized operation and their relationship.Based on the analysis of the scheduling goal and constraint character,a heuristics rule-based multi-stage link scheduling algorithm was put forward.The algorithm distinguishes the on-off-frontier satellites from the others and schedules them by turns.The paper presented the main flow as well as the detailed design of the rule.Finally based on the current COMPASS global system,some typical resources and constraints are selected to generate an instance.Then the comparison analysis between the heuristics scheduling algorithm and three other traditional scheduling strategies are carried out.The result shows the validity and reasonability of the multi-stage strategy.

Proposal for a realtime Einstein-synchronization-defined satellite virtual clock

Realization of high performance satellite onboard clock is vital for various positioning, navigation, and timing applications. For further improvement of the synchronization-based satellite time and frequency references, we propose a geosynchronous(GEO) satellite virtual clock concept based on ground–satellite synchronization and present a beacon transponder structure for its implementation(scheduled for launch in 2025), which does not require atomic clocks to be mounted on the satellite. Its high performance relies only on minor modifications to the existing transponder structure of GEO satellites. We carefully model the carrier phase link and analyze the factors causing link asymmetry within the special relativity. Considering that performance of such synchronization-based satellite clocks is primarily limited by the link's random phase noise, which cannot be adequately modeled, we design a closed-loop experiment based on commercial GEO satellites for pre-evaluation. This experiment aims at extracting the zero-means random part of the ground-satellite Ku-band carrier phase via a feedback loop. Ultimately, we obtain a 1σ value of 0.633 ps(two-way link), following the Gaussian distribution. From this result, we conclude that the proposed real-time Einstein-synchronization-defined satellite virtual clock can achieve picosecond-level replication of onboard time and frequency.

Scalable Clock Synchronization Analysis:A Symmetric Noncooperative Output Feedback Tubes-MPC Approach

In the cyber-physical environment,the clock synchronization algorithm is required to have better expansion for network scale.In this paper,a new measurement model of observability under the equivalent transformation of minimum mean square error(MMSE)is constructed based on basic measurement unit(BMU),which can realize the scaled expansion of MMSE measurement.Based on the state updating equation of absolute clock and the decoupled measurement model of MMSElike equivalence,which is proposed to calculate the positive definite invariant set by using the theoretical-practical Luenberger observer as the synthetical observer,the local noncooperative optimal control problem is built,and the clock synchronization system driven by the ideal state of local clock can reach the exponential convergence for synchronization performance.Different from the problem of general linear system regulators,the state estimation error and state control error are analyzed in the established affine system based on the set-theoryin-control to achieve the quantification of state deviation caused by noise interference.Based on the BMU for isomorphic state map,the synchronization performance of clock states between multiple sets of representative nodes is evaluated,and the scale of evaluated system can be still expanded.After the synchronization is completed,the state of perturbation system remains in the maximum range of measurement accuracy,and the state of nominal system can be stabilized at the ideal state for local clock and realizes the exponential convergence of the clock synchronization system.

Maximum Likelihood Estimation of Clock Synchronization Error in OFDM System

The performance degradation of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems due to clock synchronization error is analyzed and a pilot-aided maximum likelihood (ML) estimating method is proposed to correct it. The proposed algorithm enables clock synchronization error estimation from a pilot whose duration is only two symbol periods. The study shows that this method is simple and exact. The clock synchronization error can be corrected almost entirely.

A clock synchronization method based on IEEE 1588 and its implementation on Ethernet

We presented a clock synchronization method that contained a clock adjusting algorithm and a frequency compensated clock to achieve precise synchronization among distributed clocks based on IEEE 1588 protocol.Further,we presented its application on Ethernet and implementation of the frequency compensated clock in a field programmable gate array(FPGA) as experiments.The results indicate that this method can support sub-microsecond synchronization with inexpensive standard crystal oscillators.

A scheme for implementing quantum clock synchronization algorithm in cavity QED

In this paper, we propose a scheme for implementing the quantum clock synchronization （QCS） algorithm in cavity quantum electrodynamic （QED） formalism. Our method is based on three-level lader-type atoms interacting with classical and quantized cavity fields. Atom-qubit realizations of three-qubit and four-qubit QCS algorithms are explicitly presented.

Iterative quantum algorithm for distributed clock synchronization

Clock synchronization is a well-studied problem with many practical and scientific applications.We propose an arbitrary accuracy iterative quantum algorithm for distributed clock synchronization using only three qubits.The n bits of the time difference between two spatially separated clocks can be deterministically extracted by communicating only O（n） messages and executing the quantum iteration process n times based on the classical feedback and measurement operations.Finally,we also give the algorithm using only two qubits and discuss the success probability of the algorithm.

A frequency servo SoC with output power stabilization loop technology for miniaturized atomic clocks

A frequency servo system-on-chip(FS-SoC)featuring output power stabilization technology is introduced in this study for high-precision and miniaturized cesium(Cs)atomic clocks.The proposed power stabilization loop(PSL)technique,incorporating an off-chip power detector(PD),ensures that the output power of the FS-SoC remains stable,mitigating the impact of power fluctuations on the atomic clock's stability.Additionally,a one-pulse-per-second(1PPS)is employed to syn-chronize the clock with GPS.Fabricated using 65 nm CMOS technology,the measured phase noise of the FS-SoC stands at-69.5 dBc/Hz@100 Hz offset and-83.9 dBc/Hz@1 kHz offset,accompanied by a power dissipation of 19.7 mW.The Cs atomic clock employing the proposed FS-SoC and PSL obtains an Allan deviation of 1.7×10^(-11) with 1-s averaging time.

MEMS Huygens Clock Based on Synchronized Micromechanical Resonators

With the continuous miniaturization of electronic devices,microelectromechanical system(MEMS)oscillators that can be combined with integrated circuits have attracted increasing attention.This study reports a MEMS Huygens clock based on the synchronization principle,comprising two synchronized MEMS oscillators and a frequency compensation system.The MEMS Huygens clock improved shorttime stability,improving the Allan deviation by a factor of 3.73 from 19.3 to 5.17 ppb at 1 s.A frequency compensation system based on the MEMS oscillator’s temperature-frequency characteristics was developed to compensate for the frequency shift of the MEMS Huygens clock by controlling the resonator current.This effectively improved the long-term stability of the oscillator,with the Allan deviation improving by 1.6343105 times to 30.9 ppt at 6000 s.The power consumption for compensating both oscillators simultaneously is only 2.85 mW·℃^(-1).Our comprehensive solution scheme provides a novel and precise engineering solution for achieving high-precision MEMS oscillators and extends synchronization applications in MEMS.

Physics package based on intracavity laser cooling ^(87)Rb atoms for space cold atom microwave clock

This article proposes a new physics package to enhance the frequency stability of the space cold atom clock with the advantages of a microgravity environment. Clock working processes, including atom cooling, atomic state preparation,microwave interrogation, and transition probability detection, are integrated into the cylindrical microwave cavity to achieve a high-performance and compact physics package for the space cold atom clock. We present the detailed design and ground-test results of the cold atom clock physics package in this article, which demonstrates a frequency stability of 1.2×10^(-12) τ^(-1/2) with a Ramsey linewidth of 12.5 Hz, and a better performance is predicted with a 1 Hz or a narrower Ramsey linewidth in microgravity environment. The miniaturized cold atom clock based on intracavity cooling has great potential for achieving space high-precision time-frequency reference in the future.

使用FIFO完成数据传输与同步(中)

将数据从一个时钟域同步至另一个时钟域,常用的两个方法为:1、使用握手(handshake)信号;2、使用FIFO。使用握手方法的缺点是传递及辩识用于数据传输的所有握手信号所需的潜伏时间(latency)会增加延迟并降低传输效率。因此时钟域之间传递数据最常用的方法是使用FIFO。异步FIFO的运作(operation)方法是:数据从一个时钟域写入FIFO,该数据从另一个时钟域自FIFO读出。本文讨论两种异步FIFO的设计技巧:1、比较同步指针;2、比较异步指针。

A novel small-animal locomotor activity recording device for biological clock research

The rodent running-wheel recording apparatus is a reliable approach for studying cir-cadian rhythm.This study demonstrated how to construct a simple and intelligent running-wheel recording system.The running wheel was attached to the cage's base,whereas the Hall sensor was attached to the cage's cover.Then,the RJ25 adaptor relayed the running signal to the main control board.Finally,the main control board was connected to the USB port of the computer with the USB connection.Data were collected using the online-accessible,self-created software Magturning.Through Magturning,generated data were saved and exported in real time.Afterward,the device was validated by collecting data on the locomotor activities of mice under dif-ferent light conditions.In conclusion,this new device can record circadian activity of rodents.Our device is appropriate for interdisciplinary investigations related to biological clock research.

智能型无功补偿控制器的研制

以高速低功耗16位单片机为控制核心,配合16位同时采样ADC芯片,实现谐波条件下的对三相电压、电流真有效值、有功功率、无功功率、视在功率、功率因数、频率、温度的实时精确测量,实现对电容器按特定逻辑投切,可满足电网无功补偿的快速性要求。介绍该装置控制原理和控制电路构成,并通过高精度功率信号源模拟,给出了主要项目测试数据。

Piperine regulates the circadian rhythms of hepatic clock gene expressions and gut microbiota in high-fat diet-induced obese rats

The interplay between the host circadian clock and microbiota has significant influences on host metabolism processes,and circadian desynchrony triggered by high-fat diet(HFD)is closely related to metabolic disorders.In this study,the modulatory effects of piperine(PIP)on lipid metabolism homeostasis,gut microbiota community and circadian rhythm of hepatic clock gene expressions in obese rats were investigated.The Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were fed with normal diet(ND),HFD and HFD supplemented with PIP,respectively.After 9 weeks,rats were sacrificed with tissue and fecal samples collected for circadian analysis.Results showed that chronic PIP administration ameliorated the obesity-induced alterations in lipid metabolism and dysregulation of hepatic clock gene expressions in obese rats.The gut microbial communities studied through 16S rRNA sequencing showed that PIP ameliorated the imbalanced nicrobiota and recovered the circadian rhythm of Lactobacillaceae,Desulfovibrionaceae,Paraprevotellaceae,and Lachnospiraceae.The fecal metabolic profiles indicated that 3-dehydroshikimate,cytidine and lithocholyltaurine were altered,which were involved in the amino acid and fatty acid metabolism process.These findings could provide theoretical basis for PIP to work as functional food to alleviate the lipid metabolism disorder,circadian rhythm misalignment,and gut microbiota dysbiosis with wide applications in the food and pharmaceutic industries.

Flowering-time regulation by the circadian clock:From Arabidopsis to crops

Precise timing of flowering in plants is critical for their growth and reproductive processes.One factor controlling flowering time is the cycle of light and darkness within a day,known as the photoperiod.Plants are classified into long-day,short-day,and day-neutral plants based on light requirements for floral initiation.Although the molecular mechanisms that govern this differentiation remain incompletely understood,studies have consistently shown that the circadian clock plays a central role in regulating photoperiod response across diverse plant species.However,there is a scarcity of reviews describing the regulatory network linking the circadian clock with photoperiodic flowering.This review summarizes that regulatory network,focusing on the distinct roles of clock genes in long-day and short-day plants.We also discuss the strategies of clock gene mutations contributing to geographic variation in longday and short-day crops.

A redundant subspace weighting procedure for clock ensemble

A redundant-subspace-weighting(RSW)-based approach is proposed to enhance the frequency stability on a time scale of a clock ensemble.In this method,multiple overlapping subspaces are constructed in the clock ensemble,and the weight of each clock in this ensemble is defined by using the spatial covariance matrix.The superimposition average of covariances in different subspaces reduces the correlations between clocks in the same laboratory to some extent.After optimizing the parameters of this weighting procedure,the frequency stabilities of virtual clock ensembles are significantly improved in most cases.

A Yb optical clock with a lattice power enhancement cavity

We construct a power enhancement cavity to form an optical lattice in an ytterbium optical clock.It is demonstrated that the intra-cavity lattice power can be increased by about 45 times,and the trap depth can be as large as 1400Er when laser light with a power of only 0.6 W incident to the lattice cavity.Such high trap depths are the key to accurate evaluation of the lattice-induced light shift with an uncertainty down to~1×10-18.By probing the ytterbium atoms trapped in the power-enhanced optical lattice,we obtain a 4.3 Hz-linewidth Rabi spectrum,which is then used to feedback to the clock laser for the close loop operation of the optical lattice clock.We evaluate the density shift of the Yb optical lattice clock based on interleaving measurements,which is-0.46(62)mHz.This result is smaller compared to the density shift of our first Yb optical clock without lattice power enhancement cavity mainly due to a larger lattice diameter of 344μm.