Light Pulses From Quark Gluon Plasma To Accurately Measure Time in Septillionths of a Second

Scientists have proposed using the light pulse emitted by a quark gluon plasma, a newly discovered state of matter, as a way of measuring time at precise levels of yoctoseconds which is a septillionth of a second (1x10^-24).

A quark gluon plasma (QGP) is a new state of matter that results from the collision of two nuclei. It is made up of two of matters building blocks, the quark and the gluon.

The image illustrates two lead atoms colliding to form a quark gluon plasma which in turn emits a short light pulse.

Quarks and Gluons

Quarks are one of the tiniest building blocks of matter. The proton and neutron inside an atom are made up of these quarks. A particle made up of quarks is called a hadron. Particles made up of quarks are called hadrons.