Isotope separation apparatus and method
- Los Alamos, NM
The invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for laser isotope separation by photodeflection. A molecular beam comprising at least two isotopes to be separated intersects, preferably substantially perpendicular to one broad side of the molecular beam, with a laser beam traveling in a first direction. The laser beam is reflected back through the molecular beam, preferably in a second direction essentially opposite to the first direction. Because the molecules in the beam occupy various degenerate energy levels, if the laser beam comprises chirped pulses comprising selected wavelengths, the laser beam will very efficiently excite substantially all unexcited molecules and will cause stimulated emission of substantially all excited molecules of a selected one of the isotopes in the beam which such pulses encounter. Excitation caused by first direction chirped pulses moves molecules of the isotope excited thereby in the first direction. Stimulated emission of excited molecules of the isotope is brought about by returning chirped pulses traveling in the second direction. Stimulated emission moves emitting molecules in a direction opposite to the photon emitted. Because emitted photons travel in the second direction, emitting molecules move in the first direction. Substantial molecular movement of essentially all the molecules containing the one isotope is accomplished by a large number of chirped pulse-molecule interactions. A beam corer collects the molecules in the resulting enriched divergent portions of the beam.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- Assignee:
- United Sates of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4526664
- OSTI ID:
- 865497
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Isotope separation apparatus and method
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separation
apparatus
method
relates
improved
laser
photodeflection
molecular
beam
comprising
isotopes
separated
intersects
preferably
substantially
perpendicular
broad
traveling
direction
reflected
essentially
opposite
molecules
occupy
various
degenerate
energy
levels
comprises
chirped
pulses
selected
wavelengths
efficiently
excite
unexcited
stimulated
emission
excited
encounter
excitation
caused
moves
brought
returning
emitting
photon
emitted
photons
travel
move
substantial
movement
containing
accomplished
pulse-molecule
interactions
corer
collects
resulting
enriched
divergent
portions
separation apparatus
excited molecules
selected wavelength
molecules containing
substantially perpendicular
energy level
improved method
laser beam
isotope separation
molecular beam
laser isotope
stimulated emission
direction opposite
energy levels
beam comprising
beam comprises
selected wavelengths
separated intersects
selected wave
beam core
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