An atomic wall clock is the most accurate timekeeping device available today. It measures time according to the movement of electrons in cesium atoms and the standard second is now defined by measurements on an atomic clock.

Features of an atomic wall clock

The features of an atomic wall clock are the same as those of an atomic clock as it uses an atomic resonance frequency standard as its counter. The finest atomic frequency wall clocks are based on advanced physics involving cold atoms and atomic fountains. National standards agencies sustain an accuracy of 10-9 seconds per day with a precision equal to the frequency of the radio transmitter pumping the maser. These special atomic wall clocks keep up a continuous and stable time scale- International Atomic Time (TAI). The UTC or Coordinated Universal Time is a scale for dissemination of civil time derived from TAI, but corresponding to the passing of day and night based on astronomical observations. The new age radio clocks are referenced to atomic clocks, providing high-quality atomic-derived time over a wide area, using inexpensive equipment. However, these radio clocks are not suitable for high-precision, scientific work.

How an atomic wall clock works to offer precise time keeping

Atomic wall clocks use microwave oscillators tuned by the energy transitions of elements such as cesium, rubidium or hydrogen to provide the official definition of time today. Ultra-accurate atomic wall clock can display current indoor temperatures too and be self-setters to the U.S Atomic Clock. This ensures that it displays hour, minute, second time accurately to one second per day as the built in sensors give extremely precise information. They can be wall hanging or free standing, as per the customer's requirement and most models of atomic wall clocks are powered by AA batteries, though some are known to be electric too. The user also has the option for setting the time and adjusting the time zone and even selecting from English, French or Spanish for the calendar days. The atomic wall clocks giving indoor temperature readings offer a choice for Fahrenheit or Celsius reading for the temperature display. The internal sensor in these atomic wall clocks checks its surroundings every 10 seconds or so, for the latest temperature information.

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