Isomeric excitation of Th229 via scanning tunneling microscope

The low energy of the isomeric state of the radionuclide thorium-229 (²²⁹Th) makes it highly promising for applications in fundamental physics, precision metrology, and quantum technologies. The direct access to the isomer state from the ground state has attracted significant attention. Here, we propose a tabletop approach utilizing the scanning tunneling microscope technique to induce excitation of a single ²²⁹Th nucleus. With achievable parameters, the isomeric excitation rate is advantageous over existing methods, allowing the excitation and control of ²²⁹Th on the single-nucleus level. It offers the unique potential of exciting and detecting subsequent γ decay from a single nucleus, providing a new direction for future experimental investigation of the ²²⁹Th isomeric state.