Core Viewpoint - A new micro clock based on MEMS technology has been developed, achieving record stability with a deviation of only 102 nanoseconds after 8 hours of operation, making it a potential competitor to atomic clocks while being smaller and more energy-efficient [1][5]. Group 1: Technology and Features - The MEMS clock consists of tightly integrated components on a chip smaller than a sugar cube, featuring a silicon wafer with a piezoelectric film that vibrates at its inherent frequency [3]. - The clock's stability is attributed to phosphorus-doped silicon, which maintains mechanical properties despite temperature changes, allowing for operation between -40°C and 85°C without significant frequency variation [3][4]. - The system includes self-correcting features with an internal temperature sensor that adjusts the heating element to maintain timing accuracy [4][5]. Group 2: Performance and Comparison - The MEMS clock can run continuously for 8 hours with an error of only 102 billionths of a second, translating to a deviation of just over 2 microseconds over a week [5]. - Compared to atomic clocks, the MEMS clock is significantly smaller and consumes only one-tenth to one-twentieth of the power, making it a more practical solution for various applications [5][6]. Group 3: Applications and Future Prospects - The technology has broad potential applications, particularly in environments where GPS signals are unreliable, such as space exploration and underwater tasks, where compact and low-power timing devices are essential [6][7]. - The project is part of a DARPA initiative aiming for a clock that can run for a week with an error of just 1 microsecond, indicating ongoing research and development challenges [6]. - Despite competition from established companies like SiTime, the team believes their physics-based approach can lead to a more precise resonator, potentially outperforming existing MEMS solutions [7].