Precision Timing Plot

Precision timekeeping is required for most modern technology, including navigation, syncing of communication networks, financial networks, power networks, etc. Advances in precision timekeeping have driven most technological advances in human history.

Atomic clocks are currently the best source of precision timekeeping. Optical atomic clocks are the best atomic clocks. The very best atomic clocks are confined to the laboratory. Much work has been done to make atomic clocks portable. While microwave atomic clocks have been packaged in a portable form for decades, optical atomic clocks are only just starting to leave the laboratory and get into the field.

The motivation for creating this plot is to be used as a resource for those interested or involved in precision timing. This plot shows where each clock sits in terms of its performance (instability) vs its Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP). The lower the instability, the better the performance. The lower the SWaP, the more portable/deployable the device.

Data for this plot has been sourced from the references provided, and where necessary extra information has been obtained via personal communication with the researchers and/or manufacturers

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For questions or comments on the plot, please contact Benjamin White.