Science Speak

Active optical clock – EurekAlert!

Up to date, all realize that optical clocks are based on the laser absorption spectroscopy. Thus the available laser with narrowest linewidth limits the linewidth of state-of-the-art optical clocks. However, experimental and theoretical results show that the thermal Johnson noise of cavity mirrors degrades the quantum limitation of Schawlow-Townes linewidth formula of good-cavity laser. (My emphasis added in bold.)

Admittedly, I read a lot of material above my knowledge level, but this particular snippet made me laugh.  Specifically the “all realize” introduction to a rather scientifically specialized paragraph.  The paper from Peking University is about using lasers instead of atoms in the construction of a very stable clock.

I mean no disrespect to the scientists at Peking University or the author of this writing, but it did remind me of one of my favorite plays on this science speak.  Presenting Rockwell Automation’s Retro Encabulator:

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