Measurement standards on a chip, Roman invisibility cloaks, and a 'brain decoder'


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Apr 25 2019 37 mins   108
In this episode of Physics World Weekly, we’re focusing on measurements and precision in physics. Physics World’s Hamish Johnston visits researchers at the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) in Colorado, US. He learns of an innovation to make atomic clocks even more impressive timekeepers, using aluminium ions. NIST researchers also speak about the facility’s project to integrate its calibration services onto computer chips – which have even been launched into space. As always, we bring you a round up of some of the other research highlights making the headlines on our website this week. That includes the story that some Roman theatres and amphitheatres appear to be protected by “invisibility cloaks” made from acoustic metamaterials. Whether the Romans based their designs on an understanding of the fundamental physics remains a mystery. If you enjoy what you hear, then you can also subscribe to Physics World Stories via Apple podcasts or your chosen podcast host.