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Method and apparatus for separating isotopes from a gas by means of a laser

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6115772
Isotopes are separated from a gas mixture by accelerating the gas mixture containing the isotopes to ultrasonic speeds sufficient to bring the gas temperature to 150/sup 0/K or less. Simultaneously, the gas is subject to a pressure well above the vapor pressure of the gas at said temperature. Under these conditions the gas is subjected to a laser radiation having a wave length corresponding to the absorption line or band of the molecules containing the isotopes to be separated, whereby the molecules are excited so that they may be separated by conventional devices. The present apparatus has a high pressure reservoir supplying the gas mixture through a device for producing said ultrasonic speeds into an expansions chamber. As the gas flowing at said speeds is irradiated by the laser beam, it expands into a low pressure reservoir. The laser is arranged so that the laser beam extends across the expanding gas flow at a point where the expanding gas does not yet sart to condense.
Assignee:
Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm GmbH
Patent Number(s):
US 4156811
OSTI ID:
6115772
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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