The Breakthrough in Manipulating Thorium Atomic Nuclei

Physicists have long been fascinated with the idea of manipulating thorium atomic nuclei due to the potential revolutionary technological applications it could offer. Through years of research and dedication, a research team led by Prof. Thorsten Schumm from TU Wien (Vienna) and a team from the National Metrology Institute Braunschweig (PTB) have finally achieved the long-awaited breakthrough.

Combining Quantum Physics and Nuclear Physics

The successful manipulation of thorium atomic nuclei has opened up possibilities that were previously thought to be impossible. By using a laser to transfer an atomic nucleus into a state of higher energy and then precisely track its return to its original state, the team was able to seamlessly combine classical quantum physics and nuclear physics.

The Role of Laser Manipulation

Laser manipulation of atoms or molecules is a common practice today, allowing for precise measurements of energy states. However, manipulating atomic nuclei with lasers was considered challenging due to the high energy requirements. Thorsten Schumm explains, ” Atomic nuclei can switch between different quantum states, but it usually requires significantly more energy compared to electrons in an atom or molecule.”

The key to the success of manipulating thorium atomic nuclei lay in the development of special thorium-containing crystals. These crystals, developed by Fabian Schaden along with the PTB team, enabled the team to study a large number of thorium atoms simultaneously, amplifying the effect and increasing the probability of success.

Thorium-229 has two very closely adjacent energy states, making it a prime candidate for laser manipulation. The challenge lay in the precise measurement of the energy transition required to induce the change in the atomic nucleus. It was like searching for a needle in a haystack, but the team’s innovative approach ultimately led to success.

A Dream Come True

After years of dedicated research, the team finally achieved the targeted laser excitation of an atomic nucleus, marking a crucial breakthrough. This success opens up a new era of research with the potential to revolutionize precision measurements and answer fundamental questions in physics.

The manipulation of thorium atomic nuclei has vast implications beyond simply building highly precise atomic clocks. It could revolutionize measurements of Earth’s gravitational field, providing insights into mineral resources and potential seismic activities. Furthermore, it could unlock mysteries of physics by questioning the constancy of nature’s constants over time.

The breakthrough in manipulating thorium atomic nuclei represents a significant advancement in the field of physics. The successful collaboration between research teams has paved the way for new possibilities and applications that were once considered unattainable. As we delve deeper into the realm of quantum physics and nuclear physics, the potential for further discoveries and innovations continues to expand.