Ricegrain-sized atomic clock

The US National Institute of Standards and Technology has come up with an atomic clock the guts of which measure 1.5 x 4 mm, which they claim is 100X smaller than any rival. Unfortunately it would end up measuring a slightly less impressive 1 cubic centimetre once an oscillator and control circuits are attached, but it looks like a big use for this might be in military location devices where space is not at such a premium. Benefits down at the user end should include better accuracy for GPS receivers.

[Zack @ Dec 19th 2005 2:23AM]

Less impressive? A cubic centimetre isn't that big of a space..

[Matt @ Dec 19th 2005 2:23AM]

"in military location devices where space is not be at such a premium."

[Gareth Edwards @ Dec 19th 2005 2:23AM]

Please report to Engadget HQ tomorrow. We have been without a proofreader since Peter got angry with our last copy-editing droid and disintegrated him.