The world's precise timekeeping, crucial for systems like satellite navigation and GPS, relies on atomic clocks utilizing lasers to excite electrons around atomic nuclei. In these clocks, electrons transition between energy levels at regular intervals, marking the clock's "tick."
Recognizing the limitations of even the most accurate atomic clocks, a recent study suggests the invention of a nuclear clock. This innovative approach involves exciting protons and neutrons within atomic nuclei, aiming for enhanced precision beyond the capabilities of current atomic clocks.
Thorium-229 Breakthrough Enhances Quantum Precision
Physicists are exploring the possibility of moving timekeeping inside the nucleus, away from interference, by exciting protons and neutrons instead of electrons. This concept, known as a "nuclear clock," would demand more powerful tuned lasers and a specific type of atom due to the relatively dense nature of protons and neutrons.
The study, titled "Resonant X-ray excitation of the nuclear clock isomer 45Sc" published in the journal Nature, reports breakthrough measurements of the thorium-229 isotope. The findings suggest that a practical nuclear clock might be achievable.
Compared to today's atomic clocks, which lose one second every 100 million years, nuclear clocks could lose just one second every 31.7 billion years, offering unparalleled precision. This advancement has potential applications in timekeeping, nuclear physics, and quantum sensor technology for satellite navigation and telecommunications.
Physicists believe it could significantly enhance nuclear physics measurements by a factor of a trillion to a quadrillion. Twenty years ago, scientists suggested that the synthetic isotope thorium-229, capable of transitioning into an excited state with uniquely low energy, is the only isotope feasible for excitation with current laser technology, enabling the development of a nuclear clock.
At CERN's ISOLDE facility, physicists successfully detected and measured the nuclear transition of thorium-229 at 8.3 electron volts, a magnitude suitable for activation by a specially tuned laser, representing the inaugural observation of this transition.
Led by Piet Van Duppen, the team is currently in the process of creating lasers designed to stimulate the nuclear clock using thorium. The researchers anticipate a substantial advancement once the resonance between thorium-229 and these newly developed lasers is established.
Nuclear Clock: Challenges and Progress
This research introduces a potential shift in current understanding, emphasizing the significance of exploring diverse options, especially considering the profound implications a nuclear clock could have on studying aspects like relativity, gravitational theory, and phenomena such as dark matter, according to Xiwen Zhang, a postdoctoral researcher and contributor to the study.
Despite the considerable challenges ahead, Zhang underscores the importance of accomplishing the next two steps in a relatively straightforward manner, while acknowledging the critical yet extremely challenging nature of the third step.
The pursuit of these milestones is a collaborative effort, with the research team and like-minded colleagues eagerly embracing the challenges ahead, driven by the shared vision of realizing a functional nuclear clock in the near future.
As they navigate the complexities of their research journey, the team remains steadfast in their commitment, fueled by the anticipation of overcoming obstacles and successfully materializing their aspirations within a remarkably short timeframe.
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