Ultra-Precise Atomic Clocks
A special issue of Atoms (ISSN 2218-2004).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 30
Special Issue Editors
Interests: atomic clock; trapped-ion microwave frequency standard; trapped-ion optical frequency standard
Interests: cold atomic fountain clocks; ultra-stable microwaves; optical clocks
Interests: precise time and frequency transfer based on satellite, microwave and laser; optical clock based on single ytterbium ion; microwave clock based on Hg ion
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Atomic clocks based on transitions in an atom represent the pinnacle of precision timekeeping. Microwaves or a laser of a specific frequency is used to excite targeted transitions, which serves as a reference for feedback stabilization of the microwave oscillation or laser. Microwave atomic clocks are extensively utilized for navigation and telecommunication because of their advantages in miniaturization and transportability. Optical atomic clocks achieving a fractional frequency accuracy at the level of 10−18 and even beyond 10−19 have applications in new physics discoveries. Currently, the need for ultra-precise atomic clocks continues unabated. The performance of existing atomic clocks is constantly enhanced, and new techniques, such as inducing energy transitions in the atomic nucleus, are gaining momentum. Thus, in this Special Issue, we focus on the improvement in ultra-precise atomic clocks based on various quantum systems including neutral atoms, trapped ions, nuclei, and molecules, and look forward to physicists applying atomic clocks to navigation, communication, the search for dark matter, testing relativity, and other fundamental physics questions. In addition, work on atomic-energy-level structures will be equally welcome. Investigations into the quantum states of atoms are essential to improve accuracy evaluation frameworks for atomic clocks and identify candidate systems for developing next-generation atomic clocks.
Dr. Jianwei Zhang
Dr. Fang Fang
Dr. Shengkang Zhang
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Atoms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- atomic clock
- microwave frequency standard
- optical frequency standard
- trapped ion
- atomic nucleus
- molecule
- energy level
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
