  The most probable candidate for the role of a nuclear optical standard is the
8.338-eV isomer of the 229mTh isotope of the thorium nucleus. Ways of using the
resonance properties of the electron shell as an optical resonator to create
laser-nuclear technologies necessary for the optical pumping of nuclear isomers
and other manipulations of atomic nuclei leading to the creation of a
next-generation frequency standard and nuclear-optical clocks based on them are
discussed. Deep relations between the physics of resonance electron-nuclear
interactions and the true solution of the thorium puzzle are shown. The article
discusses important principles of resonant optical pumping, such as the
presence of a finite width in the intermediate electronic state, and others
that are usually overlooked with a fatal result for the experiment. The wide
application of the various physics of these processes will predetermine a
revolutionary leap in the development of new laser-nuclear technologies.
