Laser-isotope-separation technology. [Review; economics]

Conference · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981

OSTI ID:5986817

Jensen, R J; Blair, L S

The Molecular Laser Isotope Separation (MLIS) process currently under development is discussed as an operative example of the use of lasers for material processing. The MLIS process, which uses infrared and ultraviolet lasers to process uranium hexafluoride (UF/sub 6/) resulting in enriched uranium fuel to be used in electrical-power-producing nuclear reactor, is reviewed. The economics of the MLIS enrichment process is compared with conventional enrichment technique, and the projected availability of MLIS enrichment capability is related to estimated demands for U.S. enrichment service. The lasers required in the Los Alamos MLIS program are discussed in detail, and their performance and operational characteristics are summarized. Finally, the timely development of low-cost, highly efficient ultraviolet and infrared lasers is shownd to be the critical element controlling the ultimate deployment of MLIS uranium enrichment. 8 figures, 7 tables.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos Scientific Lab., NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 5986817
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-81-2423-Rev; CONF-811116-1(Rev); ON: DE81030114
• 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 COMPOUNDS
ACTINIDE ISOTOPES
ACTINIDES
CAPITAL
COST
DEMAND FACTORS
DOCUMENT TYPES
ECONOMICS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTS
ENRICHED URANIUM
FLUORIDES
FLUORINE COMPOUNDS
HALIDES
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
INFRARED RADIATION
ISOTOPE ENRICHED MATERIALS
ISOTOPE SEPARATION
ISOTOPES
LASER ISOTOPE SEPARATION
LASERS
MATERIALS
METALS
PERFORMANCE
PRODUCTION
RADIATIONS
REVIEWS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
URANIUM
URANIUM COMPOUNDS
URANIUM FLUORIDES
URANIUM HEXAFLUORIDE
URANIUM ISOTOPES