Time Appliances Project Call #159 (May 20, 2026)

Abstract: Precision timing forms the foundation of modern technological infrastructure and scientific discovery. Telecommunications networks, electrical power-grid synchronization, GPS/GNSS navigation, financial systems, deep-space communication, radio astronomy, and black-hole imaging all critically depend on ultra-precise timing references. Such timing accuracies—ranging from nanoseconds over a day to substantially better long-term stability—are achievable only through atomic clocks, which also define the international standard of time itself. This talk introduces atomic clocks as the primary source of precision timekeeping in the modern world. The presentation will cover the fundamental operating principles of atomic clocks, including atomic transitions, frequency stabilization, and time generation. An overview of the major categories of clocks will be presented, including microwave atomic clocks, optical atomic clocks, Chip-Scale Atomic Clocks (CSACs), hydrogen masers, and emerging next-generation quantum clocks. The talk will further discuss ground-based timing systems as well as space-qualified atomic clocks used in satellite navigation systems and deep-space missions. Present trends, technological challenges, and prospects in precision timing and autonomous timing systems will also be highlighted, along with ongoing research activities at the Quantime Laboratory at The University of Alabama. Speaker: Dr. Thejesh N. Bandi is an Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Alabama. His research bridges fundamental physics and advanced engineering through building atomic clocks, generation of precision timing, and solutions for safe navigation. With over 15 years of experience at ESA, NASA, and ISRO, he founded the Quantime Lab, focusing on quantum timing, resilient GNSS alternatives, AI-based PNT, pulsar research for deep-space navigation and precision time synchronization. Dr. Bandi also established the Tide Timing Clock Club (T2C2) and advises the OPTICA Student Chapter at UA. A Senior Member of IEEE, he has chaired the Space Clocks, Space Navigation, and Tutorial Sessions for the Institute of Navigation Precise Time and Time Interval (PTTI) conference and serving as Program Chair for ION-PTTI-27 and serves as the steering committee member of AITS-WSTS conference.