Using a Grandfather Pendulum Clock to Measure the World’s Shortest Time Interval, the Planck Time (With Zero Knowledge of <i>G</i>)

Haug has recently introduced a new theory of unified quantum gravity coined “Collision Space-Time”. From this new and deeper understanding of mass, we can also understand how a grandfather pendulum clock can be used to measure the world’s shortest time interval, namely the Planck time, indirectly, without any knowledge of G. Therefore, such a clock can also be used to measure the diameter of an indivisible particle indirectly. Further, such a clock can easily measure the Schwarzschild radius of the gravity object and what we will call “Schwarzschild time”. These facts basically prove that the Newton gravitational constant is not needed to find the Planck length or the Planck time;it is also not needed to find the Schwarzschild radius. Unfortunately, there is significant inertia towards new ideas that could significantly alter our perspective on the fundamentals in the current physics establishment. However, this situation is not new in the history of science. Still, the idea that the Planck time can be measured totally independently of any knowledge of Newton’s gravitational constant could be very important for moving forward in physics. Interestingly, an old instrument that today is often thought of as primitive instrument can measure the world’s shortest possible time interval. No atomic clock or optical clock is even close to be able to do this.

The effect of f(T) gravity on an interplanetary clock and its time transfer link

As an extension of the＂teleparallel＂equivalent of general relativity,f（T）gravity is proposed to explain some puzzling cosmological behaviors,such as accelerating expansion of the Universe.Given the fact that modified gravity also has impacts on the Solar System,we might test it during future interplanetary missions with ultrastable clocks.In this work,we investigate the effects of f（T）gravity on the dynamics of the clock and its time transfer link.Under these influences,theΛ-term and theα-term of f（T）gravity play important roles.Here,Λis the cosmological constant andαrepresents a model parameter in f（T）gravity that determines the divergence from teleparallel gravity at the first order approximation.We find that the signal of f（T）gravity in the time transfer is much more difficult to detect with the current state of development for clocks than those effects on dynamics of an interplanetary spacecraft with a bounded orbit with parameters 0.5 au≤a≤5.5 au and 0≤e≤0.1.

Deriving of the Generalized Special Relativity (GSR) by Using Mirror Clock and Lorentz Transformations

Einstein relativity theory shows its high capability of promoting itself to solve the long stand physical problems. The so-called generalized special relativity (GSR) was derived later, using the beautiful Einstein relation between field and space-time curvature. In this work we re-derive (GSR) expression of time by incorporating the field effect in it, and by using mirror clock and Lorentz transformations. This expression reduces to that of (GSR) the previous conventional one, besides reducing to special relativistic expression. It also shows that the speed of light is constant inside the field and is equal to C. This means that the observed decrease of light in matter and field is attributed to the strong interaction of photons with particles and mediates which causes successive absorption and reemission processes that lead to time delay. This absorption process makes some particles appear to move faster than light within the field or medium. This new expression, unlike that of GSR, can describe time and coordinate relativistic expressions for strong as well as weak fields at constant acceleration.

The Twins Clock Paradox History and Perspectives

The twins or clock paradox has been a subject of lively discussion and occasional disagreement among both relativists and the public for over 100 years, and continues to attract physicists who write papers giving new analyses or defending old ones, even though many physicists now consider the matter only of educational interest. This paper investigates the number of papers, which is increasing, and trends in explanations, some of which are now targeted at professional physicists and other of which are targeted at optical or radar visualization rather than problem solving. Observations of students indicate that the latest techniques help but only somewhat. An analysis is made of 21 previous treatments appearing in the education related American Journal of Physics, Einstein’s discussions and several other pedagogical papers. A new memory aid for simultaneity transformation is given that puts it on a par with “time dilation” and “length contraction” for quick and easy problem visualization. The point of view of a trailing twin is introduced to show how simultaneity changes account for missing time in the turnaround. Length contraction is treated on equal footing with time dilation, and Swann’s insight into clocks is extended to lengths. Treatments using the conventionality of simultaneity are seen as equivalent to choice of co-moving frames. Responses to difficult questions are suggested which avoid being dismissive, and engage students’ critical thinking.

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.

The time and frequency system of the Tianma 65 m radio telescope

A time and frequency system is a critical component of Very Long Baseline Interferometry(VLBI)stations,providing stable and reliable standards that directly impact data processing quality.At the Tianma 65 m radio telescope(TMRT),this system has been meticulously designed to ensure long-term reliability and high performance.It incorporates high-performance hydrogen atomic clocks,high-precision time standards,automatic signal switching,and robust system software.This comprehensive approach has enabled the system to achieve long-term reliable operation,successfully supporting both major national engineering tasks and daily scientific observations.The effectiveness of the system is evidenced by its consistent delivery of the precision and stability required for radio astronomy.This article provides an in-depth exploration of the design and operation of the time and frequency system at the Tianma 65 m telescope,examining various aspects of its architecture,implementation,and performance.By sharing these insights,we aim to contribute knowledge that could benefit similar systems at other VLBI stations,greatly advancing radio astronomy infrastructure.

EtherCAT从站设计及精确时钟同步技术研究

EtheCAT是一种具有高速性和高实时性的以太网现场总线,是运动控制及工业机器人不可或缺的高速通信手段。为解决对多自由度机器人协调控制等构成的分布系统的同步问题,基于EtherCAT网络拓扑结构,重点分析了DC(distrilbuted clock,分布时钟)同步机制、算法及主从系统间的通信时序,深入研究了主站网卡驱动延时、从站物理位置和数据帧循环周期等几个关键因素对同步性能准确度和精度的影响。通过设计实时驱动网卡程序、完善从站的物理顺序、缩短数据帧的循环周期使之得以改善,并在搭建的ET1100与STM32F407并行传输数据的EtherCAT从站平台上测试,实验结果证明EtherCAT同步误差能够达到小于15 ns的精度,足以满足高速同步实时需求。

基于EtherCAT实时以太网的伺服运动控制系统设计

针对工业运动控制中多轴同步性问题,设计了一款基于EtherCAT实时以太网的伺服运动控制系统。系统主站根据EtherCAT通信原理对从站通信控制器分布式时钟进行操作,使其输出同步信号,实现对两轴实验平台运动的同步控制。实验结果表明,该系统具有良好的稳定性和同步性。

基于X86平台的EtherCAT主站设计

工业以太网现场总线EtherCAT具有高速高效率、同步性能好等优点,被广泛应用于运动控制领域。基于X86平台提出一种EtherCAT主站的设计方案、设计流程与实现流程,并构建了由EtherCAT主站、伺服控制器和伺服电机组成的控制网络。详细探讨了主站内核改造、主站对从站XML文件的解析流程,以及用于EtherCAT主、从精确实时同步分布时钟机制。实验结果证明:所研发的主站实时性稳定可靠,多轴同步误差在纳秒级别,达到了工业应用领域中对EtherCAT主站性能的要求。

A Novel Clock Feedthrough Frequency Compensation for Fast-Settling of Folded-Cascode OTA

Based on the minimum settling time （MST） theory and step-response analysis of the second order system in active switched capacitor （SC） networks, a novel clock feedthrough frequency compensation （CFFC） method for a folded-cascode OTA is proposed. The damping factor r/is adjusted by using MOS capacitors to introduce clock feedthrough so that the OTA can obtain the MST state and thus achieve fast settling. Research results indicate that the settling time of the compensated OTA is reduced by 22.7% ;as the capacitor load varies from 0.5 to 2.5pF,the improved settling time increases approximately linearly from 3.62 to 4.46ns： for VGA application, fast settling can also be achieved by modifying the MOS capacitor value accordingly when the closed loop gain of the compensated OTA varies.

低功耗Clock-Gating技术在SAR实时成像处理中的应用

功耗问题在SAR实时成像系统中是不容忽视的。该文以实时成像系统中的输入分机为研究平台,测试了信号处理中常用芯片DSP,SBSRM,FPGA在采用Clock-gating技术前后,功耗的变化。通过大量的实验结果,验证了Clock-gating技术在SAR实时信号处理中的可行性,对降低SAR实时成像系统,尤其是星载实时成像系统的功耗有一定的指导意义。

The Importance of Time Synchronization in the Local Networks of the Science and Application Center for Lunar and Deep-space Exploration

The data acquisition stations and the data processing center of the Science and Application Center for Lunar and Deep-space Exploration (SACLuDE) are located at different geographical sites. They respectively have their own local networks and interconnect with each other through access to the core data network. This paper describes the clock drift in the computer and other networked devices building up the infrastructure of the above local networks. The network time variance of the stochastic model is also estimated. The poor precision of network synchronization will bring about potential hazards to the network operation and application running in the networks, which is clarified in the present paper. At the end of the paper, a cost-effective and feasible solution is proposed based on the Global Position System (GPS) and the Network Time Protocol (NTP).

Physics of Clocks in Absolute Space-Time

20th century physics experimentally established beyond doubt the fact that moving clocks read differently from “static” clocks. This fact is typically interpreted as support for special relativity. On the other hand, the same century produced proof that clocks at various locations in the gravitational field also read differently, and this fact is explained by general relativity, which is, in general, not Lorentz transformable. This paper establishes a common framework for the physics of clocks in these different situations.

Hertz-Level Clock Spectroscopy of ^(171)Yb Atoms in a One-Dimensional Optical Lattice

An ultra-narrow spectroscopy of clock transition with high signal-to-noise ratio is crucial for a high-performance atomic optical clock. We present a detailed study about how to obtain a Hertz-level clock transition spectrum of 171 Yb atoms. About 4 × 10^4 atoms are loaded into a one-dimensional optical lattice with a magic wavelength of 759 nm, and a long lifetime of 3 s is realized with the lattice power of I W. Through normalized shelving detection and spin polarization, 171 Yb clock spectroscopy with a fourier-limited linewidth of 5.9 Hz is obtained. Our work represents a key step toward an ytterbium optical clock with high frequency stability.

Interrogation of optical Ramsey spectrum and stability study of an ^(87)Sr optical lattice clock

The optical Ramsey spectrum is experimentally realized in an ^(87)Sr optical lattice clock, and the measured linewidth agrees well with theoretical expectation. The coherence time between the clock laser and the atoms, which indicates the maximum free evolution period of using Ramsey detection to measure the atom-laser phase information, is determined as 340(23) ms by measuring the fringe contrasts of the Ramsey spectrum as a function of the free evolution period. Furthermore, with the same clock duty cycle of about 0.1, the clock stability is measured by using the Ramsey and Rabi spectra,respectively. The experimental and theoretical results show approximately the same stability as the two detection methods, which indicates that Ramsey detection cannot obviously improve the clock stability until the clock duty cycle is large enough. Thus, it is of great significance to choose the detection method of a specific clock.

A high precision time-to-digital converter based on multi-phase clock implemented within Field-Programmable-Gate-Array

In this paper, the design of a coarse-fine interpolation Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) is implemented in an ALTERA’s Cyclone FPGA. The carry-select chain performs as the tapped delay line. The Logic Array Block (LAB) having a propagation delay of 165 ps in the chain is synthesized as delay cell. Coarse counters triggered by the global clock count the more significant bits of the time data. This clock is also fed through the delay line, and LABs create the copies. The replicas are latched by the tested event signal, and the less significant bits are encoded from the latched binary bits. Single-shot resolution of the TDC can be 60 ps. The worst Differential Nonlinearity (DNL) is about 0.2 Least Significant Bit (LSB, 165 ps in this TDC module), and the Integral Nonlinearity (INL) is 0.6 LSB. In comparison with other architectures using the synchronous global clock to sample the taps, this architecture consumed less electric power and logic cells, and is more stable.

酸枣仁汤对慢性睡眠剥夺大鼠视交叉上核生物钟基因Clock和Bmal1表达的影响

目的观察酸枣仁汤对慢性睡眠剥夺大鼠视交叉上核(uprachiasmatic nucleus, SCN)生物钟基因Clock和Bmal1蛋白表达的影响。方法将实验大鼠随机分为空白组、模型组、舒乐安定组和酸枣仁汤组,除空白组外,其他各组用多平台水环境法制定慢性睡眠剥夺模型并予以相应干预。采用自主活动测试仪记录大鼠自主活动时间,免疫组化和Western blot检测SCN中Clock和Bmal1蛋白表达水平。结果与空白组比较,模型组大鼠自主活动时间TL(光照时段4个点之和)、TD(黑暗时段4个点之和)、TALL(光照+黑暗8个时段之和)明显增加(P<0.01);SCN中Clock和Bmal1蛋白表达水平下降(P<0.01)。干预后,与模型组比较,舒乐安定组和酸枣仁汤组大鼠TL、TD、TALL均减少(P<0.01或P<0.05)。舒乐安定组和酸枣仁汤组大鼠SCN中Clock和Bmal1蛋白表达上升(P<0.01或P<0.05)。结论酸枣仁汤能改善慢性睡眠剥夺大鼠的睡眠状态,其机制可能与酸枣仁汤调节大鼠SCN中Clock和Bmal1的表达有关。

Improvements and New Evaluation of NIM4 Cesium Fountain Clock and Construction of NIM5 Clock in 2006

The NIM4 cesium fountain clock has been operating stably and sub-continually since Aug. 2003. In this paper we present improvements on NIM4 in 2005-2006 and the most recent evaluation for its frequency shifts with an uncertainty of 5E-15. A 220 days comparison between NIM4 and GPS showed an agreement of 2E-14. Finally the construction of a NIM5 transportable cesium fountain clock is briefly reported.

EtherCAT分布时钟技术及其工业应用

为了在工业自动化领域更深入地挖掘EtherCAT这一先进技术的潜能,详细阐述了EtherCAT分布时钟技术的原理,介绍了分布时钟组件的工作模式以及实现技术的硬件产品,阐述了在通用控制平台上实现亚微秒级时钟同步功能的可行性以及为通用制造业带来的广阔前景,并列举了在多种工业现场的应用场景。以理论联系实际的方式证明:EtherCAT的分布时钟技术为提高通用的工业自动化水平提供了技术支撑。