Exponential gain in clock precision using quantum correlated ticks

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel quantum clock mechanism that uses quantum correlations for autonomous self-correction, achieving exponential improvements in precision at ultra-short timescales, with practical simulation evidence.

Contribution

It demonstrates a new quantum correlation-based approach for clock self-correction, surpassing traditional methods and providing a feasible pathway for ultra-precise quantum timekeeping.

Findings

Exponential gain in clock precision through quantum correlations.

Stable performance of the quantum clock with realistic imperfections.

A comprehensive model and simulation demonstrating practical implementation.

Abstract

Creating precise timing devices at ultra-short time scales is not just an important technological challenge, but confronts us with foundational questions about timekeeping's ultimate precision limits. Research on clocks has either focused on long-term stability using an oscillator stabilized by a level transition, limiting precision at short timescales, or on making individual stochastic ticks as precise as possible. Here, we prove the viability of a conceptually different avenue: the autonomous self-correction of consecutive ticks by quantum correlations. This provides a new paradigm that integrates the advantages and insights from quantum transport theory to operate clocks at ultra-short timescales. We fully solve a model of coupled quantum systems and show how the emergent Pauli exclusion principle correlates the clock at the quantum level yielding an exponential advantage in precision. We furthermore demonstrate through simulations with realistic imperfections that this remarkable gain in precision remains stable providing a roadmap for implementation with contemporary quantum technologies.