Breakthrough in Atomic Physics: The Dawn of a New Era in Timely Understanding

In a groundbreaking achievement, scientists at JILA, Boulder, Colorado, have successfully developed the world’s first nuclear clock, based on the thorium-229 nucleus. This remarkable innovation promises to revolutionize our understanding of the fundamental constants of physics, which are fundamental to our comprehension of the universe.

The discovery came to life on a significant night in May 2024, when graduate student Chuankun Zhang at JILA detected a long-sought signal from the thorium-229 nucleus. This signal, showcasing the nucleus switching between two states, was met with jubilation by Zhang and his colleagues after rigorous verification. Jun Ye, renowned for his work in crafting the world’s most precise atomic clock, was reportedly moved to tears upon witnessing the results.

The thorium-229 nucleus’s distinct properties make it exceptionally responsive to variations in the fundamental constants of nature, including the speed of light and the gravitational constant. The exact measurement of the thorium-229 transition, unparalleled in its precision, might reveal whether these constants fluctuate over time.

Scientists have been fascinated by thorium-229’s extraordinary nuclear state since the 1970s, which requires less energy to excite compared to other nuclei. This unique property turns it into an ideal candidate for a highly sensitive clock that can probe the stability of fundamental constants.

As researchers Eric Hudson from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Hannah Williams from Durham University note, this breakthrough opens new paths for exploring fundamental physics. The precision of the thorium-229 nuclear clock may eventually enable scientists to detect subtle changes in physical laws that were previously inconspicuous.

The implications of this discovery have far-reaching consequences, opening doors to a deeper comprehension of the universe and our place within it. With the first nuclear clock under their belt, scientists at JILA have ushered in a new era in timely understanding, one where the boundaries of human knowledge are pushed to new and exciting heights.