Element and isotope separation in a vacuum-arc centrifuge

Journal Article · Sat Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984 · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.334139· OSTI ID:6656440

Geva, M; Krishnan, M; Hirshfield, J L

Centrifugal separation of elements and isotopes in a rotating, magnetized column of highly ionized plasma is described. Such a centrifuge differs from prior plasma centrifuges in that the source of plasma is a laser-initiated vacuum arc, rather than a gas discharge. Detailed measurements are presented of the axial evolution of the radial plasma flux and separation profiles. Centrifugal separation increases rapidly with distance from the cathode plasma source, reaching an asymptotic value about 60 cm downstream. The separation is observed to increase exponentially with the square of the radius. The potential profile across the column was measured and found to be parabolic with radius. These observations are accounted for by a steady-state, multispecies, fluid model of the rotating plasma.

• Research Organization: Applied Physics Section, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
• OSTI ID: 6656440
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 56:5; ISSN JAPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES
070100* -- Physical Isotope Separation
CATHODES
CENTRIFUGATION
CENTRIFUGES
CONCENTRATORS
DESIGN
DISTRIBUTION
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRODES
FABRICATION
ISOTOPE SEPARATION
LASER-PRODUCED PLASMA
MOTION
PLASMA
ROTATION
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
VACUUM SYSTEMS