If the nucleus of an atom could be used in this same way, the clock would be even more accurate, according to scientists' predictions. Atomic nuclei are much smaller than atoms and, therefore, react less to external disturbances.
Although the world's first nuclear clock has not yet surpassed the precision of existing atomic clocks, Schumm expects it to do so within the next two to three years.
“Our goal was to develop a new technology. Once it is there, the increase in quality comes naturally, this has always been the case,” he explained. “The first cars were no faster than carriages. It was all about introducing a new concept. And that is exactly what we have now achieved with the nuclear clock.”