An Auckland University physicist has made a major international breakthrough which could help explain some of life's greatest mysteries.

Dr Maarten Hoogerland's been involved in discovering the energy difference between two quantum states in the helium atom with extreme accuracy, also known as the quantum leap.

He hopes the discovery will lead to an improved understanding of the universe.

"A better understanding of nature is what will eventually lead to more sustainable world and we may be able to travel to the stars or invent flying cars and things like that."

Hoogerland and his team are using the same techniques to measure other atoms.

LISTEN TO MAARTEN HOOGERLAND TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE