Work

Approaching the Limit of Quantum Clock Precision

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

Abstract: Precise and autonomous clocks are of fundamental interest and central importance to both foundational studies and practical applications. Here, we construct a blueprint for a quantum clock governed by time-independent interactions. By carefully-engineered coherent transport in dissipative spin chains, we achieve a scaling exponent at the precision-resolution trade-off fundamental bound, bringing this within reach of physically realistic and experimentally accessible systems. We further introduce a sudden-quench protocol that enables repeated operation through a simple initialization and detachment mechanism. Remarkably, the protocol is robust to imprecise detachment timing, implying that high-precision timekeeping can be achieved even when driven by a clock with much lower precision.

Source: arXiv (Cornell University)

DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2604.22704

Authors: Nelmes, Chad, Schwarzhans, Emanuel, Apollaro, Tony, Spiller, Timothy, D'Amico, Irene

Institutions: University of York, TU Wien, University of Malta

Language: English

Topic: Quantum Information and Cryptography

Subfield: Artificial Intelligence

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: European Commission, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Awards: DTP 2224 University of York, Quantum Thermodynamics of Precision in Electronic Devices

OpenAlex ID: W7155932323

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