China’s 145.2nm crystal paves the way for thorium-229 GPS-free submarine navigation
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2 min readKey summary
Chinese researchers developed a fluorinated borate crystal that emits 145.2 nm ultraviolet light, setting a new record.
The wavelength matches a key requirement for thorium-229 nuclear clocks, a promising route to ultra-precise timekeeping.
Such clocks could eventually improve GPS-independent submarine navigation by reducing drift while submerged.
The advance could strengthen strategic undersea capabilities if it can be turned into a fieldable system.