Atomic vapor laser isotope separation

Conference · Fri Nov 08 04:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:6409919

Stern, R C; Paisner, J A

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 the internationally competitive production of uranium separative work. The economic basis for this decision is considered, with an indicated of the constraints placed on the process figures of merit and the process laser system. We then trace an atom through a generic AVLIS separator and give examples of the physical steps encountered, the models used to describe the process physics, the fundamental parameters involved, and the role of diagnostic laser measurements.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6409919
• Report Number(s): UCRL-93584; CONF-851185-1; ON: DE86003491
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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ACTINIDE ISOTOPES
ACTINIDE NUCLEI
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ISOTOPE SEPARATION
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MINUTES LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
NUCLEI
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SEPARATION PROCESSES
URANIUM 235
URANIUM COMPOUNDS
URANIUM FLUORIDES
URANIUM HEXAFLUORIDE
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YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES