This tiny quantum clock packs a billion-fold energy mystery

Scientists built a tiny clock from single-electron jumps to probe the true energy cost of quantum timekeeping. They discovered that reading the clock’s output requires vastly more energy than the clock uses to function. This measurement process also drives the irreversibility that defines time’s forward direction. The insight could push researchers to rethink how quantum devices handle information.

source https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251117091138.htm