FoCS-2

Switzerland contributes to the adjustment of the universal time coordinated

METAS also carries out cutting-edge research in the field of high-precision time measurement: the FOCS (Fontaine Continue Suisse) primary frequency standard developed within the framework of a collaboration with the University of Neuchâtel is ranked among the most accurate caesium atomic clocks in the world: it deviates by just one second from the exact time over 30 million years. Recently FOCS contributes also to the definition of the international atomic time, which forms the basis for coordinated universal time.

Absolute precision in the measurement of time and frequency is not an end in itself: the more accurately frequencies can be realised and used to carry out time measurements, the greater the accuracy of satellite navigation systems, among other things.

Last modification 05.01.2023

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Contact

Federal Institute of Metrology
Laboratory Photonics, Time and Frequency
Jacques Morel
Lindenweg 50
CH-3003 Bern-Wabern
T +41 58 387 03 50
Head of Laboratory
jacques.morel@metas.ch

Print contact

https://www.sem.admin.ch/content/metas/en/home/fue/forschungsprojekte/focs-2.html