Institute of History
Atomic Clocks at the Neuchâtel Observatory: Time, Quantum Technologes and Innovation (1948-2001)
SNF interdisciplinary project between the History and Physics Institutes at university of Neuchâtel
This research project, led by a team of physicists and historians of science and technology, aims to explore the transformation of the Neuchâtel Cantonal Observatory following the introduction of atomic time. This change profoundly altered the Observatory’s working methods and areas of research. Above all, the aim is to understand how the adoption of this new time-determination technique, which moved from astronomy to time-frequency metrology, led to the substitution of personnel and equipment, and the acquisition of new scientific and technical skills. These changes reoriented the Observatory’s activities towards the development of atomic clocks and their practical applications, such as the synchronization of communication networks and satellite navigation.
It also explores the process of innovation, supported by a network of political, scientific and industrial players, that led to the application of quantum technologies in Switzerland in the aftermath of the Second World War, and assesses the impact of these transformations on the Observatory’s positioning within the scientific community. Collaboration between science, industry and politics is characterized by negotiation around the role of this scientific institution in the dissemination and commercialization of new technologies, in a sensitive field in which private industry is also positioning itself.
To carry out this interdisciplinary research, the archives of the Neuchâtel Cantonal Observatory, of public and private institutions that have supported the implementation of quantum technologies in Switzerland, and of international scientific institutions with which the Observatory collaborates, will be studied.Particular attention will be paid to the material analysis of atomic clocks, and to an oral history project concerning players from the Observatory’s more recent period.
Project co-director
Professor at Institute of History, UniNE and research Director of history of technology
Project co-director
Professor and Deputy manager of the Physics Institute, UniNE
Scientific collaborator
Physicist and advanced researcher at the Physics Institute (LTF), UniNE
Post-doctorant at Institute of History, UniNE and historian of science, technology and innovation
Scientific collaborator
Metal and technical object conservator-restorer and Senior lecturer at Haute Ecole Arc de Conservation-restauration
Post-doctorant at Institute of History and Physics Institute (LTF), UniNE
Historian of science
Assistant
Master’s student in historical sciences, UniNE
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Prof. Gaetano Mileti et Dr Julien Gressot, « L’observatoire cantonal de Neuchâtel : une institution scientifique spécialisée dans la mesure du temps », in : La Revue POLYTECHNIQUE, no 1897, septembre 2024, pp. 12-13.
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Prof. Gaetano Mileti, Dr Christoph Affolderbach, Dre Evelina Breschi, Dr Christian Schori, M. Patrick Scherler et Prof. Pierre Thomann, « Recherches sur les horloges atomiques miniatures et optiques », article publié dans le cadre du Congrès international de Chronométrie [Colombier, du 26 au 27 septembre 2007], 2007.
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Présentation de l’Observatoire cantonal de Neuchâtel
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Présentation du Laboratoire Temps-Fréquence
Important events
09.04-11.04.2025 : Congrès de la Société Française d’Histoire des Sciences et des Techniques, Nancy 2025 (France)
12.05-16.05.2025 : IEEE International Frequency Control Symposium & European Frequency and Time Forum, IFCS-EFTF 2025 , Querétaro (Mexique)
29.06-05.07.2025 : XLIV Scientific Instrument Symposium, Dunedin (Nouvelle-Zélande)
18.08-22.08.2025 : Joint Annual Metting SPS and ÖPG, Vienne (Autriche)
09.10-11.10.2025 : Society for the History of Technology (SHOT) Annual Meeting, Luxembourg
13.11-16.11.2025 : 2025 History of Science Society (HSS) Annual Meeting, New Orleans (USA)
29.01-30.01.2025 : Colloque international SFIIC 2026, Paris
