Time masters meet in Neuchâtel
Organized collaboratively by six partners representing academia, research, and industry – FSRM (Swiss Foundation for Research in Microtechnology), Time Frequency Laboratory (LTF) of the University of Neuchâtel, CSEM, Oscilloquartz, Safran and SFMC (Société française des microtechniques et des chronométries) – the EFTF 2024 promises an engaging blend of oral and poster scientific presentations, along with a dynamic commercial exhibition. Scientists, engineers, and specialists from around the globe will converge in Neuchâtel for the 37th edition of this renowned event.
Professor Gaetano Mileti, co-president of the organizing committee and deputy director with the Time and Frequency Laboratory (LTF) at the University of Neuchâtel (UniNE), underscores the significance of the EFTF: “Since the inception in 1987, the Forum has grown substantially and has become a world renown conference. Every second year, EFTF meets with its North American counterpart the International Frequency Control Symposium (IFCS). In 2024, the EFTF returns to Neuchâtel after 10 years abroad. Our city, with its strong presence in time and frequency in research and industry is the ideal backdrop for this gathering.”
Sylvain Karlen, Group Leader for Quantum Technologies in CSEM's Instrumentation Business Unit, emphasizes their commitment: "Helping organize and participate in the EFTF allows us to showcase our activities and foster valuable exchanges with academic and industrial partners."
The Redefinition of the Second
Conference highlights comprise the Plenary Session dedicated to the Redefinition of the Second, which will be open to the public. Esteemed specialists including Noël C. Dimarcq (CNRS and CIPM, President of the Bureau des Longitudes, France), Sébastien Bize, (LNE-SYRTE, France), and Davide Calonico, (INRIM, Italy) will share insights. The Women in Science Session will welcome Patrizia Tavella, Director of the Time Department at BIPM (International Bureau of Weights and Measures, France).
Neuchâtel: A cradle of universal time
The Neuchâtel region boasts exceptional expertise in the field of time and frequency. Its chronometrical Observatory, established in 1858, gained global recognition for Swiss precision. For decades, it broadcast the 12:30 time signal on Swiss radio. Three centuries ago, its founder and director Adolphe Hirsch proposed the universal time adoption and a reference meridian (Greenwich). Today the region hosts industries specializing in watchmaking, atomic clocks, microtechnology, oscillators, and high-performance lasers. Neuchâtel’s globally acknowledged expertise in relation to time and frequency underscores its proficiency in producing small, complex, and reliable precision components. These high-value components are integral to numerous products sold worldwide.