First published Oct 16, 2026, 4:52:15 PM UTC · Last updated Oct 16, 2026, 4:52:15 PM UTC

New Chip-Based ‘Tape Measure’ for Light Could Revolutionize Mobile Timekeeping and Enhance National Security

A new chip-based device could improve mobile timekeeping and provide navigation signals when GPS is unavailable or jammed. Further details were not included in the source data received by Planet Briefing.

Illustrative image: Perhaps America's most recognizable lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Light, in Buxton, on North Carolina's Outer Banks, a series of barrier splits and islands on the state's Atlantic coast — Highsmith, Carol M., 1946-/Library of Congress, Free to Use and Reuse

Why it matters

The device is presented as a potential source of navigation signals when GPS cannot be used.

Categories: technology, science-and-space

Generated scores

Scores are based on the cited reporting and use a 1–10 scale. Read the methodology.

Confidence: 4/10How certain the assessment is based on the clarity and evidence in the cited reporting.
Geographic reach: 1/10How widely the event reaches, from a local area (1) to worldwide impact (10).
Global importance: 3/10The event's broader significance, from limited importance (1) to major global importance (10).
Impact magnitude: 2/10The scale or severity of the real-world impact, from minor (1) to extreme (10).
Positivity: 6/10How harmful or beneficial the event is, from strongly harmful (1) to strongly positive (10).
Urgency: 1/10How time-sensitive the event is, from low urgency (1) to immediate attention needed (10).

Primary official sources

NIST News New Chip-Based ‘Tape Measure’ for Light Could Revolutionize Mobile Timekeeping and Enhance National Security

Report an issue

Read our editorial process and corrections policy.