The Measurement of Time (Paperback)

~ (Author), Bernard Guinot (Author), Stephen Lyle (Translator) "The use of atomic properties for time measurement was born in 1955 when the first caesium beam frequency standard began regular operation in the United..." (more)
Key Phrases: term frequency instability, caesium beam clock, hyperfine transition frequency, International Atomic Time, Solar System, Global Positioning System (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Pleasant to read...a good reference..." Physics Today

"The authors explain atomic and astronomical time in enough detail and interlace enough basic physics to make the information extremely useful to readers who know some basic physics but are otherwise unfamiliar with the accurate measurement of time...The Measurement of Time is pleasant to read, and provides the basic information required for understanding the concepts of time measurement. It should guide the engineer involved in system design in which timing is critical, and should help the graduate student gain insight into the whole field. Finally, the text should be useful to anyone who wants to quickly obtain a general idea of time measurement. It is a good reference to have on one's personal bookshelf." Physics Today Jan 2003

Product Description

This volume is a comprehensive introduction to the physics of time and time measurement, from an historical perspective to the modern day. It discusses the stability and accuracy of atomic frequency standards, covering different types of oscillators and atomic clocks, and their uses. The precision of atomic clocks and the atomic time scale are considered in the context of fundamental physical research, with relation to general relativity and applications such as the Global Positioning System. The authors also discuss International Atomic Time and its relationship to Coordinated Universal Time and the time scales used in astronomy.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 348 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1st edition (January 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521003970
• ISBN-13: 978-0521003971
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #842,110 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gem in Time!, March 6, 2002

By	F. G. Major (Severna Park, MD USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Measurement of Time (Hardcover)

I found this excellent translation from the original French to be a most authoritative and lucid treatment of the physics and metrology of time on a superior technical level, by two of the most prominent figures in the field. It gives comprehensive coverage of atomic frequency standards including the most recent advances involving cold atoms and trapped ions, such as the the cesium "fountain" and mercury ion standards. I consider this book essential reading for anyone with an ambition to become steeped in the field, and offers a more technically sophisticated treatment than is attempted, for example, in a book such as "Quantum Beat".