Toward nanophotonic platforms for solid-state $^{229}$Th nuclear clocks

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2604.20687v1
• Date: Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:35:31 GMT
• Title: Toward nanophotonic platforms for solid-state $^{229}$Th nuclear clocks
• Abstract summary: We present a nanophotonic platform to realize an all-solid-state nuclear clock based on the low-energy isomeric transition of $229$Th.<n>By coupling ensembles of thorium nuclei to confined optical modes, we show that resonant field build-up in the cavity can substantially enhance the nuclear excitation rate.
• Score: 0.0
• License: http://arxiv.org/licenses/nonexclusive-distrib/1.0/
• Abstract: While the $^{229}$Th nuclear isomer has recently been observed and laser-excited, converting optical nuclear manipulation into a chip-scale solid-state frequency standard remains an open challenge. Here, we present a nanophotonic platform to realize an all-solid-state nuclear clock based on the low-energy isomeric transition of $^{229}$Th embedded in high-$Q$ fluoride photonic resonators. By coupling ensembles of thorium nuclei to confined optical modes, we show that resonant field build-up in the cavity can substantially enhance the nuclear excitation rate, enabling optical interrogation at practical laser intensities. We model the nuclei-photon interaction dynamics and outline a technological roadmap toward addressing this challenge, including resonator fabrication in fluoride crystals, thorium implantation, nuclear excitation with integrated lasers, and on-chip detection of vacuum-ultraviolet photons. As an initial proof of concept, we implant a crystalline fluoride whispering-gallery-mode resonator with $^{229}$Th and assess the impact of implantation-induced damage on resonator performance. Our platform leverages recent advances in materials integration and nanophotonics to chart a realistic route toward compact and scalable nuclear frequency standards.

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