In a landmark achievement, physicists at TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology) have successfully used a laser to excite the nucleus of a thorium-229 atom, a feat pursued for decades. This advancement opens the door to revolutionary high-precision technologies, including the development of nuclear clocks that could surpass the accuracy of current atomic clocks.
The research team, led by Professor Thorsten Schumm, developed specialized thorium-containing crystals to facilitate this process. By precisely tuning the laser to the exact energy required, they induced the nuclear transition and meticulously tracked the nucleus's return to its original state. This accomplishment bridges classical quantum physics and nuclear physics, enabling extremely precise measurements.
This breakthrough not only paves the way for the creation of nuclear clocks but also allows scientists to explore fundamental questions in physics, such as the constancy of nature's constants over time and space. The ability to manipulate atomic nuclei with lasers could lead to unprecedented accuracy in various measurement techniques, significantly impacting fields that rely on precise timekeeping and fundamental physical constants.
This achievement represents a significant victory for humanity, enhancing our understanding of atomic nuclei and opening new avenues for technological innovation and fundamental research.
Source. ScienceDaily. "Atomic nucleus excited with laser: a breakthrough after decades." https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240429103045.htm. April 29, 2024.
Edited by Manan Chordia
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