Singapore builds world’s most accurate atomic clock, outpacing US and China

Singapore’s Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) has developed the world’s most accurate atomic clocks, achieving a record uncertainty of 1.3 × 10−19. The breakthrough surpasses previous records held by China and the USA, with the clocks losing just 1 second every 264 billion years. Operable at room temperature, the lutetium-ion clocks could redefine global timekeeping standards.

Singapore achieves record accuracy in atomic clocks

Researchers at Singapore’s Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT), part of the National University of Singapore (NUS), have developed the world’s most accurate atomic clocks, according to reports from TechRadar. The clocks, which use lutetium ions, have achieved evaluated uncertainties of 1.2 and 1.3 × 10−19—surpassing previous records set by China and the United States.

The breakthrough means these clocks would lose just 1 second every 264 billion years. For context, the previous best uncertainty was 4.4 × 10−19, achieved by a calcium-ion clock developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuhan. The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) had unveiled an aluminum-ion clock in July 2025 with an uncertainty of 5.5 × 10−19.

The CQT team, led by Murray Barrett and including joint first authors Kyle Arnold and Michael Lee, achieved this milestone without the need for magnetic shielding or liquid nitrogen cooling. This marks a significant advantage over existing systems, which often require extreme cooling or isolation to maintain accuracy.

Practical advantages and future plans

One of the key advantages of Singapore’s lutetium-ion clocks is their ability to operate at room temperature. This eliminates the need for complex and costly cooling systems, such as liquid nitrogen, which are typically required for other high-accuracy atomic clocks. According to TechRadar, this makes the clocks more practical for real-world deployment in environments ranging from urban labs to remote field stations.

The CQT team has also highlighted the clock’s potential to maintain performance in extreme conditions. The system could reportedly function in temperatures as varied as those found in Death Valley or the Antarctic plateau, further expanding its utility.

Looking ahead, the researchers plan to miniaturize the clock into a transportable system. This would allow for broader validation and comparison with other leading atomic clocks globally. If successful, it could pave the way for commercial or industrial applications where ultra-precise timekeeping is critical.

The future of timekeeping standards

The development of these clocks comes as the global metrology community debates the future of the second. Since 1967, the second has been defined based on the properties of cesium atoms. However, advancements in optical clocks—like those developed by Singapore, China, and the USA—have prompted discussions about redefining this fundamental unit.

Despite these advancements, no consensus has been reached. The General Conference on Weights and Measures, which governs such standards, has not yet agreed on replacing cesium. Until a decision is made, the practical impact of these ultra-precise clocks will remain limited to specialized research and industrial applications.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

For founders and operators in the technology and quantum sectors, Singapore’s breakthrough underscores the rapid pace of innovation in precision metrology. While the immediate applications—such as redefining global timekeeping standards—are niche, the development signals broader opportunities.

First, the ability to operate these clocks at room temperature without specialized cooling or shielding lowers barriers to deployment. This could accelerate the integration of ultra-precise timekeeping into industries like telecommunications, finance, and navigation, where even nanosecond inaccuracies matter.

Second, the push toward miniaturization suggests a future where portable, high-accuracy clocks could be embedded in everything from data centers to autonomous vehicles. For startups, this could open doors to partnerships with research institutions or governments looking to leverage quantum technologies without the constraints of lab-bound systems.

Finally, the race to redefine the second highlights the importance of staying ahead in standards-setting. Companies that align early with emerging metrology benchmarks may gain a competitive edge in sectors where precision is a differentiator. However, until global consensus is reached, the practical impact of this breakthrough remains confined to specialized use cases.

Key takeaways

• Singapore’s CQT has built the world’s most accurate atomic clocks, outperforming previous records from China and the USA.
• The lutetium-ion clocks achieve uncertainties of 1.2 and 1.3 × 10−19, losing 1 second every 264 billion years.
• Unlike competing systems, these clocks operate at room temperature without magnetic shielding or liquid nitrogen cooling.
• The CQT team plans to develop a transportable version of the clock for further validation and practical applications.
• Global standards bodies have not yet agreed on replacing cesium as the basis for defining the second.

FAQ

What makes Singapore’s atomic clocks the most accurate in the world?

The clocks developed by Singapore’s CQT use lutetium ions and have achieved evaluated uncertainties of 1.2 and 1.3 × 10−19. This means they lose just 1 second every 264 billion years, surpassing the previous records held by China and the USA.

Why is operating at room temperature significant for these atomic clocks?

Most high-accuracy atomic clocks require extreme cooling or magnetic shielding to function. Singapore’s clocks eliminate these requirements, making them more practical for deployment in real-world environments without the need for costly infrastructure.

How might this breakthrough impact industries or startups?

Ultra-precise timekeeping could benefit industries like telecommunications, finance, and navigation, where even minor inaccuracies can have significant consequences. The push toward miniaturization also opens opportunities for portable systems in research, defense, and commercial applications.

Will this development change how the second is defined?

While this breakthrough adds momentum to discussions about redefining the second using optical clocks, no consensus has been reached by global standards bodies. Until then, the practical applications of these clocks will remain limited to specialized use cases.

What are the next steps for the CQT team?

The team plans to miniaturize the lutetium-ion clock into a transportable system. This would allow for further validation, comparison with other clocks, and potential deployment in field applications.

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