  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. However, directly accessing the isomeric
state from its ground state remains a challenge. We propose here a tabletop
approach utilizing the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) 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 decay from a single nucleus,
providing a new direction for future experimental investigation of the 229Th
isomeric state.
