科学家测出了单个原子的物质波振荡频率,并以此为基础,构建了一台与原子质量相关的原子钟。这一进展或许能够用一种可重复的方式,更加精确地重新定义“千克”这一质量单位。我们使用的大多数单位,都是以精密的微观测量为基础的——比如1秒钟的时间长度,就是用特定原子的某种规则振荡来定义的。唯一的例外是质 Scientists measured the oscillation frequency of a single atom of matter, and on that basis, built an atomic clock related to atomic mass. This progress may be able to redefine the “kilogram” unit of mass more accurately in a repeatable manner. Most of the units we use are based on sophisticated microscopic measurements - such as a one-second length of time, defined by some regular oscillation of a particular atom. The only exception is quality