The isomeric transition of thorium-229(^(229)Th),as the only known laser-accessible nuclear transition,offers the possibility for the development of a new generation of optical clocks.Solid-state nuclear optical clock...The isomeric transition of thorium-229(^(229)Th),as the only known laser-accessible nuclear transition,offers the possibility for the development of a new generation of optical clocks.Solid-state nuclear optical clock based on^(229)Th-doped crystals or thin films has attracted much attention due to its potential advantages in high stability,miniaturization,and robustness.This paper reviews the research progress of solid-state nuclear optical clock materials,analyzes the preparation,defects,and properties of the candidate solid material systems for^(229)Th,explores the influence of the local crystal environment on the nuclear transition,focuses on introducing the latest research results of crystal materials such as Th-doped CaF_(2)and LiSrAlF_(6),and looks forward to the future development direction of this field.It could provide a reference for the material selection and optimization of solid-state nuclear optical clocks.展开更多
The thorium-229 nucleus possesses a uniquely low-energy nuclear transition(-8.4 eV,corresponding to a wavelength of-148 nm),which is the first confirmed nuclear excitation that can be coherently manipulated by narrow-...The thorium-229 nucleus possesses a uniquely low-energy nuclear transition(-8.4 eV,corresponding to a wavelength of-148 nm),which is the first confirmed nuclear excitation that can be coherently manipulated by narrow-linewidth lasers.Consequently,this transition has garnered widespread interest over the past decades.Owing to the small nuclear size and strong resistance to environmental perturbations,a thorium-based nuclear clock is theoretically capable of achieving an unprecedented fractional frequency uncertainty at the 10^(−20) level,offering great promise as a next-generation frequency standard.Among the key ingredients of such a thorium-based nuclear clock,a high-performance 148 nm excitation source is of critical importance.Since the feasibility of directly exciting the transition,as well as the overall clock performance,depends heavily on the availability and quality of such a source,the development of high-quality 148 nm laser sources represents a frontier for scientists worldwide.In this article,we provide a systematic overview of the current development of 148 nm laser sources.First,we briefly introduce the scientific motivation for high-precision spectroscopy of the thorium nuclear transition and the corresponding technical requirements for 148 nm laser sources.Then,we summarize four main types of existing 148 nm source generation schemes and their working principles,along with recent progress in nuclear transition measurements using such sources.Finally,we discuss potential future directions.展开更多
Owing to the presence of a low-energy,long-lived nuclear isomeric state,^(229)Th is an ideal candidate for developing the next generation clock—the nuclear clock—holding great promise for both applied and fundamenta...Owing to the presence of a low-energy,long-lived nuclear isomeric state,^(229)Th is an ideal candidate for developing the next generation clock—the nuclear clock—holding great promise for both applied and fundamental physics.The^(229)Th ionic nuclear optical clock has garnered considerable attention,attributed to its high precision with a relative uncertainty of≤1.5×10^(-19)and the potential for common-mode noise cancellation via self-comparison between the nuclear transition and the electronic transition of thorium ions.In this article,we focus on Th^(n+)ions(n=1,2,3)and present a comprehensive review of the current progress in the development of ionic nuclear clocks,covering essential steps such as ion generation,trapping,and cooling.Furthermore,we discuss the realization of a closed-loop clock cycle,addressing key aspects including stable isomer excitation and efficient isomer deexcitation.展开更多
Recent advances in atomic optical clocks based on electronic transitions have achieved frequency uncertainties at the10^(-19)level,enabling wide applications in testing variations of physical constants,exploring dark ...Recent advances in atomic optical clocks based on electronic transitions have achieved frequency uncertainties at the10^(-19)level,enabling wide applications in testing variations of physical constants,exploring dark matter signatures,and enhancing precision metrology for position,navigation,and timing systems.To pursue higher-precision optical clocks,the development of nuclear optical clocks has emerged,with the^(229)Th system distinguished by its unique low-lying isomeric state at~8.4 eV and a natural linewidth of approximately 100μHz,promising uncertainties below 10^(-19).The intrinsic insensitivity of nuclear transitions to external perturbations and their subatomic-scale spatial confinement provide significant advantages over electronic transitions in mitigating environmental shifts.Recent experimental breakthroughs include the excitation of the nuclear clock transition in solid-state^(229)Th-doped crystals with spectral resolution at the k Hz level.However,critical challenges persist,particularly in implementing effective laser excitation schemes(e.g.,via the electronic bridge mechanism)and closed-loop quantum control in trapped ion systems.Addressing these requires comprehensive understanding of complex many-body interactions in^(229)Th,encompassing electronic structure,nuclear deformation,hyperfine and field shift,and solid-state environmental coupling.This review synthesizes recent advancements in(i)the characterization of nuclear and atomic structures of the^(229)Th nuclear clock,and(ii)precise evaluation and mitigation of external perturbations affecting the clock transitions.The analysis provides a solid theoretical and experimental foundation for optimizing^(229)Th-based nuclear clock performance.展开更多
基金supported by Zhangjiang Laboratory(Grant No.ZJSP21A001D)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDB0920000)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.12341402 and 12341403)。
文摘The isomeric transition of thorium-229(^(229)Th),as the only known laser-accessible nuclear transition,offers the possibility for the development of a new generation of optical clocks.Solid-state nuclear optical clock based on^(229)Th-doped crystals or thin films has attracted much attention due to its potential advantages in high stability,miniaturization,and robustness.This paper reviews the research progress of solid-state nuclear optical clock materials,analyzes the preparation,defects,and properties of the candidate solid material systems for^(229)Th,explores the influence of the local crystal environment on the nuclear transition,focuses on introducing the latest research results of crystal materials such as Th-doped CaF_(2)and LiSrAlF_(6),and looks forward to the future development direction of this field.It could provide a reference for the material selection and optimization of solid-state nuclear optical clocks.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDB0920000)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.12121004 and U21A20435)+1 种基金the Chinese Academy of Sciences Project for Young Scientists in Basic Research(Grant No.YSBR-055)the Science and Technology Department of Hubei Province(Grant No.2025AFA004)。
文摘The thorium-229 nucleus possesses a uniquely low-energy nuclear transition(-8.4 eV,corresponding to a wavelength of-148 nm),which is the first confirmed nuclear excitation that can be coherently manipulated by narrow-linewidth lasers.Consequently,this transition has garnered widespread interest over the past decades.Owing to the small nuclear size and strong resistance to environmental perturbations,a thorium-based nuclear clock is theoretically capable of achieving an unprecedented fractional frequency uncertainty at the 10^(−20) level,offering great promise as a next-generation frequency standard.Among the key ingredients of such a thorium-based nuclear clock,a high-performance 148 nm excitation source is of critical importance.Since the feasibility of directly exciting the transition,as well as the overall clock performance,depends heavily on the availability and quality of such a source,the development of high-quality 148 nm laser sources represents a frontier for scientists worldwide.In this article,we provide a systematic overview of the current development of 148 nm laser sources.First,we briefly introduce the scientific motivation for high-precision spectroscopy of the thorium nuclear transition and the corresponding technical requirements for 148 nm laser sources.Then,we summarize four main types of existing 148 nm source generation schemes and their working principles,along with recent progress in nuclear transition measurements using such sources.Finally,we discuss potential future directions.
基金Project supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDB0920000)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.12341401)。
文摘Owing to the presence of a low-energy,long-lived nuclear isomeric state,^(229)Th is an ideal candidate for developing the next generation clock—the nuclear clock—holding great promise for both applied and fundamental physics.The^(229)Th ionic nuclear optical clock has garnered considerable attention,attributed to its high precision with a relative uncertainty of≤1.5×10^(-19)and the potential for common-mode noise cancellation via self-comparison between the nuclear transition and the electronic transition of thorium ions.In this article,we focus on Th^(n+)ions(n=1,2,3)and present a comprehensive review of the current progress in the development of ionic nuclear clocks,covering essential steps such as ion generation,trapping,and cooling.Furthermore,we discuss the realization of a closed-loop clock cycle,addressing key aspects including stable isomer excitation and efficient isomer deexcitation.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant Nos.XDB0920100 and XDB0920101)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.12174402,12393821,12274417)the Chinese Academy of Sciences Project for Young Scientists in Basic Research(Grant No.YSBR-055)。
文摘Recent advances in atomic optical clocks based on electronic transitions have achieved frequency uncertainties at the10^(-19)level,enabling wide applications in testing variations of physical constants,exploring dark matter signatures,and enhancing precision metrology for position,navigation,and timing systems.To pursue higher-precision optical clocks,the development of nuclear optical clocks has emerged,with the^(229)Th system distinguished by its unique low-lying isomeric state at~8.4 eV and a natural linewidth of approximately 100μHz,promising uncertainties below 10^(-19).The intrinsic insensitivity of nuclear transitions to external perturbations and their subatomic-scale spatial confinement provide significant advantages over electronic transitions in mitigating environmental shifts.Recent experimental breakthroughs include the excitation of the nuclear clock transition in solid-state^(229)Th-doped crystals with spectral resolution at the k Hz level.However,critical challenges persist,particularly in implementing effective laser excitation schemes(e.g.,via the electronic bridge mechanism)and closed-loop quantum control in trapped ion systems.Addressing these requires comprehensive understanding of complex many-body interactions in^(229)Th,encompassing electronic structure,nuclear deformation,hyperfine and field shift,and solid-state environmental coupling.This review synthesizes recent advancements in(i)the characterization of nuclear and atomic structures of the^(229)Th nuclear clock,and(ii)precise evaluation and mitigation of external perturbations affecting the clock transitions.The analysis provides a solid theoretical and experimental foundation for optimizing^(229)Th-based nuclear clock performance.
