Quantum theory of isomeric excitation of $^{229}$Th in strong laser fields

TL;DR

This paper develops a quantum mechanical model for exciting the $^{229}$Th nucleus using strong femtosecond laser pulses, highlighting the efficiency of laser-driven electronic transitions over direct optical methods.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive quantum theory describing the tripartite interaction among the nucleus, electrons, and laser field for nuclear excitation.

Findings

Strong femtosecond laser pulses can excite $^{229}$Th nuclei with probabilities around 10^{-11} per pulse.

Laser-driven electronic transitions are more efficient than direct optical excitation.

The theory provides a framework for optimizing nuclear excitation using ultrafast lasers.

Abstract

A general quantum mechanical theory is developed for the isomeric excitation of $^{229}$Th in strong femtosecond laser pulses. The theory describes the tripartite interaction between the nucleus, the atomic electrons, and the laser field. The nucleus can be excited both by the laser field and by laser-driven electronic transitions. Numerical results show that strong femtosecond laser pulses are very efficient in exciting the $^{229}$Th nucleus, yielding nuclear excitation probabilities on the order of $10^{-11}$ per nucleus per pulse. Laser-driven electronic excitations are found to be more efficient than direct optical excitations.