Atomic vapor laser isotope separation using resonance ionization

Conference · Mon Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986

OSTI ID:5162343

Comaskey, B; Crane, J; Erbert, G; Haynam, C; Johnson, M; Morris, J; Paisner, J; Solarz, R; Worden, E

Atomic vapor laser isotope separation (AVLIS) is a general and powerful technique. A major present application to the enrichment of uranium for light-water power-reactor fuel has been under development for over 10 years. In June 1985, the Department of Energy announced the selection of AVLIS as the technology to meet the nation's future need for enriched uranium. Resonance photoionization is the heart of the AVLIS process. We discuss those fundamental atomic parameters that are necessary for describing isotope-selective resonant multistep photoionization along with the measurement techniques that we use. We illustrate the methodology adopted with examples of other elements that are under study in our program.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 5162343
• Report Number(s): UCRL-95020; CONF-8609132-12; ON: DE87001365
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

050503* -- Nuclear Fuels-- Uranium Enrichment-- Laser Excitation-- (-1989)
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
ACTINIDE ISOTOPES
ACTINIDE NUCLEI
ALPHA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
EVEN-ODD NUCLEI
HEAVY NUCLEI
IONIZATION
ISOMERIC TRANSITION ISOTOPES
ISOTOPE SEPARATION
ISOTOPES
LASER ISOTOPE SEPARATION
MINUTES LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
NUCLEI
PHOTOIONIZATION
RADIOISOTOPES
RESONANCE
SEPARATION PROCESSES
URANIUM 235
URANIUM ISOTOPES
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES