# Development of functional nuclear and atomic clocks

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/development-of-functional-nuclear-clocks
> Updated: 2026-10-09T15:32:53.000Z. Sources: 39. Developments: 2.

Research teams from China and Austria have independently developed the world’s first functional nuclear clocks. The breakthrough, detailed in the journal Nature, involves shifting timekeeping from electron energy transitions to transitions within the atomic nucleus.

Using the thorium-229 isotope embedded in solid-state calcium fluoride crystals, the researchers achieved a method of measurement that is less susceptible to external electromagnetic interference than traditional atomic clocks. While current performance is comparable to existing state-of-the-art atomic clocks, the technology offers potential for unprecedented precision in fields such as satellite navigation, deep-space exploration, and fundamental physics research.

Scientists from the Vienna University of Technology and Tsinghua University noted that because the nucleus is more shielded from external electromagnetic and thermal disturbances, these clocks could eventually surpass current optical atomic clocks. Potential applications include enhancing GPS navigation, improving communication network security, and providing new tools for investigating fundamental physics, including the search for dark matter.

Recent advancements have further expanded the landscape of high-precision timekeeping. In addition to the progress in nuclear clock systems, a research team led by physicist Murray Barrett at the National University of Singapore has developed a highly precise atomic clock using the element lutetium. This device reportedly measures time with an uncertainty of less than ‘one ten-billionth of a billionth of a second’, representing a fourfold improvement over previous records and a projected drift of less than one second over 300 billion years.

## Claims

- Scientists from Austria and China have independently developed the world's first functional nuclear clocks. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The research was published in the journal Nature. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Nuclear clocks measure time using changes in the energy levels of an atom's nucleus. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The technology utilizes the thorium-229 isotope. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The thorium-229 is embedded in calcium fluoride crystals. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The nuclear clocks are currently comparable in performance to modern atomic clocks. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Nuclear clocks could potentially improve GPS navigation and communication network security. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The technology may allow for the investigation of dark matter. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-09: Nuclear clocks developed by Austrian and Chinese scientists

Scientists in Austria and China have independently created the first functional nuclear clocks using thorium-229, potentially revolutionizing precision timekeeping and dark matter research.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/scientists-develop-worlds-first-functional-nuclear-clocks

### 2026-10-07: Nuclear clocks developed by researchers in China and Austria

Researchers in China and Austria have developed the first operating nuclear clocks using thorium-229, potentially revolutionizing timekeeping, satellite navigation, and fundamental physics research.

31 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vienna-atomic-institute-realizes-worlds-first-nuclear-clock

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Cite as: Development of functional nuclear and atomic clocks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/development-of-functional-nuclear-clocks