For the first time, researchers have unlocked a very specific state of thorium atomic nuclei that promises many technological applications.This allows for the merging of nuclear physics with classical quantum physics, two branches of physics that were not previously closely related. This achievement required, among other things, the creation of unique crystals containing thorium.
“This is why normally atomic nuclei cannot be manipulated with lasers. The energy of the photons is simply not enough,” he added. On November 21, 2023, the team achieved success: they precisely targeted the energy level required for the thorium transition, eliciting a distinct signal from the thorium nuclei for the first time. TheAccording to the team, the discovery of how to excite the thorium state has opened up new and intriguing avenues for research, including the application of this technology for precise measurements.was an important long-term goal from the very beginning.