A GPS signal serves as a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) traceable time reference in laboratories due to its ability to provide precise timing and location data. GPS satellites transmit signals that are synchronized to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is maintained by NIST and used as the standard for timekeeping worldwide.
The accuracy of GPS signals makes them highly desirable for various applications, including laboratory synchronization, where timing is crucial for experiments and data collection. By utilizing GPS signals, laboratories can ensure that their timekeeping is aligned with an internationally recognized standard, thus enhancing the reliability and accuracy of their measurements and experiments.
In contrast, while radio signals and infrared signals have useful applications, they may not provide the same level of precision in time referencing that GPS signals do. Laser signals, although capable of transmitting data at high speeds, are not typically used for time synchronization in the same manner as GPS.