Physicists have actually successfully determined and controlled a specific thorium atomic nucleus state using a laser. For the very first time, it has actually been possible to utilize a laser to move an atomic nucleus into a state of higher energy and then exactly track its return to its original state. In concept, they would therefore permit measurements with unprecedented accuracy.The needle in the haystackSince the 1970s, there has been speculation that there might be a special atomic nucleus which, unlike other nuclei, could perhaps be controlled with a laser, namely thorium-229. The large number of thorium nuclei magnifies the impact, reduces the required measurement time, and increases the probability of actually discovering the energy transition.On November 21, 2023, the team was lastly effective: the appropriate energy of the thorium shift was hit precisely, the thorium nuclei delivered a clear signal for the very first time. “Of course, we are happy that we are now the ones who can present the essential breakthrough: The first targeted laser excitation of an atomic nucleus,” says Schumm.The dream of the atomic nucleus clockThis marks the start of a brand-new interesting era of research: now that the group knows how to excite the thorium state, this innovation can be utilized for precision measurements.
In principle, they would therefore permit measurements with extraordinary accuracy.The needle in the haystackSince the 1970s, there has actually been speculation that there might be an unique atomic nucleus which, unlike other nuclei, could perhaps be manipulated with a laser, namely thorium-229. The large number of thorium nuclei magnifies the result, reduces the required measurement time, and increases the probability of in fact discovering the energy transition.On November 21, 2023, the team was finally effective: the appropriate energy of the thorium transition was hit precisely, the thorium nuclei delivered a clear signal for the very first time. “Of course, we are thrilled that we are now the ones who can present the important breakthrough: The first targeted laser excitation of an atomic nucleus,” says Schumm.The dream of the atomic nucleus clockThis marks the start of a new amazing age of research study: now that the group knows how to thrill the thorium state, this innovation can be utilized for accuracy measurements.
