Splitting The Second: The Story of Atomic Time

The Earth is not a good basis for precision timekeeping. Even though units of time are based on the Earth's rotation, it is known that it is unsteady and it is slowing down. When this discovery was made it was necessary to develop more accurate ways of keeping time. Atomic clocks were invented as a result of this need and have been refined to greater degrees of accuracy in an increasingly time-dependent world. This text presents the story of the development of atomic clocks and atomic timekeeping. It shows how and why reliable clocks were invented, how co-ordinated universal time was developed and how the needs for increased precision in the future is driving the refinement of atomic timekeeping to greater accuracy.

Table of Contents:
Preface Astronomers' Time Physicists' Time Atomic Time World Time The Leap Second. Time Transfer Uses of Accurate Time The Future of Time Appendix Timekeeping Organizations Glossary of Abbreviations Index

Review :
"In his book Jones covers the history of all aspects of time keeping and introduces the reader to a host of related technical problems. His explanations do not involve undue technical complexity but give the reader a firm grasp of how the solutions were developed." Historical Electronics Museum, Newsletter ." . . a very readable, popular account of the development of modern atomic timekeeping . . .[it is] an interesting, readable account of the state of modern timekeeping . . well worth reading by those interested in this rather poorly documented area of modern science and technology." Dennis D McCarthy (US Naval Observatory, Washington DC) in Physics Today "With great clarity, the author describes highly technical concepts and the devices used to implement them. I would especially recommend this book to scientists and engineers who want to learn the most recent developments in this intriguing field. I would also strongly recommend the book for non-technical individuals because it is so readable." William J Klepczynski in Rittenhouse - Journal of the American Scientific Instrument Enterprise "As a lifelong student of clocks, to me this book could not have been more welcome. The book is highly technical, yet for the non-physicist it is eminently readable. The author unravels the arcane mysteries of the structure of the atom and its particles, with readily understandable text. Throughout we are kept fully aware of the impact of this new technology on the outside world of timekeeping and measurement." Alan Smith, Astronomy Now - June 2001 ..."Splitting the Second: The Story of Atomic Time is an interesting, readable account of the state of modern timekeeping. It is, however, a goodintroduction and well worth reading by those interested in this rather poorly documented area of modern science and technology." Dennis D McCarthy, Physics Today - October 2001 "Anyone who is intrigued by fantastic precision or curious about how we really know the time, or simply likes tales of science and technology, will enjoy Splitting the Second." Nature" .. a splendid book for the inquiring layman, sixth-form student, and undergraduate - and it's excellent value for money." The Observatory .." no astronomer, however amateur, should be without." Astronomy Now "The book will appeal to a wide range of readers from physical scientists to the man-in-the-street." Aslib Book Guide "A fascinating account of how time has been measured and the problems with the timekeeping methods that drove the development of better clocks . . . Jones' book is a quick and interesting read. He succintly presents physical explanations for the workings of differet kinds of atomic clocks and weaves a compelling, detailed account of the difficulties of keeping accurate time." Donavan Hall, History of Physics Newsletter, Voume IX, No. 1 book Jones covers the history of all aspects of time keeping and introduces the reader to a host of related technical problems. His explanations do not involve undue technical complexity but give the reader a firm grasp of how the solutions were developed." Historical Electronics Museum, Newsletter ." . . a very readable, popular account of the development of modern atomic timekeeping . . .[it is] an interesting, readable account of the state of modern timekeeping . . well worth reading by those interested in this rather poorly documented area of modern science and technology."Dennis D McCarthy (US Naval Observatory, Washington DC) in Physics Today "With great clarity, the author describes highly technical concepts and the devices used to implement them. I would especially recommend this book to scientists and engineers who want to learn the most recent developments in this intriguing field. I would also strongly recommend the book for non-technical individuals because it is so readable." William J Klepczynski in Rittenhouse - Journal of the American Scientific Instrument Enterprise "As a lifelong student of clocks, to me this book could not have been more welcome. The book is highly technical, yet for the non-physicist it is eminently readable. The author unravels the arcane mysteries of the structure of the atom and its particles, with readily understandable text. Throughout we are kept fully aware of the impact of this new technology on the outside world of timekeeping and measurement." Alan Smith, Astronomy Now - June 2001 ..."Splitting the Second: The Story of Atomic Time is an interesting, readable account of the state of modern timekeeping. It is, however, a good introduction and well worth reading by those interested in this rather poorly documented area of modern science and technology." Dennis D McCarthy, Physics Today - October 2001 "Anyone who is intrigued by fantastic precision or curious about how we really know the time, or simply likes tales of science and technology, will enjoy Splitting the Second." Nature" .. a splendid book for the inquiring layman, sixth-form student, and undergraduate - and it's excellent value for money." The Observatory .." no astronomer, however amateur, should be without." Astronomy Now "The book will appeal to awide range of readers from physical scientists to the man-in-the-street." Aslib Book Guide "A fascinating account of how time has been measured and the problems with the timekeeping methods that drove the development of better clocks . . . Jones' book is a quick and interesting read. He succintly presents physical explanations for the workings of differet kinds of atomic clocks and weaves a compelling, detailed account of the difficulties of keeping accurate time." Donavan Hall, History of Physics Newsletter, Voume IX, No. 1